While we don’t throw the word pandemic around here lightly, if there is one common affliction that has ravaged the country lately, it is “The Great Wanderlust.”
A few decades back, traveling for a middle-class family was limited to the yearly family trip to the nearest hill station. However, a lot has changed since then. The professionals today are grinding and working insane hours, and their stress levels are at an all-time high, so traveling is a welcome recluse.
Just seeing the calendar punctuated by the red-lettered promised land of vacation sure makes the grind more bearable. The long weekends are noted away with a happy frenzy.
With more and more people claiming to be a traveler and incorporating traveling as a part of their lifestyle rather than an annual event, there is a lot of discourse about traveling consciously. So what does that mean, you ask? Hold on, because this blog is all about that!
What is Eco-Conscious Traveling?
As the name suggests, eco-conscious traveling is nothing but traveling with an increased consciousness about the environmental impact that we are leaving behind.
With more and more people exploring the remote places of our country, many beautiful places are now witnessing a higher inflow of footprints than they have ever witnessed before. Result? A disruption, both in nature and economy.
While exploring is an innate desire of humankind, there is something to be said about leaving a place better than we found it. While the traditional travel bug often pursues adventure with little thought to the environmental consequences of their actions, there is an evolution slowly brewing.
A growing breed of travelers believes in transcending the boundaries of exploration to leave a positive impact on the planet. This evolution represents a tectonic shift in how people perceive and engage with travel. And all without compromising on your travel experience!
Let’s explore some fun yet impactful ways we can bring a conscious change to the way we travel.
Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodations
For an eco-conscious traveler, choosing environmentally friendly accommodations is a decision that will not only enhance the overall travel experience but also contribute to preserving our planet. So go for accommodations that lean on sustainable practices, whether it is energy-efficient lighting, solar energy, water conservation, recycling, and locally sourced, organic amenities.
Staying at such places allows eco-conscious travelers to reduce their carbon footprint without trying too hard, as sustainability is already an integral vein of such businesses.
Empower The Locals
When given a choice, choose the locals, whether accommodations, restaurants, or shops, to support the local economy. This, in turn, reduces the environmental impact caused by large chain businesses and empowers the residents. Be respectful of your surroundings, prioritize cultural sensitivities, follow the local guidelines for preserving the environment, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Be mindful of the resources, especially in places where the resources are already available at a scarce amount.
Sustainable Exploring
Another thing you can do is explore the terrain with eco-friendly modes of transportation, whether biking, walking, or using public transit, whenever possible. Go for activities with minimal environmental impact, such as nature walks, wildlife conservation tours, or responsible diving and snorkeling. There is no better way to know a place than to go for a leisurely stroll around the area and take in the views and daily lifestyle of the people.
Whether walking to the nearby cafe for your morning cup of tea or a sunset walk and catching the mesmerizing golden hour in your camera, the options are many for the ones open to them!
Minimizing Waste
Using single-use plastic and littering a place is the worst way to pay back a location for a lovely time you enjoyed. Right?
Make a concerted effort to minimize waste by always carrying reusable water bottles, a cloth bag, or even reusable utensils. You can also have a compostable garbage bag roll to clean up after yourself wherever you sit down for a picnic or happen to litter a place.
Amplify The Message
Live by example, but sometimes it’s important to amplify by words, too! The sign of an eco-conscious travel bug lies in your commitment to spreading awareness about responsible travel practices. By sharing your experiences, knowledge, and tips with fellow travelers in real-time or via social media, you provoke intrigue and curiosity, influencing others to make eco-conscious choices.
Eco-consciousness is not just a philanthropic cause to leisurely dapple in but a responsibility we must consider in every decision. The evolution of an eco-conscious travel bug signifies a paradigm shift in how we view travel.
Bleak as it might sound, we only get to travel as long as we have a healthy home. And the pale blue dot we call home is officially on the mend. The world is grappling with the jarring impacts of climate change, and while many environmental initiatives are at work, we need to embed that at the cellular level for every decision we take. Yes, even in our leisure.
Walking this planet with a minimal carbon footprint comes at a small price. It takes just a few easy swaps, but the impact can be massive – an ode to the planet and the natives of our destination! And before you know it, it will be a habit you will be glad to have adopted!
It’s a beautiful world. Leave your footprints. Not trash.