10 EASY WAYS TO BE AN ECO-FRIENDLY TRAVELER

Traveling eco-friendly doesn't have to be complicated. You can significantly reduce your environmental impact even by making small, conscious choices. If I want to summarise it in one sentence, it is about being mindful of our actions and their effects on the planet. If you are exploring the world, remember that every step you take towards being eco-friendly counts. Here are ten easy things you can do while you are traveling.

Eco Friendly Travel / Image: @jamie_fenn

Eco-friendly accommodations
Choosing accommodations that prioritizes the well-being of nature and culture, holds an important message for the travel industry. As more travelers show this level of care, businesses are increasingly motivated to meet their expectations. While eco-lodges are indeed pioneers in sustainable lodging, many other types of accommodations have adopted environmentally friendly practices too.
Any establishment embracing renewable energy, implementing water-saving measures, or offering locally sourced, organic products is a step in the right direction. Choosing such places goes beyond merely finding a spot to stay. It is a demonstration of your commitment to sustainability. Remember to tell them at the end of your stay.

2. Respect wildlife and natural habitats

Always maintain a respectful distance from wildlife, as interfering with their natural behaviors can have significant consequences. Disturbing wild animals or one of the Big Five animals in Africa can have adverse effects on the species. Human observations of wild animals should be kept from afar as to maintain a healthy distance between humans and wildlife, especially if the animal is about to kill, feed, mate or fight. Interrupting animals can impact the balance of nature. Always remain quiet and allow them enough space whilst observing.

Remember to stay on designated trails. These paths are there for a reason: to minimize human impact. Straying off these trails can destroy habitats and disrupt the animals' everyday lives.

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3. Eco-friendly activities

If you are choosing to go on safari. Look for guided safaris that support African wildlife habitats and support conservation efforts. Avoid tours that promise close encounters, ‘walking with’ or feeding, as these organizations are exploiting wild animals of any kind.

Examples of low-impact activities are hiking, trekking, bird watching, botanical walks, volunteering, tree planting, cycling, snorkeling, or kayaking.

4. Support local culture

Being an eco-friendly traveler is not just about nature and caring for the flora and fauna. Supporting local businesses can be equally important.

When you choose to dine at local eateries instead of large chain restaurants, you get to savor authentic local delicacies and contribute to support the local economy. These small, often family-run establishments will offer you a taste of the region's culinary heritage. Alternatively, participate in workshops or classes that teach traditional African crafts, cooking, or music - all of which will support the local economy.

Similarly, when shopping for souvenirs, bypass the mass-produced imported items. Instead, seek out local artisans. Purchasing their unique, handcrafted goods provides a more meaningful memento

and helps preserve traditional crafts. It also ensures your money directly benefits the community you're visiting.

5. Pack light and smart

Packing light is one of the ways to make your air travel sustainable. Every extra kilogram on a flight contributes to more fuel consumption. Lighter luggage means a lighter environmental footprint. Finnair has a great example: "If every Finnair customer had left two kilos of baggage at home in 2022, the saved fuel would have been enough to fly 20 times from Helsinki to Tokyo."

So, packing light benefits not only your back but also the planet. Opt for multi-functional clothing and items like reusable water bottles and bamboo utensils. Pack items you can mix and match according to the weather and climate you are going to.

Before rushing out to purchase these, take a look around your home. You might find things that can be reused or repurposed for your trip. It is not necessary to buy travel-sized shampoos or body washes for the sake of airport security compliance. Many accommodations provide these amenities, allowing you to travel lighter and more sustainably.

6. Offset your carbon emissions

Consider offsetting carbon emissions from your flight. Many airlines offer this option when booking, or you can use an online carbon calculator to estimate your footprint and donate to a project that reduces greenhouse gasses.

Carbon offsetting has many pros and cons, yet it can clearly indicate your commitment to eco-friendly travel. A common criticism is that it might lead some to believe that once they've offset their carbon, no further action is required. However, as an aspiring eco-tourist you'll understand that carbon offsetting is merely one step among many in your journey towards sustainable travel.

Eco Friendly Travel / Image: @etiennegirardet

7. Avoid single-use plastics

During traveling and at your destination, try to refuse plastic straws, bags, and other single-use plastics. Carry a reusable shopping bag and look for products with minimal packaging. It's a small step that can significantly reduce plastic waste and shows your commitment to being an eco-friendly traveler.

8. Travel off-peak

Off-season travel often means fewer crowds, more affordable prices, more authentic interactions with locals, and the opportunity to see a destination in a different light.

Eco-friendly travelers often choose to travel off-season not only as a way to avoid crowds but also to reduce their impact on the destination. Traveling during less busy times helps alleviate the strain on local resources and infrastructure, which can be overwhelmed during peak season. Additionally, it can provide a more consistent and distributed income for locals throughout the year.

Eco Friendly Travel / Image: @cristina_gottardi

9. Participate in non-profit activities

Eco-friendly travelers are inspired to engage in activities that benefit the local communities. Many safari eco-lodges offer guests an opportunity to plant a tree during their stay, allowing travelers to contribute directly to reforestation and restoration efforts.

Have you heard about Pack For Purpose? It is a non-profit organization that encourages travelers to use their luggage space to bring much-needed supplies to the communities they visit. You can pick a destination and see what those communities need. Pack the requested items and then deliver them to the dedicated accommodation or tour company listed on the website.

10. Educate others and share your experiences

Lastly, lead by example and share your eco-friendly travel experiences with others. Whether it's through social media, blogging, or casual conversations, spreading awareness can inspire more people to travel responsibly.

Author Bio:

Emese Maczko is a travel writer and content creator behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, Australia, and then decided to reside in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.

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10 Easy Ways to Be an Eco-friendly Traveler