You’ve probably caught yourself daydreaming more than once: picturing the iconic Venice canals, the cherry blossom festivals of Japan, or the wildlife sanctuaries of Africa. Around the globe, our planet is bursting with incredible sights, rich cultures, and unforgettable experiences. The travel bug is ever-present, incessantly luring us to these corners of the earth.
But: if not managed responsibly, our dream vacations could turn into environmental nightmares. How so, you ask? Picture this: on holiday, you’re living it up. You order room service, with every meal served on plastic plates, covered by plastic lids, and delivered in plastic bags. Maybe you leave the air conditioner running all day, or keep the lights turned on in your hotel room even when you’re not there. Suddenly, your two-week holiday is generating more waste and energy than you would in half a year at home!
These seemingly small indulgences are not insignificant. Multiply this by the 1.4 billion tourists who travel the world every year, and the result is a significant environmental impact. But fear not, dear wanderers, for the solution doesn’t involve giving up our beloved holidays. Instead, we need to shift our focus towards sustainable and eco-friendly tourism.
Unpack the Impact
A lack of sustainable tourism practices can lead to overconsumption of local resources, pollution, and degradation of natural habitats. Remember the global lockdown in 2021, when nature seemed to breathe a sigh of relief as human activity ground to a halt? Suddenly, canals in Venice became crystal clear, streets around the world laid bare and clean, and wildlife reclaimed their territories, seemingly thrilled by our absence. It was a wake-up call that showcased how drastically our habits can affect the environment and how quickly nature can rebound when given a chance.
So, how do we replicate this positive environmental impact without resorting to a global lockdown? Here’s how: we turn into Green Globe-trotters!
The Green Traveler
Being a Green Traveler means making conscious, eco-friendly decisions while traveling. It’s about finding ways to enjoy our vacations while minimizing the negative environmental impacts. Simple habits like carrying a reusable water bottle, using public transport, or choosing an accommodation that follows green practices can make a huge difference.
Food waste is another major concern during holidays. Instead of ordering more food than we can consume, let’s make it a point to order responsibly and minimize waste. Additionally, being mindful of our energy consumption—like turning off lights and air conditioners when not in use—can greatly reduce our ecological footprint. Want to find out how you can contribute even more to the well-being of our society and planet? We have collected several hints and tools that make it easy for you to become a changemaker!
The Journey Ends, The Impact Lasts
Traveling is not just about seeing new places; it’s about learning, growing, and becoming more mindful of our actions and their impacts. We all have a responsibility towards our planet, which shouldn’t be forgotten – especially when we’re on vacation. So let’s promise to enjoy our holidays responsibly and, in doing so, ensure that the beauty and diversity of our world remain for future generations to explore. After all, there is no Planet B!
Next time you pack your bags, remember to pack in your green habits, too. Turn your wanderlust into a force for good, and become a proud Green Traveler. Because the greatest travel souvenir you can bring back is the satisfaction of leaving a place as beautiful as you found it. Download our App now and let us guide you through your sustainable booking process.
Kristel Külmallik
This article was written by Kristel. She has lived in Estonia her whole life and loves all the nature that Estonia is surrounded with. She hopes you will have an amazing time exploring her home country and is happy to answer any questions you may have: [email protected]