There is no question that traveling is one of the best parts of life. But with a growing focus on sustainability and reducing waste, travel can sometimes feel like a burden.
If you’re trying to be more eco-friendly in your day-to-day life, it can be frustrating to have to revert to plastic water bottles and disposable coffee cups when you’re traveling.
But don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to green your next trip without sacrificing all the amazing experiences that make travel so fun in the first place.
Here are 8 ways to go green and practice sustainable travel.
1. Bring Your Own Food
Meals can be expensive when you travel. Being able to cook at your accommodation allows you to pack a small, lightweight meal to take with you when you go exploring. This is also a good way to keep costs down.
Try packing items that are reusable. Items like a mason jar, reusable food containers, a coffee thermos, fabric grocery bags and a water bottle. These will help cut down on the need for plastic takeout containers and cups.
Go to local shops and markets to buy food you can prepare in your vacation rental. This is also an easy way to make friends. Then bring any leftovers in a reusable container with you on your outing the next day. This saves money and prevents plastic waste from damaging the environment.
2. Eat More Plant-Based Foods
Research increasingly points to animal products having a measurable impact on the environment, from agricultural runoff to methane emissions produced by livestock.
Reducing consumption of animal products is one way travelers can lower their overall footprint. If you do go out to eat, look for plant-based options. There are so many tasty plant-based options these days that you may not even miss animal products.
3. Look for Accommodations With a Sustainable Focus
Image by Morsa Images from Getty Images Signature via Canva
Look for lodging that strives to reduce plastic waste and provides plant-based food. Many eco-conscious properties have eliminated single-use toiletries in favor of refillable dispensers, use renewable energy sources, and partner with local suppliers to cut down on food miles.
A good place to start your search is Booking.com, which lets you filter results by third-party sustainability certifications, a quick way to find properties that have actually been verified, not just self-reported as green.
Hostels are also a great option, and sites like HostelWorld make it easy to find and book them. Their dorm-style rooms are usually cheaper and have a built-in sense of community.
4. Pack a Capsule Wardrobe
One of the most important ways you can reduce your environmental footprint is to pack fewer items for travel. This means taking only what you need and choosing quality pieces that can endure different types of travel conditions.
Every extra item in your bag adds weight, and on flights, that weight translates directly into more fuel burned. Packing light isn’t just convenient, it’s genuinely better for the planet. The old adage applies: take twice the money and half the clothes.
Read More: How to Pack Light for Any Length Trip Abroad
5. Limit Air Travel When Possible
There are many ways to travel, some of which may be more environmentally friendly. If you do have to fly, look for an airline that offsets its emissions. If you’re driving, Google optimizes for eco-friendly routes in some countries and regions. When possible, consider traveling by train, which can be more efficient and enjoyable as well as kinder to the planet.
Review your options and use government websites that compare transportation modes. Also, if you have the opportunity to rent an electric vehicle, do it. It is usually a far greener option than a traditional rental.
Read More: How to Use Eurail to Travel Across Europe: A Eurail Guide
6. Carbon Offset Your Trip
Carbon offsets are a way to mitigate environmental harm caused by greenhouse gases. Essentially, for every carbon offset purchased, a company agrees to reduce its carbon emissions by a set amount. In practice, this can mean funding reforestation projects, renewable energy initiatives, or methane capture programs in other parts of the world.
Not all offset programs are created equal, though. Look for providers certified by recognized standards like Gold Standard or Verified Carbon Standard, which require independent verification of claimed reductions. There are many companies that offer this option and every little bit helps, but a few minutes of research goes a long way toward making sure your contribution is doing what it promises.
7. Leverage Technology
Most travelers are already paperless by default, but going digital intentionally can do more than just skip the printer. Keep all your travel documents (boarding passes, hotel confirmations, maps and itineraries) stored on your phone so nothing gets lost and nothing gets wasted. Apps like Google Maps let you download offline maps before you leave, cutting down on data usage while you’re on the road.
The bigger opportunity is using your phone to make smarter choices in real time. Apps like Joro and Aerial pull data from your flights, rides, meals and hotels to estimate your emissions, helping you see where your footprint is actually coming from and where you can trim it. Many travel apps now also highlight locally-owned restaurants, shops and tour operators, making it easier to support local economies without doing a lot of extra research.
Read More: 5 Apps You Shouldn’t Travel Abroad Without
8. Use Water-Free Toiletries
Every extra pound that we bring with us in our suitcase takes up fuel to transport it. If you’re trying to reduce the amount of carbon emissions from your suitcase, or if you are just trying to travel lighter, consider a shampoo bar.
They work the same way as liquid shampoo; they just require a little lathering beforehand. Then follow up with a conditioner bar. These days, it’s easy to find waterless versions of your favorite toiletries.
Read More: From Sunglasses to Toiletries, Here Are Eco-Friendly Travel Essentials to Bring on Your Next Trip
Inspire your next adventure with our articles below:
Author Bio: Sandy Page is a lifelong adventurer. In her free time, she reads and consumes copious amounts of hot beverages.
Want to discover more hidden gems and helpful travel tips? Join our free newsletter for the latest travel secrets and travel articles.
We are reader-supported and may earn a commission on purchases made through links in this article.
