Sustainable tourism and travel is becoming more popular to the mass due to climate change and environmental concerns in the last years. Since travel is currently on hold due to pandemic, greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced by 7% globally in 2020. But according to the United Nations World Travel Organisation, CO2 emissions from tourism were forecast to increase at least by 25% by 2030.
Therefore, the need to scale up climate action is urgent. You might ask yourself now: is there even a way to travel sustainably? In this article we want you to know why everybody should be aware of their impact of traveling and why you should travel sustainably!
What does sustainable travel mean?
For most people, sustainability comes down to the kind of future we are leaving for the next generation. Unfortunately, the status quo in international tourism typically causes environmental problems via increasing pollution and waste as well as being responsible for natural habitat loss. In addition, tourism can negatively affect the living standards of the locals and their economy.
This is where sustainable travel takes place. It means to travel without harming the natural, economic and cultural environment. The idea of sustainable travel is to minimize the negative effects of tourism while attempting to have a positive impact on local communities and economies.
How can you be a sustainable traveler? Where to start?
We all love to travel and our “eco-conscious” mind knows we shouldn’t fly often. Still many of us are taking loads of unnecessary trips. Sustainable travel is not only about the carbon footprint caused by flying. It is also about our impact at the actual destination.
“Adopting sustainable practices, whether large or small, can have significant impacts in the long run.”
The places we visit are the homes for people who live and work here. We are only guests in their home – and that’s how we should treat it! Think about it: you would probably also love to show a visitor around your home.. but when leaving, you want them to take their trash and leave nothing but good memories, right?
Our Sustainable Travel Must Do´s
Transportation
Consider how you get to your fav destination… Do you have the option to fly, take a train or get there by car? If you are a group of travelers it might be great to share a car. If traveling alone it could be greener to fly or take a train. Fly direct whenever possible and always choose the shortest flight you can get. Another way to offset your carbon footprint is by selecting an eco-friendly airline.
Once you are there, choose the most eco-friendly transportation available. This could be public shuttle busses or exploring by foot instead of using a taxi. Another great way to get around is by using Bike Sharing companies. ECOBICI in Mexico City or Biciplaya in Playa del Carmen allows you to take a bike at any bike station. Simply return it to the bike station closest to your destination. Not only great for your wallet but for the planet too.
Accommodations
Support local businesses by staying in locally-owned accommodations.
This can include guesthouses and Airbnbs. You can check the host´s profile or “about” page. This is a great way to get an idea of who runs the accommodation.
Search for eco-hotels that are designed and built sustainably and certificated by labels like Green Key or Green Globe. In Tulum, you can find the Award-Winning Green Key Ahau Collection Hotels. They focus on creating jobs for local residents, protecting marine life and nature.
It’s more sustainable if your money contributes and stays in the local economy. Rather than going towards foreign-owned hotels and resorts.
Support Local Economies and Communities
As mentioned above: by buying at local businesses you are supporting local communities. Therefore buy locally grown food and shop at local markets. Most likely you can find the freshest, brightest fruits and ingredients at local markets anyway. Ditch big fast fashion companies. If you are aiming for a new fashion piece, shop at locally-owned shops. Sustainable and definitely unique!
When it comes to food, it could be easy & comfy to go to a well-known environment like Starbucks or Domino´s. Try to step out of your box and avoid these non-local companies. Most of the local restaurateurs put all their time and love in the food they make for you. They simply do not have the resources to compete with international corporations. So eat in cafes and restaurants owned by locals. Show some support by tasting the local cuisine, take a foodie pic and share it.
Support Sustainable Activities and Initiatives
Take part in sustainable activities and initiatives at your travel destination. These could be volunteering while learning about the local life and culture. Always do your research before jumping in volunteering. Unfortunately, not all organizations (even nonprofits) are doing good, necessary work that ethically develops the communities and ecosystems. So step back and make sure that your time and money will be contributing to the place & people you are visiting.
Therefore you can use platforms like Grassroots Volunteering to find different types of volunteering projects worldwide. Look where you want to be involved and what excites you. One of Chew & Lush’s favorites are organizations like Casa Animal in Playa del Carmen. A very passionate group of young activists that organizes different kinds of events for good. Once a month they’ll meet up to provide healthy and delicious vegan food for people who don’t have the opportunity to eat that day. If you are not in Quintana Roo currently – no worries. A lot of those activities can be found on Google or Facebook Events and Groups as well.
Pack Light and Eco-Friendly
Packing lightly and thoughtfully is a small, effective way of helping with sustainable travel.
The more in our luggage, the more fuel planes, trains, and automobiles will need. It’s also easier to carry lighter luggage while exploring.
To save you from buying single-use plastics, pack a reusable water bottle and a tote bag. Reducing plastic waste is critical to saving our oceans, landfills and animals from plastic pollution. Plastic often ends up in nature, poisoning the environment and directly killing wildlife. You can also go completely plastic-free: Use shampoo bars, tooth tabs and bamboo toothbrushes. They use up less space and are allowed in your hand luggage. Extra plus: they are much better for the environment.
Avoid Animal Entertainment & Respect Wildlife
Beautiful, lush nature and wildlife are one of the best parts of exploring a new country. Sadly, 75% of all wildlife tourism has a negative effect on animals. Avoid taking part in animal entertainment like watching dolphins performing tricks, riding elephants or taking pictures with a baby lion. Animals are not entertainment!
Instead, research and visit national parks, where animals roam freely. Just like the Eco Beach Park in Cozumel or the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Also when going, make sure to use organic reef-friendly sunscreen to protect the coral reefs and marine life.
