16 Eco-Friendly Travel Tips

Six years ago we moved to New Mexico to begin a whole new chapter in our lives. Coming from the lush green midwest the harsh beauty of the region really reinvigorated our desire to be eco-friendly in our travels. Sure, we have always followed the leave no trace philosophy but seeing how precious the resources we took for granted before are here drove it home for us. Since then we have done a lot of reading to learn how to be responsible eco-tourists.

Eco-Friendly Travel isn’t just a trend; it’s a necessity. With tourism contributing to about 8% of global carbon emissions, our wanderlust can take a significant toll on the planet if we’re not careful​. Eco-friendly travel means making mindful choices that reduce your carbon footprint and support local communities. From choosing green accommodations to minimizing waste, there are many ways to make your trips more sustainable without sacrificing the adventure.

In this post, we’ll explore some practical, easy-to-follow tips that will help you travel greener. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long vacation, these tips will ensure that your travels are kind to both the environment and the local cultures you visit.

By the end of this post, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and inspiration to embark on your next adventure with a lighter environmental footprint. Let’s dive into the world of eco-friendly travel and make every journey a step towards a more sustainable future.

Eco-Friendly Travel Tips

Here are some easy eco-friendly travel tips to help you reduce your footprint and support sustainable tourism:

Transportation

• Use Green Transport: Practice slow travel. Choose trains, buses, cycling, or walking. If you must fly, pack light and choose airlines with carbon offset programs.
• Ride-Sharing Apps: Share rides to cut down on the number of cars on the road.

Accommodations

• Eco-Friendly Stays: Pick eco-friendly resorts, lodges, or homestays. Reuse towels and linens to save water and energy.
• Green Certifications: Look for accommodations with certifications like LEED or Green Key.

Packing and Supplies

• Use Reusables: Bring a reusable water bottle, reusable utensils, and eco-friendly toiletries. Choose sustainable luggage.
• Solar Charger: Bring a solar charger for your devices.

Supporting Local Economies

• Buy Local: Purchase souvenirs from local artisans, eat at family-owned restaurants, and hire local guides.
• Local Transport: Use local bike rentals, scooters, or car rentals instead of international services.

Conservation

• Save Water and Energy: Take short showers, turn off lights and AC when not in use, and wash clothes yourself.
• Reusable Coffee Cup: Bring your own cup to avoid disposable ones.

Activities

• Eco-Friendly Fun: Choose low-impact activities like bird watching or botanical garden visits.
• Slow Travel Tours: Try multi-day hiking or cycling trips for a deeper experience.

Volunteering and Advocacy

• Give Back: Join local conservation projects or clean-ups.
• Donate: Support local environmental organizations.

Miscellaneous

• Go Digital: Use digital boarding passes, maps, and guides to reduce paper waste.
• Eco Souvenirs: Create travel mementos like pressed flowers or sketches instead of buying mass-produced items.

By following these tips, you can have a fun adventures while helping the environment and local communities.

If you have any other tips or experiences to share please find us on social media. If we add it we will be sure and put a link to you as credit.

Happy travels and stay green!

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By Summer and Bill

Summer and Bill are the dynamic duo behind Adventureite.com, a blog dedicated to inspiring others to explore the great outdoors. With a combined lifetime of experience traveling and adventuring across America, they have a wealth of knowledge to share. From hiking to camping, kayaking to travel, Summer and Bill are passionate about helping others discover the beauty of the natural world.