What You Can do to be a More Sustainable Traveler
By Robyn Goldblatt, Travel Designer
Here at Explorer X, we believe that during this day-in-age, as global citizens, we all need to be doing our part to slow the rate of carbon emissions in hopes of preserving and protecting Earth’s wild places for generations to come. The travel industry stands at the intersection of an interesting conflict of interest: promoting long-haul flights to bring tourism dollars to conservation efforts. Tourism is a critical way of funding conservation around the world, by encouraging local communities that there is an economic benefit to preserving wildlife and their habitat to attract visitors. Thus, we feel it is important to continue traveling, but believe there are ways to reduce our carbon footprint to travel, learn, support, and become spokespeople for conservation efforts in a more sustainable way.
Here are some suggestions for incorporating eco-friendly practices prior to, during, and after travel:
In the Planning Stages of Trip Planning
Request your travel designer plan a trip to fewer places, staying longer in each. The benefit of this is a more immersive experience.
Opt for properties that use eco-friendly practices, like those that limit single use-plastics on-site, incorporate solar power, grow their own herbs, fruits, and/or vegetables.
Support locally-owned retail shops in your town for travel gear.
During Your Trip
Use a ride-sharing service (like Uber) to carpool to/from the airport.
Throw some reusable cutlery and straws in your carry-on for grab-and-go airport food.
Bring a reusable water bottle with a filtration system. Robyn’s pick: Grayl Ultralight Compact Purifier, which she used to drink sketchy water straight from the tap in Guyana with no issues.
Pack biodegradable soap to hand-wash clothes during travel.
Returning Home
Sign up for a composting and/or recycling service in your neighborhood. You may find that composting is cheap and easy with curbside pickups!
Start your own fresh fruit and/or vegetable garden.
For groceries, try re-usable produce bags, silicone ziplock bags like the Stasher brand, beeswax wraps, and use mason jars for grocery shopping in the bulk section or for travel snacks. Small reusable containers are great for refilling with a travel-sized amount of shampoo/conditioner, too!
Consider when possible purchasing sustainably raised meat or consuming less meat in general.
Pick earth-friendly health and home products for yourself and your family to rid toxins from your household. Try the Think Dirty or Skin Deep websites. Bonus tip: load their apps on your phone for quick barcode scanning ability at the store.
Spread the word about your trip – leaving appreciate feedback for companies, properties, or guides that make an effort to be more eco-friendly encourages them to keep doing so.
When you have the opportunity, bike instead of drive.
And if you really want to make a big impact - invest in solar power for your home.
Adopting even just one of these suggestions to incorporate in your life or travel routine helps to make an impact. Now let’s get out there and TRAVEL feeling better about leaving less of a footprint behind!
Learn More About Explorer X’s Sustainable Travel Initiative
Learn more about our pledge to environmental responsibility and how we’re taking action
