Eco-Friendly Activities While Traveling
6 Remarkable Eco-Friendly Activities You Can Do While Traveling
We know that there are many places that you would like to visit. After all, it is human nature to connect with other people and explore the world.
However, traveling can also have an impact on the environment.
According to Green Choices:
● Traveling by air accounts for 75% of the tourism industry's greenhouse gas emissions.
● Coach and rail travel accounts for 13% of GGE.
● Accommodation accounts for 20% of GGE.
That said, it is vital to be part of preserving Mother Earth whenever we travel. That said, we have listed six eco-friendly activities you can do during your trip.
Join Beach Cleanups
Back in July 2021, the Michigan Department of Environment announced the closure of 14 beaches in the state due to contamination. The beach closures serve as a wake-up call for us to protect our shores.
If you are heading to the beach, consider joining beach cleanup activities.
You can begin by doing a Google search to know if there are any cleanup drives in your destination. You can also download Ocean Conservancy's Clean Swell app so you can get updated for any cleanup activities worldwide.
Better yet, start your own beach cleanup drive.
Take a Cultural Walkathon
Do you know what the best way to be eco-friendly while exploring the world is? Take a walk.
Walking around to explore different tourist spots lets you immerse yourself in the culture of the place. You can notice how locals go about their day, discover where they eat, and learn how to say "thank you" in their language.
You can join a day tour, or you can purposely walk to the nearest must-visit place and start your cultural walkathon from there.
PRO TIP: When choosing accommodation, pick a place that is in the center of many tourist spots. That way, you can DIY your cultural walkathon with ease.
Rent a Bike
If walking for miles is not your thing, perhaps renting and riding a bike is for you.
It allows you to explore your destinations the same way as walking. You can also stop and enjoy the view if you like, and then snap a photo afterward.
Often, taking the time to hop from one place to another is much better than going just to take many Instagram-worthy travel photos. Luckily, you can find many bike rentals online, especially if you are traveling to a bike-friendly country.
Go on a Hike
If you are an adventurous nature-lover, you might want to pack your hiking poles and take a hike.
In our opinion, going on a hike is one of the best ways to appreciate nature. Plus, it can teach you many lessons about life, whether you take a short day hike or a long and rough one.
Hiking can build your strength and character, and it can be a transformative experience. It is also one of those travel activities that can teach you how to appreciate and preserve the natural flora and fauna.
Set Up a Camp
Hiking often ends in an overnight camp. Hence, you should pack your camping gear if you intend to stay somewhere other than a hotel or Airbnb.
Otherwise, you can visit glamping spots instead. That way, you can still sleep on a mattress instead of in a sleeping bag.
Whether you like it luxurious or raw, we will not judge. What's important is that you are mindful of your surroundings and take the time to commune with nature.
Who knows? This might be the healing experience you are looking for.
REMINDER: For your safety, only set up a camp in designated areas.
Participate in Farm Tourism
Ecotourism is a relatively new way for tourists to explore and nurture the planet.
When you participate in farm tourism, you can experience feeding the animals and harvesting the food you will eat. However, you do not necessarily have to work on a farm for a day to experience this. You can rent a bed and breakfast that offers a farm-to-table experience.
The idea here is to make you realize the life cycle of food, from planting a seed to becoming a sumptuous meal. That way, you would come home with more appreciation for the food you eat.
Conclusion: Be a Responsible Traveler
The call for climate justice is no joke. Every year, we see the impact of household and industrial waste on our environment. If we choose to ignore it, we are leaving the next generation with a planet that cannot sustain life.
This explains why you should be mindful of the actions you do, especially when traveling. And you can start by participating in the eco-friendly activities listed above.
Regardless, every small action towards sustainability accounts. This includes supporting environment-friendly establishments wherever you are.
Doing so ensures that you and other tourists have something to return to the next time you visit.