Is Zero Waste Travel Possible? How to Travel Green

Zero waste travel has become more popular over recent years, and more hospitality and tourism companies have begun to think about how they can make their businesses and products eco-friendly. But changing habits and products within the travel industry is just half the battle; you as a traveler can also contribute to green travel in major ways. 

You may not think twice when you go to refill your reusable water bottle or bring your canvas bag with you when you go grocery shopping. You have been told, and it has become ingrained in your mind, that with these simple actions you can help protect the environment.  

Just like recycling your old math homework has become a habit, there are plenty of steps you can take as a tourist to ensure that you are always traveling green. You can help promote sustainable tourism by thinking about the environmental, economical, and cultural effects that your actions as a tourist may have while you travel. But how?

Is zero waste travel realistic?

Realistically, if you’re looking at achieving zero waste travel, the most practical solution is to not travel. In fact, that’s the most effective carbon offset travel there is. But—let's all be real here and acknowledge that we love to travel and explore the world as much as the next person. Can those who are passionate about traveling lessen their impact on the environment? 

For those of you who want to satiate your wanderlust while being eco friendly, there are ways to be a green traveler and still enjoy it the same! In order to participate in eco friendly travel, you would have to compromise and choose travel products and methods that help reduce your carbon footprint.

So, whether you pack reusable items or choose greener transportation options, you can easily incorporate simple changes into your travel lifestyle that help you do your part in traveling sustainably. 

12 tips on how to travel green

In this day and age, a reusable water bottle is practically a given.

1. Smart transportation

When traveling around, consider going for transportation options that support greener travel. Instead of flying domestic, consider taking a train or bus! Or if you must fly, choose an airline that offers carbon offsets.

When traveling around a city, rent out some bikes or get your steps in and walk. Being smarter about your transportation choices will not only help the environment—you won’t be breaking the bank either!

2. Don’t forgot your reusable/low-waste items

Remembering to pack your reusable bags, reusable water bottles, reusable toiletries, and other items are great ways to travel green. By packing reusable things to travel with, you are being less wasteful, limiting the amount of trash, and being resourceful! 

Some cities around the world have public water fountains that offer clean drinking water to the public that you can fill your reusable water bottle with. Much better than wasting a bunch of plastic water bottles every day, right? 

There are also eco friendly toiletry options you can pack in your bags, such as reusable shampoo bars and bamboo toothbrushes, to name a few.

3. Need a car? Rent out eco friendly options!

Some places you travel to may not have local transportation systems or walkable cities. If you need to rent a car, researching types that are eco friendly is a good way to participate in sustainable travel. Eco friendly cars include vehicles that don’t run on, or use less, oil than other cars. A green vehicle can range from electric to hybrid.

4. Power down the electronics 

Unplug and get outside!

Most of us have heard the same nagging phrase from our parents to “turn off the lights if you’re not using them!” But we are here to tell you that our parents were on to something. While turning off the lights saves money, it also saves electricity and is more eco friendly. 

Unplugging electronics and turning off anything that uses electricity conserves more energy. Consider using energy-saving electricity options too, or stay in accommodations that offer greener electricity options. Being conscious of your electricity use is one step closer to being a green traveler.

5. Save your water!

The idea of saving your water is similar to the whole turning off the lights/electronics to save money/energy mantra. From simply turning the sink off when brushing your teeth and washing your face, to taking shorter showers, and maybe even limiting your washing machine or dishwasher use, can all help save water.

6. Technology is your friend

If your parents or friends start nagging you about using your phone so much, you can tell them it’s because you’re saving the trees! What we really mean is that with modern technology you can now get your plane, train, or bus tickets on your phone instead of printing out a paper ticket all the time.

You can also use your phone for directions instead of lugging around a big map. 

When you’re thinking of how to travel sustainably, these technology shortcuts are great examples among many others.

7. Stay at green accommodations 

Eco lodges and eco friendly establishments are some of the coolest places you could stay.

