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Promogram April 22, 2022
The next time you travel, be more sustainability-minded in order to benefit the environment and local communities.
By Sara Lavenduski

Trips to new places do wonders for mental health – and it doesn’t have to be hours away. Simply changing our environment for a few days and escaping the confines of a desk can help people come back to work refreshed and renewed.

Unfortunately, many tourist-heavy areas have been adversely affected by years of foot traffic. A long list of impacts include waste, soil erosion, damage to plant life, marine litter and air pollution. Hawaii, for example, a popular tropical destination for vacationers, hosted 4,353,794 people between January and August 2021, according to the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. But the island is contending with the effects of travelers coming to its shores, such as marine pollution, disruption of animal habitats and trampling of vegetation.
Ecotourism seeks to change that: It’s a travel practice that encourages people to arrive at their destination using transport that’s as sustainable as possible, and to plan a trip with eco-consciousness at the forefront. In a word, it’s respect for the place being visited and the people who call it home. According to market research firm Statista, the global ecotourism industry was worth $181 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow to nearly $334 billion by 2027, at an annual growth rate of 14.3%.
Here are a few easy ways to travel as an ecotourist.
If you have to fly to your destination, consider eco-conscious flight providers. Take direct flights whenever possible, and if airlines offer to sell you carbon offsets – such as reforestation efforts or energy reduction in other areas – take advantage of that. Do some research on the most eco-conscious airlines and airports. According to LeafScore, a site that helps consumers make greener purchases in a variety of industries, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is the most committed to reducing its carbon footprint and Alaska Airlines maximizes fuel efficiency. Meanwhile, Denver International Airport has the largest solar-power farm at a commercial airport in the U.S.
Once you arrive, consider booking fuel-efficient rental cars and cabs, or even bikes, to get to your accommodations, rather than smaller planes and buses. Trains are also becoming more eco-conscious; do your research on area providers.
Pare down your packing list so you can get everything in a lighter carry-on bag – the heavier the luggage in a plane, the less fuel-efficient the trip. Also pack reusable drinkware instead of buying plastic water bottles when you arrive, and make sure the toiletries you bring are eco-conscious. For example, if you’re headed on a tropical vacation, buy coral reef-friendly sunscreen; some products contain chemicals that can contribute to reef deterioration. And be sure to bring reusable bags for shopping at local markets and for souvenirs, rather than relying on single-use plastic.
(Statista)
Research hotels and resorts with an eco-friendly mission and purpose. Carbon neutrality, rainwater recycling, renewable energy, shower timers and organic, locally produced food are all gaining traction in the hospitality industry. Once there, reuse towels as many times as possible to reduce water use and wastewater, turn energy off (such as lights, A/C and the TV) during the day when you’re out and about, and take shorter showers.
Find opportunities at your destination to benefit the environment. Many destinations offer eco tours (hopefully using sustainable transport) during which guests can help plant trees, clean up waterways and clear trash. Take hikes and kayak trips with no environmental impact. The tour companies should also employ people who live locally, which helps to benefit the surrounding area economically. And after a long day clearing litter, be sure to head to a low- or no-waste eatery that offers local food sourced sustainably.
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