When you’re travelling around the country or exploring the world, do you forget about your green lifestyle? Just because you’re doing things such as creating waste or notching up carbon miles on territories other than your home ground, it doesn’t mean that they don’t count! World Tourism Day is coming up on the 27th of September, so don’t forget your eco lifestyle at home when leaving on a jet plane. Here is how to be a responsible tourist.
Waste Less
You can start being a responsible tourist before your trip begins by booking as many elements of your travels electronically. Then, when you are in your destination, carry a reusable bag when shopping to avoid buying plastic and try to eat in restaurants instead of getting takeaways as this prevents waste.
Be Shopping Conscious
Be careful about what you buy. Focus on protecting wildlife and their habitats by being sure that you’re not purchasing any products that are made from endangered plant or animal ingredients.
Pay it Forward
Where you are holidaying is just a vacation spot for you, but the land on which you’re travelling is home to other people, so try to bring some goodness to it during your stay. You can do this by supporting the economy and only purchasing items made locally as it can help people keep their jobs. Besides for shopping, use local drivers and tour guides, which are also clever ways for you to learn more about the country in which you’re staying.
Leave the Car
If you can get around without the help, use green modes of travel, such as riding a bicycle. This is a great way to explore the city, take pictures, and prevent air pollution.
Leave it Where You Found it
Don’t disrupt the natural state of things. Yes, that coral or shell on the beach looks beautiful and you’d love to take it home, but resist the temptation. As a responsible traveller, it’s up to you to leave nature as it was before you arrived.
Avoid Counterfeit Goods
Shelling out money for a fake bag sold to you by a street seller might make you feel you are giving something back but this can be doing more harm than you think. Often, there are criminals that are behind the scenes, taking advantage of these sellers who are desperate for money so it’s best not to play a part in keeping the crime cycle going. If you want to do something good, make a donation to a charity instead.
Read the Disclaimer
Be sure your eco accommodation really is green. Ask to see their written policy to be sure the hotel or lodge takes their eco stance seriously, is doing positive work for the local people and looking after the environment.
Avoid Activities that Make Use of Captive Animals
Don’t support circuses and be careful of activities that make use of captive animals. For instance, when get your photograph taken with a tiger cub, you might not realise that these animals are often drugged for the photos and get killed when they grow larger. Swimming with dolphins in captivity is also a no-no as they suffer psychologically and physically on a daily basis.
Respect!
Showing respect to the local people and their culture also forms part of being a responsible eco tourist. Respect the local customs and traditions, and read up on them before you arrive so that you don’t unintentionally offend anyone by how you’re dressed or what you say and do.
