10 easy ways to travel green

10 easy ways to travel green

Traveling green takes a little more effort at first - but it can quickly become second nature. Here are some easy ways to travel eco-friendly that will also save you money

At Atlas & Boots we firmly believe that travel is a force for good. However, when you consider the environmental impact of commercial aviation, the overwhelming numbers flowing into fragile ecosystems, and tourism's strain on resources, travel doesn't look quite so pretty.

Whether it's an appetite for low-budget air travel, air-conditioned rooms or fully charged smartphones at the end of selfie sticks, the urge to travel is taking a heavy toll on our planet.

Ecotourism is often touted as the answer, but this is often just a synonym for spending big money on eco-lodges or sustainable tours that claim they care when their main concern is the marketing potential of ecotourism - also known as greenwashing.

There are ways to travel green without spending huge amounts of money on eco-tours and the like. Here are 10 easy ways to travel eco-friendly and make the tolls a bit easier.

1. Switch to renewable energy whenever possible

If possible, choose accommodation that uses eco-friendly technologies such as solar panels or even a carbon neutral hotel.

At an individual level, choose renewable energy sources to charge mobile devices on the go. We use a lightweight solar phone charger as well as a more durable waterproof one for hiking.

alt=”easy ways to travel more eco-friendly solar energy”>Atlas & BootsWith our solar charger on the deserted beaches of Sri Lanka

Solar chargers are very popular at the moment, but more and more ingenious devices are being invented all the time, from small wind-powered turbines to thermoelectric rubber boots!

2. Treat local water

A few years ago we invested in a SteriPEN water purifier and have never looked back. It's one of those products that really makes a difference. If we're honest, we bought it to save money without really thinking about the environmental benefits.

alt=”simple ways to travel more eco-friendly Steripen”>Atlas & BootsOur SteriPen has saved us hundreds of dollars since we purchased one three years ago

However, the reality is that by purifying local water we have avoided purchasing hundreds of plastic bottles of water. There are several options on the market now, like the LifeStraw or the Sawyer Mini, but we still carry our trusty SteriPEN.

3. Avoid or reuse plastic bags

In 2014, England introduced a nationwide charge of five pence on plastic bags. The result was that plastic bag use fell by a staggering 83% in one year. If it were up to me, they would be banned immediately, but the point is that using plastic bags that people charge dramatically reduces the number in circulation, thereby minimizing environmental impact.

alt="simple ways to travel green – plastic bag">DreamtimePlastic bags can take up to 1,000 years to break down

Some countries have banned plastic bags entirely, but most still use them by the millions, with or without taxes. Plastic bags are not biodegradable, so just say no to them. If you're traveling, you probably have a backpack or beach bag that can be used instead. If you must wear one or two, reuse them for as long as possible - about 1,000 years.

4. Use power banks instead of batteries

Batteries contain many dangerous metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, zinc, manganese and lithium. Most used batteries are buried in landfills and take decades to break down - and in the process, the metals contaminate groundwater and spread the pollutants over a larger area.

Using power banks that charge off the grid is a far more economical, efficient and environmentally friendly way to charge your devices on the go. This way you don't have to carry traditional batteries or accumulators to provide power on the go.

alt="The MSC Power Stick has proven itself in the wild">MSCNo more batteries: Keep contaminants out of groundwater by using power banks

We travel with a few different models of power banks, each containing a mini charger for our smartphones and e-readers, as well as a more robust, waterproof power bank.

5. Use the fan instead of the air conditioner

This is my guilty pleasure and something I need to work on. I get hot ridiculously quickly and sweat like a racehorse, but that's no excuse for reaching for the air conditioning remote instead of the fan switch.

alt=”easy ways to travel green – air conditioning”>DreamtimeIt's all too easy to reach the air conditioner remote control

If your hotel offers an option without air conditioning (and cheaper), then go for it to avoid any temptation. Otherwise, lock the remote in the safe or return it to reception if you think you can't resist.

6. Camp (but leave no trace)

By default, camping should leave you with a smaller carbon footprint compared to staying in a hotel. But go one step further and adhere to Leave No Trace, a set of outdoor ethics that promotes outdoor conservation.

• Planen Sie voraus und bereiten Sie sich vor
• Reisen und campen Sie auf strapazierfähigen Oberflächen
• Abfall fachgerecht entsorgen
• Lass, was du findest
• Minimieren Sie die Auswirkungen des Lagerfeuers
• Respektieren Sie die Tierwelt
• Nehmen Sie Rücksicht auf andere Besucher

alt="Camping leaves a smaller carbon footprint">Atlas & BootsCamping leaves a smaller carbon footprint

7. Respect wildlife and follow local regulations

Do not promote unethical animal tourism. Never ride elephants or pet sedated predators. A stoned tiger on your lap might make a good Facebook photo, but it promotes deeply unethical practices.

When going on safari or visiting national parks, take extra precautions to ensure that the animals are treated properly and that tour guides do not harass or harass the wildlife. Always try to use certified tour operators who adhere to international conventions.

alt=“Ways to Travel to Greener Wildlife”>Atlas & BootsRespect wildlife: Never ride elephants or pet sedated predators

Whether you're off-trail, feeding wildlife, or picking shells on the beach, never break local rules. These are designed to limit the impact of tourism and compliance will depend on the local environment.

8. Where possible by land

Can you take a bus or train instead of a rental car or flight? For shorter distances, choose to walk, bike or even canoe if possible! If you have to drive, try carpooling with fellow travelers. Some cities even have electric taxi services.

alt="easy ways to travel overland in an environmentally friendly way">DreamtimeAvoid flying if possible and consider carpooling

Destinations such as the Galápagos Islands or Greenland are massively affected by increasing tourism numbers and require visitors to visit conscientiously.

9. Reuse hotel towels

Hotels will argue that their motivation is to protect the environment, but you can be sure that they are more concerned with profit. Regardless, reusing towels is more environmentally friendly. Therefore, follow your hotelier's recommendation to reuse towels and not have them washed and replaced every day. Just think: How often do you wash your towels at home?

alt="easy travel options green hotel towels">Atlas & BootsThe Dhobi Ghat in Mumbai washes clothes from the city's hotels

10. Eat locally sourced foods

A piece of cake really. Not only will locally sourced ingredients taste much better (since they are fresher and likely made by locals who know their own cuisine), but they also leave a much smaller carbon footprint. Under no circumstances should you eat endangered species such as turtles, sharks, caribou or overfished salmon species.

alt=“Eat local food whenever possible”>Atlas & BootsEat locally sourced foods whenever possible

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