Although we’re currently locked up in our own lounges, it doesn’t hurt to dream about all the wonderful places we’ll go after COVID-19 is over.
As humans, it’s natural to explore all corners of the world, but travelling does inevitably take its toll on our planet. Cruise ships take are capable of producing a significant amount of pollution, while hotels are responsible for a lot of energy consumption.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways we can become more eco-conscious when gearing up to head out on our next big trip. In this post, we highlight some of the easy considerations we can take into account as we embark on another journey.
Consider transportation methods
Use environmentally friendly airlines
Some airlines adopt cleaner operations than others. A brand-new aeroplane is also far less likely to produce huge amounts of CO2 emissions, in comparison to older models. In fact, they can even cut this rate by up to 25 per cent. Sometimes even a slight increase on your ticket might be the difference between choosing a flight that offsets carbons, versus one that doesn’t.
Finder.com.au has a nifty chart that explains what airlines are more eco-friendly in Australia than others. We recommend checking this guide out when you’re trying to take your pick between two specific flights.
Opt for trains over planes
Of course, if you’re willing to go the extra mile (literally), then trains are always more eco-friendly than air travel. While it’s not always possible to use this method, we encourage you to hit your adventure on rails, if you have the option to. It also gives you far more time to explore the scenic surrounds as you roll through one landscape to another.
Accommodation matters
Choosing to stay in environmentally friendly hotels and motels has a big impact on global energy consumption and pollution. In Australia, there are also plenty of options on the market that utilise solar power systems or battery storage to run their operations. In other cases, they may use things like sustainable farming, water tanks and organic approaches, in order to embrace a greener way of conducting business.
Using a site like TripAdvisor or Booking.com gives you details about this, so you can mark off which options meet the criteria.
What’s on your plate?
How you eat also plays a key role in the way you travel. If you’re heading out for a meal, eat locally and support smaller businesses in the area. Global chains have a habit of importing food, equalling more carbon emissions.
Tip: Try to find local suppliers that use native ingredients or their own homegrown produce. Local farmers markets are also a great place to explore.
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