This summer, Copenhagen introduced a new program that rewarded tourists with free meals and kayak rentals if they took part in “green activities”. Litter picking, biking, and using public transport all counted towards visitors’ wins. Free coffee for riding a bike around a gorgeous city? Count us in!
The best part of the program wasn’t just the freebies, though. It brought some much-needed attention to the responsible travellers have to lessen their environmental impact when visiting new places. At least 35 million tons of waste is created each year by tourists around the globe. If we want the most beautiful parts of the planet to stay beautiful, we need to be cutting back on waste and our carbon footprint. It all starts with some careful planning and a seriously sustainable packing list …
Importance of Pre-Trip Planning for Sustainable Travel
Unfortunately, much of our world these days runs on the automatic use of single-use plastics and an obscene amount of waste. Checking out of those habits and into a more sustainable holiday approach requires a little extra planning. As we’ll explore in the next section, reducing waste on trips often comes down to packing choices.
Having a strong understanding of the destination you’ll be in and the kinds of activities you’ll be participating in also helps. For example, city trips will require slightly different sustainability planning compared to a stay in the middle of a forest. Sitting down to plan ahead allows you to be more intentional about what you bring and how you consider your potential impact on the destination.
5 Expert Tips for Reducing Waste During Trips
Wherever you’re off to, here are five expert tips on how to reduce waste during your travels:
1. Pack Reusables
Cut down on litter and general waste by packing these handy reusables for your trip:
● Tote Bag: These are a great way to have when shopping, but are also useful to keep any bits of used packaging from the day so that you can throw them away when you see a proper recycling bin, etc.
● Reusable Straw and Cutlery: Though more and more cafés around the world are embracing plastic-free cutlery and straws, it’s good to have your own reusable set on hand to reduce waste.
● Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is key on any trip. A reusable water bottle often helps motivate you to drink more water, and it saves a huge amount of plastic.
● Thermal Cup: You might choose to combine this point with the one above and bring a bottle that can carry both hot and cold drinks, but either way, make sure to pack something you can get a takeout coffee in. Some cafés will even give you a discount for bringing your own cup.
2. Consider Your Toiletries
Here’s how to ensure that your toiletries don’t add to waste problems:
● Stick to toiletries in reusable and/or recyclable packaging.
● Especially when in more rural areas, try to use soaps and such that are compostable, as this means less chemical waste in the water systems.
3. Say No to Single Waste Plastic
Keeping reusables on hand is one part of this, but we’d also recommend looking up spots that are embracing more sustainable food packaging materials, such as bamboo and sugarcane, that aren’t just recyclable but compostable.
- Stick to Digital Tickets and Passes
This is both sustainable and practical. Save all your tickets and passes on your phone so that you don’t have to print everything out. It reduces paper waste and means that you don’t miss out on the museum visit you’ve been looking forward to just because you forgot to print out a ticket.
5. Take a Beat
Fast, frantic travel is when people tend to fall back on convenience and take that single-use plastic or forget their water bottle at the hotel. Take things a step slower when you can. It allows you to get a little more intentional about your travel decisions and maybe walk that extra mile to the place with plastic-free packaging or stop to refill at a public fountain rather than just buying another drink.
Responsible Travel Practices
Reducing waste isn’t the only way to make your trips more sustainable:
● Pack Light: Airplanes use fuel based on how much weight they’re transporting, which is why packing light is a great way to help cut back on your environmental footprint. Sticking to a single backpack or carry-on will also make it that much easier to use more sustainable modes of transport, such as bikes and trains.
● Consider the Carbon Impact: Many booking platforms allow you to check the carbon footprint of your travel and adjust accordingly. Direct flights tend to have a lower carbon footprint, but it’s also worth considering supporting carbon offset initiatives if possible.
● Rent a Bicycle: It’s fun, saves on fuel, and allows you to see a city like a local.
● Support Local: Buying local, fresh food and supporting people who are trying to approach things more sustainably all help ensure that your impact on the places you’re visiting is more positive.
Light Steps and Low Waste
Seemingly small choices like renting a bike instead of taking a taxi or sticking with a reusable water bottle throughout your trip have a big impact. Whenever you can, try to get more thoughtful with your packing and planning so that you get to leave every destination better than you found it.