You've already booked your flights and chosen your destination. Now you want to make sure your trip is as sustainable as possible. This article is for travelers who know the basics of eco-friendly travel and want to go deeper.
Research the hotel's sustainability certifications
Start by looking for hotels with recognized sustainability certifications. These certifications often require hotels to meet specific environmental and social standards. Common certifications include Green Key, LEED, and Green Globe. These certifications can give you a good starting point for evaluating a hotel's commitment to sustainability.
Why this works: Certified hotels have been vetted by third-party organizations, ensuring they meet specific sustainability criteria. This can save you time and effort in researching a hotel's practices.
When to skip it: If you're traveling to a remote or less-developed area, you might not find many certified hotels. In this case, focus on other sustainability indicators.
Choose accommodations with renewable energy sources
Look for hotels that use renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or hydro power. These hotels often prominently display their energy sources on their websites or in their marketing materials. Choosing such accommodations can significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
Why this works: Hotels that use renewable energy sources are actively working to reduce their environmental impact. By supporting these hotels, you're encouraging more businesses to adopt sustainable practices.
When to skip it: If renewable energy sources aren't available in the area you're traveling to, this might not be a feasible option. In this case, look for hotels with other sustainable practices.
Pack reusable items and avoid single-use plastics
Bring reusable items like water bottles, shopping bags, and food containers to minimize waste. Many hotels now offer refill stations for water bottles, and some even provide discounts for guests who bring their own containers. Additionally, choose accommodations that have eliminated single-use plastics like straws, cups, and toiletries.
Why this works: Single-use plastics are a significant source of waste and pollution. By avoiding them, you're helping to reduce this environmental impact.
When to skip it: If you're traveling to an area where reusable items aren't practical or safe, focus on other ways to reduce waste.
Support local communities and economies
Choose accommodations that support local communities and economies. This can include hotels that source food and supplies locally, employ local staff, and support local conservation efforts. Supporting these hotels can help to promote sustainable tourism and benefit the communities you're visiting.
Why this works: Supporting local communities and economies can help to promote sustainable tourism and benefit the communities you're visiting.
When to skip it: If you're traveling to an area where local support isn't a priority or isn't feasible, focus on other sustainability indicators.
Tips that are not worth your time
Some tips for sustainable travel are overhyped and not worth your time. For example, printing out your travel documents instead of using your phone can actually create more waste. Similarly, choosing a hotel based solely on its star rating doesn't guarantee sustainability. Focus on the tips that truly make a difference, like choosing accommodations with renewable energy sources and supporting local communities.
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To recap, research the hotel's sustainability certifications, choose accommodations with renewable energy sources, pack reusable items and avoid single-use plastics, and support local communities and economies. These tips can help you travel responsibly and reduce your environmental impact.