Planning an Eco-Friendly Adventure? Follow 7 Easy Steps to Your Next Green Destination

Planning your next eco-friendly adventure?If you are like me,a green destination is calling!Astravellingis so much easier and affordable,the lure of distant places is constantly growing.More and more people become consciously aware of our ecological footprint and it is really good to see that our love for the wonders of the planet is ever evolving,impacting our travel choices in a good way.

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, international tourist arrivals grew from 25 million globally in 1950 to 1.5 billion in 2019, making the environmental impact of tourism increasingly significant. Followed by Costa Rica, Bhutan is the only carbon negative country in the world, known for its beautiful forests, and the export of renewable energy to other nations.

Bhutan’s actual emissions are fully counterbalanced by the carbon it offsets. Approximately 75 percent of Bhutan’s land is covered in forests, a status that the Bhutanese government is determined to maintain. A commitment to preserving 60 percent of its territory as forest land has been constitutionally embedded by the country. This forestation is crucial to Bhutan’s carbon neutrality, as it absorbs roughly nine million tons of carbon each year, in contrast to the about two million tons produced by its economy, based on 2020 statistics.

Buthan not only acts as a carbon sink but also further mitigates emissions by exporting its considerable hydroelectric energy production, primarily to India. In light of these figures, planning an eco-friendly vacation is more critical than ever. But, how do we traverse the globe without wreaking havoc on our planet? Here’s your step-by-step guide to embarking on a green adventure.

1. Choosing a green destination

The first and most important step in planning an eco-friendly adventure is deciding where to go. Consider destinations that actively support sustainable practices and invest in eco-tourism.

2. Planning an eco-friendly adventure? Find a low Carbon airline

According to the World Bank, transportation contributes to about 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, try choosing a mode of transport that has a lower carbon footprint. Trains are a good option for travel within a continent, as they produce fewer emissions per passenger mile compared to cars or airplanes. If you must fly, consider choosing airlines that offer carbon offset programs.

3. Eco- friendly accommodation

Choose accommodations that adhere to eco-friendly principles. Ecolodges, green hotels, or homestays can significantly decrease your footprint. In 2020, Booking.com reported that 82% of their customers expressed a willingness to stay in green accommodations, an increase from 62% in 2016. These figures illustrate the growing global preference for eco-conscious travel accommodations.

4. Eco-friendly adventure: consume consciously

When you’re in a new place, try to consume as locals do. Buy locally produced goods and eat local food. This not only reduces carbon emissions associated with shipping goods long distances but also supports the local economy.

5. Mindful travel- responsible activities

Choose activities that do not harm the environment. Hiking, biking, and wildlife watching have a minimal impact. Avoid attractions that exploit animals or harm nature. According to a study by Oxford’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, up to half a million animals worldwide are suffering for the sake of tourism. Make sure your activities don’t contribute to this distressing statistic.

6. ‘Less is more’ defines a green destination

An average tourist produces 1 kg of waste per day, according to Zero Waste Europe. Avoid contributing to this figure by carrying a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and cutlery set. Also, ensure to dispose of your waste properly, especially while in natural surroundings.

7. Respect the local environment and culture

Learn about local customs and traditions to ensure you respect them. Not only will this enhance your experience, but it also fosters a respectful and sustainable relationship between locals and tourists.

By following these steps, you can make sure that your vacation is not only a memorable experience for you but also a sustainable one for our planet. Let’s make the world a better place, one eco-friendly vacation at a time. Because, in the words of the legendary conservationist Baba Dioum, “In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.”

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