Wondering how to travel sustainably? We at ingarden are a global team who understand the importance of networking. Our seed pads come from gardens in Italy, and ingarden was developed in Sweden. We're committed to making the world a more sustainable place. That's why our passionate team has created this guide to sustainable travel – just in time for summer!
10. Reusing bed linen and towels
How often do you change your bed linens and towels at home? It's crazy that many hotels around the world wash towels and linens for every room daily! This uses a huge amount of energy. Avoid this by offering to reuse your sheets and towels for a longer period.
9. Choose a more efficient airline
Did you know that there's a big difference in how much carbon each airline emits? If you have to fly, choose an airline that uses more modern, fuel-efficient aircraft. Modern planes emit more than 25% less CO2 per passenger compared to older models. Flight metasearch engines offer information on the most environmentally friendly fares; alternatively, you can check with the non-profit organization International Council on Clean Transportation.
8. Choose direct flights
We know how tempting it is to take a connecting flight when the price is right. However, for the environment, it's much better to take a direct flight than two flights via a hub. This is due to the high emissions produced during takeoff and landing, and the overall longer flight distance. Direct flights are also more comfortable and faster, giving you more time to enjoy your vacation.
7. Compensate for flight
Most airlines now offer their passengers a carbon offset program, which calculates the CO2 emissions caused by your trip. If you choose to pay for it, the airline will use that money for climate protection programs. You'll be surprised how affordable offsetting is and how great it makes you feel.
6. Try alternative means of transport
Carbon offset programs are great, but flying remains a very carbon-intensive mode of transport. Another way to travel more sustainably is to try other modes of transport. The US is a great country for road trips, and if you're visiting Europe, you can see large parts of the continent without ever setting foot on a plane, thanks to a good network of high-speed trains. The same is true for China and Japan.
5. Traveling in a group
A simple yet effective way to travel more sustainably is to form or join a group. Group travel is more efficient because it results in fuller cars, fewer empty hotel beds, fewer solo taxi rides, and more shared travel in general. It's also a fun, enriching, and sociable way to explore the world.
4. Buy a water filtration system
Did you know that a travel water filter is all you need to drink tap water anywhere in the world? These simple yet remarkable devices are ideal for travelers visiting countries where the tap water isn't safe to drink. With a travel water filter, you avoid constantly buying plastic water bottles, making your trip even more eco-friendly.
3. Eat local produce
A great way to reduce your carbon footprint while traveling is to eat local products. Restaurants and hotels often import food to satisfy foreign tastes, such as salmon. By eating local products, you reduce emissions by shortening the distance from source to plate. Eating local products is also the perfect way for travelers to connect with their destination.
2. Veggie or vegan
Why not try eating vegetarian or vegan on your next vacation? A change of scenery is a great opportunity to try something new. A vegan diet has the smallest carbon footprint of all, and a vegetarian diet produces 2.5 times fewer CO2 emissions than a meat-based diet. For some destinations, avoiding meat is also a sensible precaution to prevent stomach upsets.
1. Choose a sustainable travel provider
The best answer to the question of how to travel sustainably is to choose a sustainable travel provider. Sustainable travel providers calculate the total environmental impact of your trip, from departure to return (including transfers, meals, accommodation, tours, and flights). Typically, sustainable travel companies offset the carbon emissions by having you support a carbon offsetting program – making your trip carbon neutral!
