• By Anne Majumdar
• 22/04/202027/04/2020

Today, as Earth Day marks its 50th birthday, eco-friendly travel is more important than ever. So what can travellers do to reduce the environmental impact of their holidays?

Chances are you have already given the matter some thought and have made changes to your daily lifestyle in order to make it more green. But when you travel, do you make sure the environment remains a top priority?

It’s harder to do when you’re away from your home and your regular routines, but it is certainly still possible to be mindful of your impact on the natural world when travelling.

Here are a few eco-friendly travel ideas to help make your holiday a little more responsible:

Travel by land

Where possible, instead of flying, travel overland – whether by road or by rail, your carbon footprint will be lighter. It may take longer but it will also give the opportunity to take in the stunning landscapes Australia has to offer.

Pack light

If you are flying, keeping weight to a minimum will help to reduce the aircraft’s carbon emissions.

Same goes with driving – pack light and you’ll use less fuel, saving money and doing the earth a favour at the same time.

Take public transport

If there are buses in the destination you are visiting, then use them. Opting for private transport will up your carbon emissions and will likely be more expensive.

Travelling by bus will also add to your travel experience, providing you with opportunities to interact with the locals.

Pack a reusable shopping bag

You have probably become used to carrying a reusable bag with you in case you need to pop to the shops. But make sure you don’t forget to take one or two when going on holiday.

You don’t want to have to resort to using plastic bags when you need to stock up on anything. Plastic bags can take anywhere between 10 to 1,000 years to decompose.

Support local

A key part of the travel experience is trying the locally produced food and drink. Sip on a schooner of the local brew and you will not only be getting to know your destination on a deeper level, but also cutting down on “beer mileage”.

Same goes for the local produce too. Give it a try!

Swerve plastic bottled water

Always carry a refillable bottle with you so you don’t have to resort to buying plastics. Most places will be happy to refill them for you. Plastic bottles take at least 450 years to decompose.

Make sure you take your reusable coffee cup along too for when you need an extra pick-me-up.

Follow the path

We love a rambling hike, but try to stick to trails that are marked out and don’t get too close to any animals you meet along your way.

Although perhaps not as adventurous, this approach will ensure you stay nice and safe. It will also help to protect any endangered or protected plants that may get destroyed under foot.

Opt for an eco-retreat

Many properties have done the hard work for you, ensuring they deliver an incredible experience in a sustainable manner. These range from simple cabins to luxurious eco-lodges – however you prefer to travel, there will be something to cater to your needs.

Check out Wild Escapes range of eco-retreats here.

Keep up the good work     

Don’t let your standards slip just because you are not at home.

Make sure you hang your towels up and only request new ones when necessary. Keep your showers short and flick off the switches when you head out.

Do you have any other eco-friendly travel tips?

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