Photo: Flicker @streetsofdc
This morning someone asked me this question: What is your top tip for someone who wishes to become a conscious traveller?
My answer is that any trip can become a green one. It’s not really where you travel, but how. Here are a few simple things you can do to green up your vacation without sacrificing fun:
- Pick up trash on the beach, in the park or along a trail. (It’s good to pack a bag and gloves for spontaneous cleanups). Even if it’s just one bag, you’ll have made a small impact.
- Follow the hotel’s directions to make sure you can re-use relatively clean sheets and towels.
- Eat at local restaurants, not chains. When you eat local food, you’re usually helping the immediate economy and supporting local farmers by buying food in season.
- Killing some time? How about spending the afternoon volunteering? It’s a way to learn about a place that you’d never learn about from a brochure.
- Bring a water bottle. I know this is so super simple and obvious, but consider this: Most of the plastic we “recycle” never actually makes it to the intended destination.
- Take public transportation, walk or rent a bike where you can.
Mostly, just be aware. Be aware that when you buy a plastic trinket to bring home, it will likely wind up in the middle of the ocean. Be aware that when you waste food, you’re filling up a landfill. Be aware of your impact, good and bad. Have a great trip!