Are you wondering how to travel sustainably? At ingarden, we’re a global team that knows how important interconnectivity is. Our seed pads are sourced from the garden of Italy, and ingarden was designed in Sweden. We’re on a mission to make the world a more sustainable place, which is why our passionate team created this guide on how to travel sustainably—just in time for summer!
10. Reuse your bedding and towels
How often do you change your bed sheets and towels at home? It’s crazy that many hotels worldwide wash towels and bedding for every room daily! This uses up a huge amount of energy. Avoid this by offering to use your bed sheets and towels for a more normal duration.
9. Choose a more efficient airline
Did you know there’s a huge difference in how much carbon each airline emits? If you need to fly, choose an airline with younger, more fuel-efficient aircraft. Modern aircraft release more than 25% less C02 per passenger than older models. Flight metasearch engines provide info on the most eco-friendly fare; alternatively, check the International nonprofit council on clean transportation for more information.
8. Fly direct
We know how tempting it is to take a transit route when the price is right. However, the environment should take a direct flight than two flights over a hub. That’s because of the high emissions caused by taking off, landing, and flying a longer distance overall. Direct flights are also more comfortable and quicker, giving you more time to enjoy your vacation.
7. Offset your flight
Most airlines now offer passengers an offsetting carbon scheme, which calculates the C02 generated by your journey. The airline will spend that money on carbon offsetting programs if you choose to pay it. You’ll be surprised by how cheap offsetting is and how rewarding it feels after.
6. Try alternative forms of transport
Carbon offsetting schemes are great, but flying remains a very carbon-intensive form of transport. Another way to travel more sustainability is to try other forms of transportation. The U.S. is a great country for road trips. If you’re visiting Europe, a huge network of high-speed trains makes it possible to see huge parts of the continent without stepping on an aircraft. The same applies to China and Japan.
5. Travel in a group
Forming or joining a group is a straightforward yet effective way to travel more sustainability. Group travel is more efficient because it equates to fuller cars, fewer empty hotel beds, fewer solo taxi rides, and more sharing in general. It’s also a fun, enriching, and pleasant way to travel.
4. Buy a water-filtering device
Did you know a travel water filter is all you need to drink tap water worldwide? These simple yet remarkable gadgets are perfect for travelers visiting countries where running water isn’t safe to drink. With a travel water filter, you will avoid constantly buying plastic water bottles on the go, making you a more eco-friendly traveler.
3. Eat local produce
Eating locally-grown produce is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while traveling. Restaurants and hotels often import food to satisfy foreign tastes, such as salmon. Eating what is grown locally reduces emissions by reducing the distance between the source and the fork. Eating local produce is also the perfect way to connect yourself as a traveler with the destination you’re visiting.
2. Go veggie or vegan
Why not try veggie or vegan on your next big vacation? a change of scene is a good time to try something new. a vegan diet has the lowest carbon footprint. A vegetarian diet means 2.5 fewer carbon emissions than a meat diet. Avoiding meat is also a sensible precaution for some destinations to prevent stomach upsets.
1. Choose a sustainable travel provider
The best answer to how to travel sustainably is to choose a sustainable travel provider. Sustainable travel companies will calculate the complete environmental impact of your trip from the moment you leave home to when you return (including transfers, food, accommodation, tours, and flights). Typically, sustainable travel companies will offset the carbon by supporting an offsetting carbon program—making your trip carbon neutral!
