4 Eco-Friendly Travel Tips to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Have you ever heard about Eco-Friendly travel? Although travel is one of the best ways to relax and enjoy life, what should we do if our travel experiences are harming the environment? How can we reduce our carbon footprint while still having the best time of our lives?
Lua Viet Tours is here to save the day, as we have compiled a handy list for conscious adventurers to reduce their environmental impact whilst checking destinations out of the bucket-list.
Be Aware of Your Carbon Emissions
Tracking your carbon emissions is the first step to eco-friendly travel. You may have heard about the consequences of global warming in the past few years. In addition to unforeseen natural disasters, the increase in emissions through private jets’ travel and concert flights has raised concerns and created major effects in the eco-tourism segment.
This might just be the most crucial thing to be considered while traveling as many aren’t aware of the impact that it has on environmental issues. Needless to say, you should take great care to calculate how many tons of carbon waste your journey may create and allow you to reduce the global impact of travel.
Refuse Straws
We all know that plastic straws are a major contributor to plastic pollution. They are often used for just a few minutes and then thrown away, taking hundreds of years to decompose. Refusing a straw is a good way to eco-friendly travel, you can help to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and oceans.
Be mindful of local waste management as in some parts of the world, recycling infrastructure might be limited or non-existent. Even if a straw is technically recyclable, it might end up in landfills anyway.
Carry Cloth Bags & Reusable Water Bottle
Eliminating the need for plastic carrier bags is a simpler way to boost your positive impact while traveling. Cloth bags come in various sizes, so you can find one that suits your needs, whether it’s for groceries, souvenirs, or carrying beach essentials.
Here in South East Asia, plastic bags are excessively handed out to customers wherever you might be, so prepare ahead and make it a habit to carry cloth bags. So are plastic water bottles, it can be easily tracked anywhere, but this small act of mindfulness shall help reduce a ton of carbon emissions in the future.
Responsible Sightseeing
The importance of a responsible traveler is knowing how to sustain organic resources after you visit a destination. It minimizes negative impacts and shows respect to the local culture, environment, and community.
Respecting Local Culture
Before entering a stress-free journey, make sure that you do some research on the history, culture, and etiquette of the destination. This shows respect and helps you avoid faux pas.
Moreover, you should dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be mindful of noise levels to avoid disrupting sacred spaces or ceremonies. At some monuments or special artifacts, it’d be best to ask permission before taking photos.
Supporting Local Businesses
Locally-owned restaurants and shops should be considered while you are traveling as they usually offer authentic experiences that you cannot find anywhere else. This opportunity to try out new delicacies and traditional cuisine cannot be missed, especially when you arrive at a food paradise such as in Vietnam!
If you’re eating from local restaurants, you know that you’re helping the local economy. Choosing to eat from vegan restaurants, social enterprises, or businesses run by local people will reduce your travel footprint. Not only is it cheaper to eat local, you’re less likely to be consuming food that has been imported from other countries.
Wildlife Awareness
If your destinations include visiting wildlife sanctuaries or national parks, follow designated trails and observe animals from a safe distance.
Don’t feed wild animals, as it can disrupt their natural behavior and potentially harm them. If you need help or want to have a better connection with the environment, consider asking the tour guide and the professionals.
By following these tips, you can ensure your travels have a positive impact on the places you visit. You’ll not only have a more enriching experience, but you’ll also contribute to the sustainability and well-being of the destinations you explore.
>>> Read more: Trang An: Into the Alluring Vietnam’s Eco Tourism Attraction