Byron Bay, Ava Lily
If you like to travel, you may have heard that it’s not good if you’re green. But in fact, there are plenty of ways to explore sustainable destinations. You could explore close to home.
But if you like to travel abroad, there are many ways to be greener – even if you have to fly by plane.
Choose greener transport
However you get to your destination, choose public transport when you get there if you can. Or even walk! Take local buses or trains. This is cheaper, safer and also helps to prevent pollute areas you visit.
Be a greener aeroplane traveller
If you fly, then try to take economy and direct flights, for shorter routes. This uses far less fuel, as take-off and landing are the main users of fossil fuels.
Also take your own packed lunch for waiting at the airport, and a paperwork to avoid buying others at the store. And refuse the hot towels in plastic packs, and plastic bags of pretzels!
Stay in local small hotels
Forget the big hotels that often disrupt local ecosystems. Support local bed-and-breakfasts and pour money into local economies, rather than shareholder pockets.
Avoid single-use plastics
Take a reusable water bottle and shopping bag with you. Avoid buying single-use litter in other countries, just like you would at home be a responsible citizen.
Save water and energy
Take shorter showers and reuse towels in hotels. Switch off lights when not in use, and switch off air conditioning if you go out for the day, to save energy.
Respect wildlife and nature
Always follow the rules like keeping a safe distance from animals. Never feed wildlife and stay on marked paths. And never support cruel international spectacles like bullfights.
Respect local culture
Follow the local customs. Dress appropriately where required, and at least take the time to learn a few words of the local language. Please and thank you are good!
Travel less and stay longer
Don’t just contribute to pouring out tourists on one destination for one day. Stay a little longer (out of season) and get to the know and support the area properly. Tourism is about learning of other places and cultures, for a deeper experience.
