When was the last time you considered your carbon footprint on vacation? Ever chose to avoid a destination or event because of their environmental decisions?
With tourism being responsible for around 8% of the world’s carbon emissions, it has become clear we need to take action with not only the places we chose to go, but the companies we travel with alongside a whole host of other eco-factors. At Ravel, we believe it’s important for travelers to be aware of the global impact our trips are having on the planet, and how we can all make small changes to positively affect our carbon footprint while having the time of your life!
We know trips can be stressful to plan, especially when you trying to consider so many other elements into your fun plans. By using the Ravel Trips app and some of these helpful tips below we hope you can turn your next travel experience into the best and most eco-conscious yet.
We know the struggle. You’re out exploring and perhaps need a drink or a bite to eat but the only utensils around are single-use and are disposed without a thought. By bringing just one piece of reusable equipment with you, you're saving so many items going directly into landfill and it all helps towards a better planet!
Did you know 1 mile in a plane emits .82 pounds of CO2e for each passenger! That means a flight from New York to Brazil is the equivalent of over 1.5 tonnes! There isn’t always going to be other alternatives to this of course, especially with international trips but if you can why not consider a train or a ferry for that next getaway?
In more recent years, airlines know that travelers demand more eco-conscious options and some companies have taking great steps into this area already. By choosing companies that use energy efficient engines, maintain high capacity seating levels and even serve organic food, you can fly safe in mind knowing you’ve made the best choices you can.
Eco-friendly hotels and lodgings are becoming more popular year-on-year due to the general understanding that maybe that luxury accommodation with every facility possible and high-powered light bulb in every corner isn’t the best for the planet. When choosing your next stay, you could consider smaller lodgings or guest houses which tend to have a lower emissions rating than bigger, modern resorts.
The hotel buffet and huge restaurant portions can be one of the most practical and alluring options when choosing a hotel or resort but we can forget the food waste that comes with it. Nearly a quarter of food served at hotels and restaurants is eventually wasted, which much of that fails to be composted. Making a conscious decision to select places with food waste policies, taking home any leftovers or even choosing a self-catered option where you can cook for your own requirements all can make a big difference.
This can be a complicated subject and is certainly a topic that will be discussed on the Ravel blog sometime in the future but we’ll provide a quick overview here too! Carbon offsets are schemes put in place so travelers have the option of ‘contributing’ to make up for the emissions from flights. Just make sure to do some research before to find one which is regulated and certified. For an easier option, carbon offsetting can be done directly through some airlines when booking so keep an eye out for that too.
Whichever of these options you choose to take on board, or perhaps just gain inspiration from to start an eco-friendly mindset, understand that even the smallest changes you decide to make have an impact. To make planning that next eco-conscious trip even easier, plan with an eco-conscious trip planner at Ravel Trips!
