How can you limit your environmental footprint when you travel?
We have asked the Founder of International Travel Blog LittleTravelPrincess, Sonja Belle to share for you her 5 top eco travel tips on what you can do to ensure your next holiday is as good for you as it is the environment
1. Choose a sustainable hotel
LittleTravelPrincess is a blog which focuses on boutique and luxury accommodation so usually my research starts with looking at a destination and then the brands or chains which offer this sort of stay.
I pay particular attention to: a properties star rating; amenities; customer feedback and then scroll through images to see what a stay with them will be like. As they say - a picture is worth 1000 words. If I glimpse neon, high shine, plastic and white lighting - it is definitely a swipe left!
I then go to my preferred travel site Agoda to narrow my choice of accommodation. Agoda and other booking sites including the recently launched Qantas Green Tier Program, offer a category of sustainable hotels. According to Agoda, 58% of travelers prefer eco-friendly properties and 40% are willing to spend an extra $10 a night for the privilege.
My preference is always:
Boutique vs big brand
4 stars and above
Earth check certification
à la carte vs buffet dining options to limit waste a
Ethical sourcing of local, clean and healthy food
Zero waste initiatives including reducing the presence of single-use items and implementing effective recycling programs
Pledging to local causes where the chain works alongside local communities to offer education, employment opportunities and more
“The only thing to leave behind - is your footsteps.”
2. BYO Lotions and Potions in cute travel tins
Most of us get to the age where we have our favorite shampoo, conditioner, body wash and moisturizer. These are the products that wash your hair properly, tame the frizz, don't leave you itchy and wont give you a rash. I have one word to share with you - DECANT!
It is as easy as 1 - 2 - 3 to grab yourself a cute set of travel containers and dispense your must have toiletries to take with you. This is SO much better than arriving at your destination to end up with an over supply of little plastic bottles of poor quality detergents.
3. BYO water bottle
Most hotels and resorts around the world offer complimentary filtered water so now it should be second nature to pack your refillable water bottle as well as your passport when you travel. Unless in doubt, there is no need to buy bottled water.
If you travel like me, with tween and teen children you cant go wrong with treating them to a Frank Green 1L water bottle with straw lid. For $59.95 they aren't easy on the purse but a quality purchase and a sure and certain way to ensure your kids stay hydrated on their trip.
It is also pleasing to see that most international flights now have onboard refill water stations. This makes for an opportunity to both stretch your legs and reduce your risk of DVT as well save on the single use plastic water bottles.
4. Eco Packing
Here are some simple but effective eco travel packing tips:
Pack a reusable straw
Replace your one-use makeup remover wipes with 100% organic reusable makeup remover pads
Pack a bamboo bristle hairbrush and a bamboo toothbrush to reduce your plastic waste
Use reef-safe sunscreen and protect our oceans and your skin
Pack a menstrual cup and period knickers vs tampons and sanitary pads.
5. Sustainable travel fashion
The fast fashion industry has a massive impact on our environment.
In the last few years, I have started to make better purchasing decisions and to support brands that are making an effort to reduce waste and resource consumption.
Essential for travel is comfortable, breathable and supportive underwear.
Australian brand Boody is one I recommend trying. Boody offers super soft underwear including knickers, jocks, bras, bralettes, pajamas, vests and socks (for women, men and babies) made from organically grown bamboo.
Here are some of my current favorite sustainable fashion brands. Each differs whether it be upcycling plastic waste, using organic textiles, sourcing ethically, reducing wastage, giving back and or promoting ethical work environments:
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