Sustainable Travel 101: How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint Traveling the World

Nowadays, taking a vacation is one of the most common activities for solo travelers and families alike. There have been major advances that have occurred in the world of transportation as a result of improvements to airplanes which now allow travelers to get from one place to the other faster than ever before. However, as these advancements have grown, so to has the individual carbon footprint of every traveler. Learn everything there is to know about a carbon footprint, including why reducing it is so important, in order to make smarter decisions while traveling. 

What is a Carbon Footprint?

For those unfamiliar with the term, a carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases generated by a particular action. Every single person in the world has a carbon footprint as they go about their daily life, with the average carbon footprint per person in the U.S. being 16 tons. Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane have a profound effect on the environment, which is why reducing a carbon footprint should always be a person’s goal. 

Key Consequences of a Large Carbon Footprint

Most people don’t understand the impact of greenhouse gases on the environment, specifically stemming from a large carbon footprint. Most notably, a large carbon footprint directly impacts the environment through human-induced climate change, air pollution, acidic rain, and the addition of unfavorable chemicals to the oceans of Earth. All of these hurt the environment in one way or another, which is why reducing the carbon footprint is so important. 

5 Tips for Reducing Your Carbon Footprint While Traveling

Traveling is one of the most common times during which a person’s individual carbon footprint increases dramatically. However, there are five primary tips a person can use to reduce this carbon footprint: 

1. Make smarter choices with energy and water

Starting small, taking actions such as turning off the lights and not extending showers because the water feels nice can help to reduce a carbon footprint. While these habits often exist at home, finding yourself in a new environment tends throw off this routine. Make a point to reduce your energy consumption while out and about on your travels. 

2. Travel lighter to reduce your time in a vehicle

Naturally, packing a large number of bags for your vacation will result in needing a bigger car, which emits more gases. Consider packing lighter to reduce the size of the car you need on your journey. Better yet, consider walking everywhere you go instead of renting a car. If you are worried about the safety of your luggage, there are handy luggage storage services in Paris and other major cities around the world which allow you to safely stow your luggage while you are out exploring. 

3. Use your “Do Not Disturb” sign more often

Consider whether or not you actually need your room cleaned on a daily basis. Washing sheets and towels takes a large amount of water but making the choice to simply put a do not disturb sign on your door can reduce your contribution to this. Unless your room was not cleaned properly the first time around, consider not taking advantage of room service. 

4. Consider using alternative transportation beyond air travel

The gases emitted by airplanes are considerable compared to those released by an individual vehicle. Making the decision to drive to a destination that’s close enough to be considered a small road trip can be an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint. Alternative transportation may not be right for everybody, but it’s an excellent option for those with a vehicle. 

5. Pack your own reusable items

Finally, consider bringing your own reusable items on your journey so that you don’t need to waste resources. Whether it’s something as simple as a reusable cup or something more complex doesn’t matter. All that matters is that you are helping the environment by reducing the amount of toxins used to create tools of daily life. 

Protect the Earth with immediate action

While traveling on vacation is certainly enjoyable, it should not be done without taking certain precautions to care for the Earth. Lowering your carbon footprint is easier than it seems, and something as simple as remembering to turn out the lights on your way out can help. Enjoy your vacation, but also make a point of treating every environment you visit with respect and be consciousness about how your actions will impact your destination.