How to Travel Sustainably and Zero-Waste: Tips and Practical Ideas
Sustainable travel is about making choices that minimize our environmental impact while exploring the world.
Tourism accounts for about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions but the good news is that small changes by travelers can add up to a big positive impact. By being mindful of waste, energy use, and supporting local communities, we can help preserve the beautiful destinations we love. Even simple habits—like carrying a reusable water bottle or taking the train instead of a plane—can make a noticeable difference.
Eco-Friendly Travel Tips
Minimize single-use plastics: It’s easy for plastic waste to skyrocket on a trip – from airport water bottles to hotel toiletries. To combat this, carry a refillable water bottle (instead of buying bottled water), say no to plastic straws, and pack reusable utensils – these small actions will greatly shrink your plastic footprint and keep places cleaner.
Choose eco-conscious accommodations: Pick hotels or lodgings with green practices like recycling programs, energy efficiency, or water conservation. By supporting these sustainable accommodations you vote with your wallet for greener tourism and encourage more businesses to follow suit.
Support local businesses: Favor local restaurants, markets, and family-run guesthouses over big chains for a more authentic experience. This ensures your money directly benefits the community you’re visiting and local products often come with less packaging and transport, lowering your carbon footprint.
Zero-Waste Packing Essentials
Packing smart helps you avoid waste. Consider these must-have sustainable items:
Reusable water bottle: A durable refillable bottle keeps you hydrated without the trash from disposable plastic bottles, potentially saving around 156 single-use bottles per year.
Bamboo utensils: Bring a reusable cutlery set (made of bamboo or metal) so you don’t have to use flimsy single-use plastic forks and spoons when eating on the go.
Solid toiletries: Pack solid toiletries like shampoo bars, conditioner bars, and toothpaste tablets instead of liquids in plastic bottles. They work just as well and usually come with little or no packaging, cutting down waste.
Fabric shopping bag: Carry a foldable cloth tote for shopping and extras so you can refuse plastic bags. It takes up almost no space and can double as a laundry or beach bag.
Sustainable Transportation Options
Take trains over planes: Whenever possible, travel by train instead of flying. Train journeys can produce up to 96% fewer carbon emissions per passenger-kilometer than flights.
Use public transit or bikes: Exploring by bus, tram, subway or bicycle is much more eco-friendly than driving, since public transit and bikes produce far less pollution.
Carpool or share rides: If you must drive or rent a car, try to share the ride with others and choose a fuel-efficient or hybrid vehicle – fewer cars on the road means fewer emissions overall.
Traveling sustainably and zero-waste comes down to mindful choices, and even a few small changes – like using reusables, supporting local businesses, and opting for greener transport – can greatly shrink your travel footprint.
By exploring the world in a way that cares for it, we help ensure these destinations remain beautiful for future generations.