What is green travel?

By Cindi Pearce

Your suitcase doesn't have to be green literally but the contents should be

Green travel: Awareness of other environments and cultures and being respectful

When you travel green you are making a conscious effort to cut down on waste, bulk, fuel consumption and keeping sustainability in mind. Sustainable travel means that the result is a benefit not only economically but socially, cultural and naturally to the area that is visited.

When we travel if we are not careful and cognizant of the effect that tourism has a lot of negatives can result including bad outcomes on the earth’s cultural and natural gems.

When you are being conscious of the environment while traveling, this is called eco-conscious travel. You are aware of the environment and the impact you are having on it. Eco-friendly travel means that you are being nice to the earth and not doing damage to the vacation spot.

Eco-tourism means ecologically sustainable tourism that is aimed at experiencing natural areas that help us become more aware and appreciative of the environment and what we can do to conserve it.

A responsible traveler respects, supports and understands other people and cultures. Keep in mind the environment and positive contributions that you can make rather than destructive ones.

Secondly, you must respect the customs and cultures of the place you are visiting, which fosters understanding and interaction. This is the social and cultural aspect of travel. Economic travel means that the host community benefits from your visit and embraces the principles of fair trade.

Pack a green suitcase, meaning that you limit the number of bags you take and the number of items. If your suitcase weight a ton this requires more fuel to carry it and that results in more emissions of carbon dioxide. Less really is more sometimes. Pack multipurpose items. Take one pair of shoes instead of three.

Also take reusable items, such as batteries and shopping bags. Instead of carrying books in your luggage, download maps, articles books on an electric device. Try to take non-toxic, natural items, such as cosmetics and soap, with you because you may not be able to find them at your destination or they may be ridiculously prices.

Traveling green includes taking care of the home that you left behind. Turn out the lights (leaving one on a timer for security purposes,) turn down the water heater and thermostat. Unplug your electrical appliances. Put a hold on newspaper delivery.

Tourism is the bread and butter for many areas; however, tourism can devastate an area if precautions aren’t taken. Human traffic can endanger animal species and other activities that tourists take part in, such as hiking or diving, can take a toll on the environment, which obviously includes the ocean.

Before you head out, learn about the transportation options at your destination. Walk when you can. Try to take direct flights instead of those involving layovers because most emissions that are pollutants are released during takeoff and landing.

Riding a train requires half as much energy per passenger mile than an airplane, which is something else you should consider if you are determined to travel green. If you must rent a car, consider renting a hybrid electric car or a biodiesel vehicle. Use public transportation.

Find a green hotel. There are environmentally friendly lodgings. Ask if the hotel or B&B is locally owned and operated and employs local people. Ask if they have a recycling program. Can guests reuse sheets and towels? Does the hotel have alternative energy sources, low-flow toilets and showers and/or energy efficient lighting? Ask if the hotel gives back to the local economy.

Remember to recycle, wherever you are, reduce your waste and practice water conservation.

Learn more:

http://www.catalogs.com/info/travel-vacations/what-is-green-travel.html