Sustainable Travel – What’s the Point?
We are more aware now than ever of the ethical and environmental impact we have as consumers.
It all seems overwhelming for me at times. Can I really make a difference? I try to remember my reusable shopping bags and life straw when I leave the house. I do my best to conserve water and cut down on eating meat and dairy. I even tried veganism for a week. I recycle and re purpose as much as possible and look aghast at people who wrap their kids sandwiches in glad wrap. If Greta Thunberg held a climate change strike in Cape Town, I would rally behind her demanding that the government did something drastic to stop the destruction of the planet. But does it make any difference in the greater scheme of things?
My quest to be greener on a daily basis is even more challenging when it comes to my career and passion in life – travel.
Global tourism is responsible for 5% of greenhouse gas emissions. After saving up your hard earned money to go on that dream holiday to Mauritius, it’s easy to forget about the environmental impact our holidays are having.
I am not trying to sound all doom and gloomy but I believe we can make decisions which have a positive impact on the places we visit. Travel and tourism will never be completely sustainable but it can work towards becoming more sustainable.
What does it mean to “Offset your co2 Emissions”?
It is estimated that the airline industry produces between 2-3% of all man made co2 emissions. Carbon offsetting is basically donating money to projects that produce clean energy or reduce carbon emissions in other ways.
I used a co2 emissions calculator I found online to give me the approx amount of co2 used on a return flight to Mauritius from Johannesburg. According to the website I would be contributing 1.1 tons of co2 for this 8 hour round trip which would cost me USD 29 to offset.
Carbon offset schemes are voluntary and many airlines or tour operators offer them directly to travellers. However I have been a travel agent for more than 16 years and I have never even discussed this subject with any of my clients.
Some people feel that offsetting emissions is just a way of clearing your conscious and does not promote reducing emissions. However if you’re going to fly, offsetting your co2 emissions by supporting the right projects is better than doing nothing, isn’t it?
If the idea of literally paying money for air does not appeal to you, there are some other practical ways of reducing the environmental impact your holiday makes.
How to be a more Responsible Tourist?
- Look at your carbon footprint. Actually look at it. It can be calculated. Be mindful of it.
- Find out if your hotel or preferred airline has a sustainable or environmental policy?
- Be considerate of the communities and environment you visit.
- Don’t litter.
- Carry your own shopping bag and a reusable water bottle to avoid contributing to the plastic problem in many countries of the world
- Reduce energy consumption. Unplug your phone charger and turn off the lights and aircon when you leave your hotel room. (Just pretend you have to pay for electricity).
- Use water sparingly. You don’t need a clean towel everyday.
- Donate to community projects rather than buying another destination T-Shirt or Fridge Magnet.
- Be mindful of the food you eat such as choosing sustainable seafood.
- Do not purchase or eat endangered species (e.g. turtle egg soup, crocodile handbags).
- When you book a tour, ask the operator or company if they are environmentally responsible.
- Riding elephants and taking pictures will lion cubs is just not okay anymore.
Avoiding the use of wild animals for the purpose of human entertainment – opt for low-impact experiences such as viewing animals in the wild.
Everyone has a responsibility to be the best traveller they can be. We may not change the world but its a place to start.
