Earth Day, established in 1970, celebrates the achievements of the environmental movement while raising awareness of the need to protect the planet’s natural resources for our future generations. Each year, Earth Day is celebrated on April 22nd in the United States and is recognized throughout the entire world.
Whether you travel frequently or on rare special occasions, chances are you’ve wondered what kind of impact you’ve made and if there is anything you can do to be more mindful of your carbon footprint or take action towards helping protect our planet. Whether you’re volunteering, recycling, utilizing ride sharing, or making energy-efficient updates to your home, there are several easy steps you can take even while traveling that will have a positive influence on others and the environment.
One of the best ways to honor Earth Day is by traveling with responsibility! Check out our list below for ideas that you can try throughout your entire trip and share with your friends and family.
Planning For Your Trip
- Booking your flight: Consider selecting to offset your carbon emissions when available, as many airlines now offer the option. Book a non-stop flight wherever possible, since planes use the greatest amount of fuel during takeoffs and landings. You’ll get to reap the immediate benefits by getting to your destination faster and your luggage is less likely to get lost!
- Opt for electronic boarding passes over paper tickets. You can do the same when booking other things such as boat rides, train rides, and for most other tours now with your smart phone.
- Reserve Eco-friendly accommodations: Look for hotels or other accommodations that have a strong commitment to the environment. This could mean they use renewable energy, have water-saving measures in place, or use locally sourced, sustainable products.
- Pack light! If everyone were to pack a little less, there would be less luggage which burns less fuel. Less fuel overall means less emissions!
- Borrow gear. A great way to save money and unnecessary waste is to borrow things that you don’t have from friends, family, or even from online community groups especially if you don’t expect to use the gear frequently after your trip. Places like REI and Sports Basement also offer great solutions for your one-off adventure needs.
- Remember to bring your refillable water bottle and reusable shopping tote to avoid unnecessary plastic and waste.
- Unplug your electronic appliances when you leave home for an extended time, especially those with digital or LCD displays such as TVs or microwaves since these suck a lot of power even when they aren’t switched on.
- Adjust your home water heater and thermostat by turning it down or off depending on the season. Smart thermostats are an excellent choice so that you have the ability to control things even while away.
Transportation Before, During, and After your Trip
- Use public transportation or Carpooling: Public transportation significantly reduces the number of cars on the road, leading to lower carbon emissions. If you must drive, make the journey more sustainable by sharing it with others. Not only will this reduce your carbon footprint, but it can also help to reduce traffic congestion.
- Cycling or walking: For shorter distances, consider cycling or walking. Not only are these options carbon-neutral, but they're also great for your health!
- If you have to drive, consider renting an electric car when possible, otherwise stick to the speed limits and drive sensibly to optimize gas mileage and fuel efficiency.
During Your Trip
- Unplug when you’re out! Make sure the lights, heating unit/AC and television are switched off each time you leave your hotel room.
- Leave the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door to stop housekeeping from cleaning your room every day. The cleaning supplies and electricity of vacuuming and washing bed linens you save adds up. This also means you will end up re-using your towels for several days, just as you would at home!
- Reuse/share/return brochures and maps with your travel mates or to the concierge for re-use after you’ve finished using them.
- Try to avoid using the hotel’s laundry service. Since they typically wash guest’s clothes separately, there is often excess consumption of water and energy. Instead, hand wash small items or wait until you have a full load of clothes. Or even bring back to wash at home!
- Shop at local farmers’ markets when you aren’t dining out. They have seasonal fruits and vegetables which are the freshest and best tasting option. Buying food typically grown in the region you’re visiting (not thousands of miles away or another country) supports local farmers and keeps the money in the local community.