7 Actionable Tips to Implement For More Sustainable Travel

Written as a pledge to mother nature.

For those of us who travel, flying, driving, and generally getting places can greatly contribute to our carbon footprint. And whether you believe in science and climate change or not, I do. More and more people are traveling every day, and with that increase comes an increase in greenhouse gas emission and unsustainable tourism.

Yet, I have a blog about travel. Encouraging people to experience the world and potentially increasing their carbon footprint. And I firmly believe people should travel because it has the power to change people for the better – increasing happiness and relationship satisfaction, boosting tolerance and acceptance, expanding compassion and understanding. The list goes on! But what happens when this belief is in direct opposition to my other believe – that we have a responsibility to the Earth and Mother Nature to protect them?

The reality is, people aren’t going to stop traveling. Now that we have the means and desire to see the world, nothing will stop us. And you can’t really blame us! So, instead of boycotting such a large industry and positive aspect in people’s lives, I have decided to focus on sustainable tourism and lifestyle – promoting it and practicing it.

P. S. The Eisriesenwelt Ice Caverns were believed to be formed in the Tertiary Period but were discovered in 1879 by cave explorer Alexander von Mörk. It’s the largest ice cave in the world (!!), and I for one don’t want it melting. I’m writing a longer post about the visit, but for now please enjoy this picture 🙂

Below I have detailed my sustainable travel pledges (many of which I also practice at home) that I hope will inspire some responsibility and faith in you. These tips are 7 actions you can actually put into practice rather than abstract ideas. Perhaps some of you will implement them as well!

MY SUSTAINABILITY PLEDGES

1. I pledge to continue veganism. My biggest promotion for sustainability and reduced carbon footprint comes from veganism. All the food and restaurants I discuss on my blog are vegan or have vegan options (for when you are with omnivores, or simply stuck). Obviously, I do not expect any of you to become vegan overnight and I don’t expect most of you to BE vegan. But by choosing to eat one meal a day (or even a week) without animal products, you can cut down on your carbon footprint. I pledge to eat vegan when traveling and at home in order to reduce my harm to the environment. I also pledge to support local vegan businesses.
2. I pledge to contribute to the local economy. Sustainable tourism is about more than the environment – it’s also about the society and the economy, which is why I do my best to spend money to support local businesses, be that restaurants, grocery stores, or artisans.
3. I pledge to listen. As I said, sustainability is also about society, which is why I listen to the locals when I travel somewhere. Talk to locals, listen to the things they believe are cool or important in their country – then go there! Or support that thing they just spent five minutes describing to you! Engage in conversations, as long as it’s safe to do so.
4. I pledge to reduce my use of single-use plastics. I’ve been traveling for years with reusable utensils and a bottle. I even got stopped at a security checkpoint in Serbia for one of my knives! (Spoiler – they made me throw them away even though I had been through nearly 15 countries and about as many flights with them.) I will continue to reduce my use of all plastic, especially single-use, and be mindful of what I leave behind. One tip is to bring your own bags, even in countries or states that provide them. It’s a quick way to cut out a lot of plastic.
5. I pledge to travel mindfully. There are ways to travel that have a drastically lower negative impact on the environment, such as trains and buses (particularly in Europe). I will do my best to fly less, either combining travel to certain areas in one trip or using alternative forms of transit. All through my travel in Europe, I was walking most places within a city and took a bus or train between towns and countries. Only when necessary did I take a flight, and I will continue this practice. My love of walking and non-flight transit helps offset when I do fly. Traveling mindfully also incorporates my other points, particularly #2 and #3. Educate yourself before making plans, even when you are at your destination.
6. I pledge to promote sustainability, particularly in tourism. Not only will I write about sustainable tourism practices, but I will also try to promote destinations and brands that align with these beliefs whenever possible.
7. I pledge to vote.  Environmental policy is a big deal. Travel and politics are inescapably linked as well. It is my responsibility to vote for people and programs that will help us save the planet for future generations. Big changes, like the Paris Climate Agreement, can only happen from the top-down. My small actions matter, but they help make these big actions possible in the long run. This pledge is the last time I’ll talk about politics; that’s not what I am here for! But do keep it in mind when voting and traveling, please.

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