Traveling is a fun and exhilarating activity for many people, but it often leaves negative impacts on the natural environment. Fortunately, there are many simple steps that travelers can take to make their journeys more environmentally friendly or eco-friendly.
Source: Suhyeon Choi via Unsplash
Eco-friendly travel involves several practices and decisions aimed at reducing negative impacts on the natural environment and culture during travel. Here are 8 ways to travel in an eco-friendly and sustainable manner.
1. Choose Sustainable Transportation
When planning your trip, consider choosing sustainable transportation such as trains, buses, or even walking or cycling if possible. By doing so, you can reduce carbon emissions and the environmental impact generated by private transportation such as cars.
2. Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
Instead of buying single-use plastic water bottles, bring a reusable water bottle. This not only reduces plastic waste but also helps reduce the energy consumption used to produce and dispose of plastic bottles.
3. Use Reusable Shopping Bags
Always bring reusable shopping bags when traveling. This can help reduce the use of single-use plastic bags that often end up in the ocean and harm the environment. In emergencies, reusable shopping bags also often help carry excess baggage.
4. Reduce Single-Use Plastic Usage
Avoid single-use plastics as much as possible. Use reusable utensils and dining equipment, and avoid using plastic straws by bringing reusable ones or drinking directly from the glass when drinking.
5. Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodations
When choosing a place to stay, look for accommodations with sustainable practices. For example, hotels that use renewable energy, practice responsible waste management, support environmental preservation initiatives, or have a lush environment.
To choose eco-friendly hotels, you can use the Wisata App which has more than 800,000 hotel options. In addition, the payment is easy and can be done with a Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Paylater, to eWallet.
While at tourist destinations, use public transportation or alternative modes such as bicycles, motorcycles, or walking to explore attractions. This is not only an environmentally friendly way but also provides a closer experience with local culture.
7. Reduce Electricity Usage
In the accommodation you stay in while on vacation, try to reduce electricity usage by turning off lights and electronic devices when not in use. Also, remember to use air conditioning and heaters sparingly.
8. Support Local Products
When shopping for souvenirs or buying food and drinks, prioritize local products over imports. This will greatly help the local economy and reduce the environmental impact of shipping goods from distant places.
By implementing these simple steps, you are already contributing to a sustainable environment. Remember that every small step you take can make a big difference in preserving our natural beauty for future generations. Let's take care of our earth together, even while traveling.