Similar to how there are different types of accommodations to stay at, there are different ways that accommodations can be considered eco friendly. When staying at a hotel, there are certain certifications and seals that may be displayed in the hotel or on their website that signify it’s a certified green hotel.

Some of these certifications include: LEED certification, Green Globe, Earthcheck, Green Key Global, etc. It’s also a good idea to look at the products your accommodation offers, such as linens and toiletries to see whether they are eco friendly or not. 

From hotels to Airbnbs and everything in between, there are plenty of ways that signify whether your accommodation is green. But, sometimes the best way to know is to simply ask!

8. Respect the sites

An important part of how to travel sustainably is ensuring you are respecting the sites you visit. What we mean by the latter is that some places you visit, like a national park or a cultural heritage site, are fragile and protected environments. Making sure you follow the rules in interacting with the parks or sites is integral to being a sustainable traveler.

For example, some parks have certain paths to follow so that our human feet aren’t wearing down the earth. Or, in terms of a cultural heritage site, there may be signs and warnings from guides to not run your hands over statues or monuments. Because of their age, certain buildings, statues, monuments, etc. are susceptible to easy wear and can be fragile.

It’s also important to respect the local culture and people of the place you’re in, and to follow the rules and customs that the locals do. 

9. Don’t litter

A lot of places in the world look like this because of Western consumption. Don’t be a contributor.

Simply put, just don’t litter! No one likes to see trash sitting around when they visit a place. Just like we would respect our own homes and not throw trash around inside or out, we must remember to respect wherever we are and do the same. 

A lot of things we use in our day to day life and things we consider trash are harmful to the environment. We must all do our part to be less wasteful and respect the local environment we are visiting to keep it beautiful and inviting for future visitors.

10. Buy local!

You may not think about this as a way to travel sustainably, but buying local does wonders for the local community. Going to local restaurants, shops, and art galleries are great ways to support small businesses and give back to the local community. 

Think about it: The more visitors and income that goes to local businesses and people, the more opportunities the locals have to make their homes a great place to visit. Visiting local businesses while you travel may also produce some of the most memorable and authentic moments of your trip.

11. Explore Earth’s natural beauty 

While it’s fun to go to shops, restaurants, museums, and sports arenas while you travel, sometimes we may forget the most wonderful sites to see are Earth’s natural landscapes. More often than not, part of the reason why you traveled to the destination you’re in is because of its beauty. 

Research the best local hikes to really explore the area. You’ll feel good after all that exercise and the views at the top of your hike will definitely be worth all that sweat! Or do you enjoy leisure activities? Research the best beaches, parks, gardens, and other outdoor areas.

Sometimes being outdoors and in nature (when the time allows it) is the best way to slow down and really enjoy the place you’re in.

12. Invest and search for programs that offer sustainable travel

One of the most important things you can do is to travel with a program that’s conscious of its impact.

It goes without saying that choosing certain travel programs or tours that stress sustainable travel is one of the best ways to travel green. There are many destinations that are also known for being sustainable, like Costa Rica and New Zealand. 

Traveling with eco friendly travel companies will teach you how to be a smart and sustainable traveler. In addition to practicing green travel daily, you will learn how to be an eco friendly advocate for your future travels!

Check out these green providers for some eco friendly travel programs:

• The GREEN Program
• Kaya Responsible Travel
• GVI
• Volunteer Encounter

Sign up for a FREE MyGoAbroad account to find, save, and compare green travel programs

Eco friendly travel is more important than ever! 

Now more than ever, we see how our Earth is changing every day because of the modern lifestyles of humans. None of us want to hear that the privilege of traveling is canceled because of the effect it has on the environment. 

We all have to do our part as global citizens and take those next steps in researching and implementing eco friendly travel alternatives. Only then will we be able to feel confident about the future of our land and homes, and only then will we maintain the ability to travel for subsequent generations.