Carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted in kilos per person per year. The bigger your footprint, the more harmful your impact on climate change. When you travel, you might be travelling with or without airfare; that’s why there are steps to reduce your impact on the environment by travelling more efficiently.
Tips for reducing your carbon print as a Traveler
The blog Ways To Reduce Your Carbon Print As A Traveller offers travellers a number of steps they can take to reduce the carbon footprint of their travels. These include checking the carbon footprint of a destination before going, avoiding popular destinations during peak seasons, and looking for renewable transportation options.
Ways to reduce your impact on the environment
One important way to reduce your impact on the environment is by choosing a green hotel. Some ways to select a green hotel are checking for eco-friendly lobbies, recycling programs, and energy efficiency. If you’re going to be staying in a hotel for more than three nights, look at the stars when booking. Hotels with five stars will have less carbon prints than hotels with two stars or fewer.
Reduce your carbon footprint at home
One of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint is at home. First of all, avoid unnecessary air travel. It has been said that air travel can account for up to 25% of a traveler’s overall carbon print. Secondly, reduce the amount you consume while travelling. Buy toiletries in bulk and check out hotels that offer free amenities like wifi and breakfast rather than staying at places that charge for these services.
Alternative transportation to reduce car usage
Carpooling, public transportation and bicycle commuting are all ways to reduce your carbon print as a traveller. The effectiveness of these alternatives depends on how often you travel, the distance involved and the car alternatives available in your area. Cycling is the most effective alternative for short trips that involve quick stops and starts.
Conclusion
Ultimately, travelling shouldn’t be about putting down more carbon than you can actually handle. A good idea is to travel on public transport (or at least try to), and to give up your car altogether. If you must take a long journey, pack light and choose non-polluting modes of transport such as walking or cycling for the duration.