How to Make World Travel Eco-Friendly

by Kylie of Green & Growing

Eco Friendly World Travel…Tourists are notorious for not taking care of the environment as they travel. Whether you’re visiting Tokyo or Tegucigalpa, it will benefit both you and the environment if you practice eco-friendly traveling.

Traveling the World the Eco-friendly Way

Many people complain that it’s too difficult to practice living in an environmentally responsible way while traveling. While it takes a bit of planning and forethought, living eco-friendly as you travel the world shouldn’t be too much of a challenge. Keep reading for six easy ways to be eco-friendly as a world traveler.

1. Purchase Natural Sunscreen

Believe it or not, the chemicals in most chemical sunscreens are the main cause of the bleaching coral reefs. Due to the chemical oxybenzone, most sunscreens pose a threat to both the earth and your body. Make a difference by opting for natural sunscreen made with zero chemicals.

These sunscreens are just as effective as their chemical counterparts and are easily found in big box stores. You’ll find that most of the sunscreens made for children are free of chemicals and best for your skin.

 

2. Biodegradable Soap

Soap is one of the most-used items on any trip, so make your choice in soaps count. A biodegradable soap is generally quite concentrated and will last you a long time.

This soap works well as a dish soap, laundry detergent and is easy on the environment. Typical detergents contain certain chemicals that will run off into the ground and eventually cause damage to plants and animals.

As you use your biodegradable soap, try to be mindful of your water use. Use only enough soap and water as needed, to avoided excess soap runoff and wasted water.

 

3. Water Filter and Reusable Water Bottle

It is often recommended for travelers to have their own water, as opposed to drinking the local water. Many travelers try to stock up on bottled water throughout their stay. While this may be a wise health choice, in many countries, you will be hard-pressed to find a place to store and eventually recycle all your water bottles.

Instead of creating a problem by only drinking from water bottles, try a water bottle with a filter. With a filter, you will be able to drink any water in almost every country in the world, save the countries that contain heavy metals in their water.

The reusable water bottle will ensure that you always have water on hand. This will save you time and money as you will never need to purchase another water bottle. Be sure to choose a water bottle that will be able to withstand the back and forth of traveling.

4. Avoid Plastic Straws

More people are starting to realize the world-changing benefit of avoiding plastic straws. Instead of opting for a single-use plastic straw, you can avoid plastic straws altogether. There are metal and paper straws available as reusable straw alternatives. Similarly, you can use cups with lids that make using them without straws easier.

 

5. Keep Paper Usage to a Minimum

It’s almost human nature to pick up travel brochures and guidebooks. However, when you can, try to find a digital alternative. Download maps and travel information brochures ahead of time to make it easier to travel without physical paper products.

 

6. Start Using Reusable Bags

Plastic bags are being banned in more and more places around the world. This is due to the fact that a huge majority of the world’s waste can be attributed to single-use plastics. Similarly, without having guaranteed means to recycle plastics on your travels, you may find yourself often discarding plastic bags instead of using them again.

Become a more eco-conscious tourist by making it a point to replace plastic bags with their reusable both counterparts. The best reusable bag options include cloth bags and paper bags. Try your best to avoid using plastic bags as reusable bags as they won’t last as long as the more eco-friendly alternatives, and will ultimately pose the problem of finding adequate recycling.

As you shop or travel locally on your trips, your reusable is a great way to carry your lightweight personal belongings for the day as well as an eco-friendly way to carry groceries.

 

Travel Better by Living Better

Don’t try to use traveling as an excuse for why you aren’t taking care of the environment. Wherever you are in the world, there is a way to make the earth a better place. Work on a plan to live more simply before you go on your trip.

Use these six tips to kickstart your eco-friendly traveling strategy. Consider your daily needs and how you can alter them for the better. By putting the environment first, you’ll find that a lot of your environmentally friendly choices will benefit you as well.

 

About the author:

Kylie is the editor at Green & Growing. She enjoy the outdoors, especially when she can go on a fun hike or adventure. She likes to focus on the perks green living. She feels it is so important to take care of our earth and hope to spread more awareness as she edits and writes.

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