Which country earned the top spot?
Offset the water used during your travels by supporting local water conservation projects or initiatives aimed at providing clean drinking water to those communities in desperate need.
While there are countless reasons, one main thought is the preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity. The planet is home to a range of plant and animal species, and we can help protect their habitats and ensure their survival.
According to the United Nations, sustainability is meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Visit cities known for their sustainability initiatives, such as Amsterdam, Portland, and Copenhagen. While you’re there, explore their eco-friendly transportation options, green spaces, and renewable energy projects.
Whether you’re traveling solo or with others, grab a trash bag and join a local beach cleanup or trail maintenance project to help preserve natural areas and protect wildlife habitats.
Donate money or even your time to organizations that are promoting cycling infrastructure, working to improve public transportation, or developing electric vehicle charging stations in the places you visit.
Minimize waste by packing reusable items, and support recycling and waste management programs in the communities you visit.
Indigenous community respect is essential. By learning their customs, traditions, and environmental stewardship practices, you too can support initiatives that empower local communities.
Calculate your trip and travel-related carbon emissions and invest in carbon offset programs or projects that support renewable energy and/or reforestation efforts.
If you plan to eat out, prioritize restaurants that serve organic, locally-sourced, and seasonal ingredients to support sustainable agriculture and reduce food miles.
Choose airlines and transportation companies that prioritize carbon offsetting, fuel efficiency, and sustainable practices.
Want a private guide to enhance your trip? Research tour operators that respect local cultures and sustainability, as well as support conservation efforts in the destinations they are in.
Learning to conserve water is a lifelong skill. Start by taking shorter showers, reusing towels and linens, and avoiding activities that require excessive water consumption.
By packing only what you need, you make the trip easier to navigate while also helping to minimize carbon emissions from transportation and reducing the strain on local resources. It’s a win across the board!
Educate yourself about the environmental challenges facing the places you visit, and support advocacy efforts and organizations working to address them.
Your voice is such a powerful tool. Learn to speak out in support of policies and initiatives that promote sustainable tourism and that preserve biodiversity for future generations to enjoy.
Commit yourself and a portion of your trip and time to volunteering with environmental organizations or participating in conservation projects that give back to the places you visit.
Support sustainable agriculture and food systems by choosing restaurants and markets that prioritize local, ethically-sourced ingredients.
Watch animals only from a safe distance and absolutely do not feed or try to touch them. You can easily disrupt an animal’s entire ecosystem by trying to interact with them too closely or at all in some cases.
Minimize paper usage by opting for digital maps, guides, and tickets, and support reforestation projects to offset any paper products you do use. In this digital age, there is rarely a need for paper usage anyway.
A thriving local economy is crucial, but sometimes overlooked. When you visit a destination, shop at local markets, eat at locally-owned restaurants, and book tours with local guides to support the economy and reduce the environmental impact of large corporations.
Sources: (GreenMatch) (Sustainable Travel International) (World Nomads) (The New York Times) (United Nations) (Medium)
See also: American cities that changed their names
Choose dive operators who are committed to marine conservation. Additionally, avoid touching or damaging coral reefs, and follow guidelines for responsible underwater photography.
Traveling is a beloved passion for countless individuals globally. But while it brings excitement and anticipation, it also carries significant impacts on the planet and its inhabitants. Sustainable travel isn't merely a trend—it's an essential ethos! Preserving resources is our collective responsibility, to ensure the well-being of future generations. And although staying eco-conscious while on the go may seem daunting, it's entirely doable.
Let's come together, eco-conscious explorers! Now is the time to traverse the globe while safeguarding its viability for generations to come. Ready? Click through this gallery to explore ways to travel green.
Sustainable travel: tips and tricks for the eco-conscious explorer
No footprint, just fun!
TRAVEL Vacation
Traveling is a beloved passion for countless individuals globally. But while it brings excitement and anticipation, it also carries significant impacts on the planet and its inhabitants. Sustainable travel isn't merely a trend—it's an essential ethos! Preserving resources is our collective responsibility, to ensure the well-being of future generations. And although staying eco-conscious while on the go may seem daunting, it's entirely doable.
Let's come together, eco-conscious explorers! Now is the time to traverse the globe while safeguarding its viability for generations to come. Ready? Click through this gallery to explore ways to travel green.