Dos and Don’ts of Sustainable Travel: How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint While Exploring the World

Hey there fellow travelers! Are you ready to learn about sustainable travel and reduce your carbon footprint while exploring the world? Well, you've come to the right place! I've got all (ok not all.. but a few good ones) the dos and don'ts you need to know to become an eco-conscious traveler. And trust me, you don't want to be that person who leaves a giant carbon footprint everywhere they go.

DO: Use public transportation

Let's start with the basics. If you want to be a sustainable traveler, you've got to use public transportation. Not only is it better for the environment, but it's also a great way to explore a new city. Just make sure you know how to use the public transportation system before you hop on that bus or train. Trust me, you don't want to end up lost in the middle of nowhere.

DON'T: Rent a Hummer

Now, I know what you're thinking - "But I want to look cool and drive around in a fancy car!" Well, my friend, if you want to reduce your carbon footprint, you've got to leave that Hummer at home. Opt for a smaller, more eco-friendly car, or better yet, walk or bike everywhere. Plus, you'll get some exercise and fresh air in the process. Also unless you're in a military uniform, everyone, and I mean EVERYONE looks like a tool in a hummer..

Don't be 'that guy'.. Credit: Robert So DO: Stay in eco-friendly accommodations

When it comes to choosing your accommodations, look for eco-friendly options. Many hotels and hostels now offer sustainable amenities, such as solar panels, composting, and recycling programs. Plus, you'll be supporting businesses that are doing their part to protect the environment.

DON'T: Stay in a treehouse

Now, I know treehouses might seem like the ultimate eco-friendly accommodation, but hear me out. While they might look cool on Instagram, they're not always the most sustainable option. Unless you're staying in a treehouse that's been specifically designed to be eco-friendly, you're better off staying in a more traditional accommodation.

DO: Eat like a local

One of the best things about traveling is trying new foods. And if you want to be a sustainable traveler, you've got to eat like a local. Look for restaurants that serve locally sourced, organic food. Not only will you be supporting the local economy, but you'll also be reducing your carbon footprint by eating food that hasn't traveled halfway around the world.

DON' T: Eat at McDonald's

Now, I know it might be tempting to grab a Big Mac when you're in a foreign country, but trust me, it's not worth it. Not only are fast food restaurants terrible for the environment, but they also contribute to the homogenization of culture. Instead, try local street food or ask locals for recommendations on where to eat.

DO: Pack light

When it comes to packing, less is more. The more you pack, the heavier your bags will be, and the more carbon emissions you'll produce. Plus, packing light makes it easier to navigate public transportation and walk around new cities. So leave that hairdryer and extra pair of shoes at home, and pack only the essentials.

DON'T: Pack your entire closet

I know it might be tempting to bring your entire closet with you on your trip, but trust me, you don't need it. You're not going to a fashion show, you're going on an adventure. So leave the fancy clothes at home and stick to comfortable, practical clothing that you can wear multiple times.

Don't pack too much stuff. Credit: Victoria Strelka_ph DO: Support local businesses

When you're traveling, make an effort to support local businesses. Whether it's buying souvenirs from a local market or eating at a mom-and-pop restaurant, you'll be contributing to the local economy and getting a more authentic travel experience.

DON'T: Shop at Walmart

I know it might be tempting to pop into a Walmart or other big box stores when you're on vacation, but resist the urge. Not only are these stores terrible for the environment, but they also contribute to the homogenization of culture. Instead, try visiting local markets or shops and supporting small businesses.

DO: Bring reusable items

Finally, if you want to be a sustainable traveler, bring reusable items with you. This could include a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and utensils. By reducing your use of single-use items, you'll be doing your part to protect the environment.

DON'T: Bring disposable everything

On the other hand, don't bring disposable everything. If you're constantly using plastic water bottles, plastic bags, and disposable utensils, you're not being a sustainable traveler. So do your part and bring reusable items with you.

Rubbish, rubbish everywhere.. Credit: Emmet

So there you have it - the dos and don'ts of sustainable travel. If you follow these tips, you'll be on your way to reducing your carbon footprint and exploring the world in an eco-friendly way. But remember, being a sustainable traveler doesn't mean sacrificing your travel experience. It just means being mindful of your impact on the environment and making small changes to reduce your carbon footprint. So go out there and explore the world, but do it in a sustainable way!