How to achieve sustainable travel…

What is sustainable travel? 

To travel sustainably means to travel in a way that tourism can occur long term without harm coming to natural and cultural environments. Such travel should minimize the negative impact of tourism and become more beneficial to the area. 

There needs to be an increase of awareness around travelling, especially regarding the high pollution levels caused by travel, as well as how this affects the environment with local wildlife. They also need to be aware of how tourism affects local people, businesses, and native cultures. 

72% of tourism’s CO2 emissions come from transportation, a further 24% from accommodation, and 4% from tourism activities. These issues caused by tourism cannot be overlooked. 

Transport 

 

Consider the most sustainable form of transport.

Depending on where your destination is, you may have the option to fly, drive, take a train or a coach. It is essential to choose the best option regarding your situation. If you are travelling in a group, it would make sense to share a car whereas if you are travelling on your own it may be greener to fly or take the train. Overall, taking a train or bus, some form of public transport would be more sustainable than taking a plane or a car, however – this is usually rather dependable on the route. 

Flights and sustainability

The shortest flight to your destination is the most sustainable one, as are direct flights. This is because take offs and landings create most of the carbon emissions from the plane.  

Also, flying economy class is also better for the environment – business and first class means there is more space per passenger, resulting in five times more carbon footprint.

Use the most sustainable transport when you are at your destination

Travelling on foot or bike are the most sustainable forms of transport to use. However, if you are going further, public transport and minibuses are a good way to get around. 

Accommodation

Stay in local accommodation

Support local business owners by staying in locally owned accommodation, whether this be b&bs or guesthouses or even looking at Airbnb’s. This way, you are not only helping the sustainability movement, but also the local economy. 

Check for green certifications at hotels and hostels

When searching for accommodation, look for accommodation with a commitment to sustainability initiatives. Such initiatives may include recycling and solar panels.  

“Search for eco hotels which are designed and built sustainably,” says Amruta Kshemkalyani (founder of Sustainability Tribe.) “There are standards and certifications for sustainable hotels and resorts like Green Globe and Green Key.” You can look for these certifications on hotel and hostel websites.

Avoid large resorts

Large resorts commonly have impacts on the local environment due to their water and energy usage. Washing towels and changing bed sheets daily are common in large resorts and waste a lot of energy and water.  

 

Sustainable Tours and Activities  

 Snorkel and scuba dive responsibly

If you are snorkelling or scuba diving, make sure you are careful not to tread on the coral as this can damage the ecosystem. 25% of coral reefs worldwide are now damaged beyond repair. If we want to preserve our beautiful reefs, we must snorkel and scuba dive responsibly. This includes things such as not trying to touch or feed the animals, avoiding overcrowding, and wearing reef friendly sunscreen.

Use sustainable tour operators

Do your research before booking tours. Look for accreditations such as GSTC, Green Globe, Earth Check, and other regulatory bodies, you can also read reviews. 

If you can, contact the tour company beforehand to ask them about their policies if it is unclear from their website.

Participate in responsible wildlife tourism

Avoid any wildlife tours that promise close encounters with animals, as they might be unethical. If the animals are not used to human contact and the tour allows you to touch or cuddle the animals, this tends to be a bad sign. 

Look for tours that won’t disturb wildlife and that ensure you are a certain distance away from any animals. Do research into each specific type of wildlife tourism to ensure it is responsible. 

 

 

Aliya Hussain

Community Development Assistant

aliya.hussain@groundworknottingham.org.uk