We all need a holiday every now and then. However, finding ways to unwind that are both good for you and for the planet can be tough. Luckily, it’s possible to have a great holiday whilst also staying true to your eco-friendly values.
First, you need to identify what you’re doing well already, and if there are any areas you could improve on, so that you can make tweaks to boost your holiday’s eco credentials. Ready to get started? Follow these tips to determine how eco-friendly your holiday is.
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Reflect on your transport choices
The travel industry is a huge contributor to global carbon emissions, and planes are particularly harmful to the environment. While most of us know that taking a bus or train is a much more eco-friendly option, there are some destinations we can only feasibly reach by flying.
So, you may not be choosing the most sustainable form of transportation, but you can make small changes to lessen your impact. Consider taking a more eco-friendly form of transport to and from the airport, or purchase carbon offsets to make up for the emissions created by your travel. Alternatively, you could always opt for a staycation, and choose somewhere a bit closer to home that you can get to via public transport – you could even go on a hiking or cycling holiday, to cut your travel emissions altogether.
Consider your itinerary
Where you go and what you choose to do on your holiday matters. In fact, there are some activities that can directly harm wildlife, such as swimming with dolphins, or safari rides that get up close and routinely disturb the animals. Other activities cause less obvious harm – they may be hosted by companies that invest in unsustainable programmes, or source their equipment from unethical companies.
To lessen your impact, try to fill your itinerary with activities that won’t leave a lasting impression on the environment. For example, exploring natural areas with an already-established route – if you’re planning to visit a national park or area of conservation, be sure to follow the Leave No Trace principles. You can also take part in activities that give back, such as planting trees or restoring other natural areas.
Look at what you’ve packed
While you may be tempted to buy lots of new items when you’re headed off on holiday, this can make your trip considerably less sustainable. It’s best to avoid purchasing new products where you can, particularly those that are made from nonbiodegradable materials, and are likely to be thrown away at the end of your holiday.
Try to bring only what you need, and opt for sustainable and eco-friendly products when buying single-use items. You can also limit your purchasing while abroad, or choose only to support local, eco-friendly businesses when buying any souvenirs.
Leave time for research
Looking at your transport plans, itinerary and luggage is a great place to get started when determining how eco-friendly your holiday is. You could also think about the food you’re likely to be consuming – a vegan diet is generally more sustainable and eco-friendly than a carnivorous diet, so opting for tasty plant-based options abroad will lower your footprint considerably. Take plenty of time to research any airlines, travel agents, or tourism companies that you’ll be interacting with before your trip, to ensure each one meets your eco standards.
Dr. Alexander Tabibi is an entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for sustainable innovation with a deep commitment to leveraging technology for environmental and social good. As a thought leader at the intersection of business and sustainability, Dr. Tabibi brings a strategic vision to Green.org, helping guide its mission to inspire global climate awareness and actionable change.
With a background in both medicine and business, Dr. Tabibi combines analytical rigor with entrepreneurial insight.