Nowadays people and our planet are facing one of the biggest crises in human history – climate change and global warming. From the start of the Industrial Revolution at the end of the XVIII century till today, the average surface temperature has increased by around 1.1 degrees Celsius. This may seem like a small difference, but in reality, it is making a lot of changes in our daily lives and in ecosystems for flora and fauna.

This problem is caused by many different factors. One of them is the greenhouse effect, which occurs because heat is trapped near the Earth’s surface. Humans play a big role in its appearance. Most of the carbon dioxide is emitted by people into the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas and oil. These fuels come from cars, trucks and planes. Interestingly, even electric power plants also burn fossil fuels. Additionally, there are other factors such as water vapour, methane, low-level ozone and land use.

Tips and tricks on how to green travel

One of the ways to help solve this problem and reduce the burning of fossil fuels is to travel more sustainably. What do we mean by travel sustainably? It is a part of the travel journey when people try to use as few resources as possible and, as Dr. Etti recommended, travelers need to learn to slow down.

Eco-friendly transport

One way to green travel is to use public transport, for example, to go to work, university or other destinations. For longer journeys, consider eco-friendly options to minimize your carbon footprint. Public transportation, such as buses, trams, and subways, not only conserves fuel but also often offers a more immersive experience of the local culture. Walking or cycling is another excellent way to explore new places while staying environmentally friendly and healthy. If driving is necessary, opt for carpooling or ridesharing services to reduce emissions per capita. If you must use planes, try to avoid them as much as possible, use direct flights only, look for airlines that invest in biofuel, a practice some airlines have been using since 2019 (e.g., KLM airlines).

Sustainable accommodation

For every trip, accommodation is a very important part. When choosing hotels, apartments or hostels, look at their social media and website to see what sustainability practices they implement in their services. Look for accommodation places that implement water and energy conservation measures, use renewable energy, and reduce waste. Supporting properties with green policies helps promote responsible tourism. If they don’t provide that information, you can always contact the property and ask directly. In places where they have daily cleaning services, do not ask to change towels or bed sheets every day; this not only saves water but is also more logical. Additionally, you can contribute by using water and electricity sparingly during your stay, such as by taking shorter showers and turning off lights when not needed.

Pack smart

Packing light and smart is another effective strategy for reducing your environmental footprint. Lighter luggage results in lower fuel consumption, especially on flights. Bring only what is necessary and include reusable items like water bottles, shopping bags and utensils. These can significantly cut down on the use of single-use plastics, which are a major environmental concern.

Minimize movement

For one travel destination, choose one location instead of many different ones. In this way, you will avoid not only moving around but also the material waste provided by the accommodation place. Another easy way to reduce plastic waste is to bring your own refillable water bottles/flasks because plastic waste in the ocean and on land is a huge problem, especially in developing countries like Vietnam or India, where plastic is one of the most common wastes in rivers and on beaches.

Local recycling

To travel sustainably, one essential step is to get familiar with local recycling rules and practices. Different countries and regions have varying systems for waste management, and understanding these can significantly reduce your waste footprint. Before you travel, research how to sort recyclables such as paper, plastics, metals, and glass, as these may need to be separated differently than you’re used to. Additionally, learn where local recycling facilities are located, as some destinations might have limited access to these services. For special waste like batteries and electronics, find out the proper disposal methods, since these often require special handling to avoid environmental harm.

Conscious shopping

When shopping, focus on conscious consumption. Buying souvenirs from small local shops where they are made by local people is a good practice because if souvenirs are made in another country, for example, if you are in Germany and buy a magnet made in China, it was likely shipped by plane or ship, consuming a lot of fuel and harming the environment. Avoid products with excessive packaging and be wary of attractions or souvenirs that exploit animals or local communities. Making thoughtful purchasing decisions contributes to more sustainable tourism practices.

Carbon offsetting

Lastly, for emissions that are unavoidable, such as those from flights, consider offsetting your carbon footprint. Many organizations offer programs where travelers can donate to reforestation projects or renewable energy initiatives. Additionally, continue to educate yourself and others about sustainable practices and environmental issues. Sharing knowledge and raising awareness can inspire more people to travel responsibly, further reducing the collective environmental impact.

Good practices and examples

The European Union started “The European Green Deal” project, which aims to ensure zero emissions by 2050 and make Europe the first climate-neutral continent in the world. By 2030, they aim to ensure 55% less emissions. To make these goals a reality, in 2021, the European Union adopted its first European Climate Law. This deal is all about putting people at the core of the transition to creating a better environment. To make this a reality, the NextGenerationEU and REPowerEU funds have around 275 billion euros and 118 billion euros of Cohesion Policy to ensure a clean transition by 2027.

What we can already feel are plastic straws disappearing from our daily life, which is part of the European Green Deal, and the deposit system which is adopted by more and more countries.

As Rachel Carson said, “Man’s attitude toward nature today is critically important simply because we have now acquired a fateful power to alter and destroy nature. But man is a part of nature, and his war against nature is inevitably a war against himself.” This means that we need to start by changing our own behavior to improve things today and protect future generations.

By german eco-mmunity activators Team