Being Human
Related Articles
When it comes to travel, it can often seem like there is no way to do it while being environmentally friendly. So many of the stories about the most significant ways that we impact the planet seem to focus on how we get around, whether our everyday commutes or travelling around the world to see amazing countries and cultures. There are a lot of people out there who are otherwise very conscientious who seem to feel like the only way to travel is to turn a blind eye to the effect that they are having on the planet.
But it is not true to say that you can’t get around and go green at the same time. If you are looking at the rolling news reports about the climate crisis, from skyrocketing temperatures to extreme weather events, and feeling a little helpless, then it is important to remember that there are always things that you can do to cut down on your carbon footprint even when you are on the move. Here are a few tips to help you to stay green-friendly from your short trips to your epic adventures.
If You’re Flying, Do Your Research
Now, it is no secret that flying by airplane has a big carbon footprint. However, if you are taking a trip that requires a flight, then there are some things that you can do which will help to make that footprint a little bit smaller. To start with, check out your airline. There are more than 30 airlines which are members of the International Air Transport Association and are involved with carbon offset programs. This means that they are involved in initiatives which are focused on carbon reduction, which go a long way towards helping to counterbalance the amount of carbon that goes into flight.
It also makes a big difference if you can complete your journey without any changes. Budget-savvy travelers know that you can save money by picking a route that has a couple of stops, but this massively increases the carbon footprint of your own personal journey. If you can afford to make it all in a single flight, this is definitely the greener way to go, and it makes things a little easier for you too.
Think About Going Electric
Switching from long distance flights to slightly shorter journeys, if you want to go green, one of the biggest changes you can make is investing in an electric car. Now, upgrading your car can often be a very expensive proposition. Most people wait until the last possible moment to buy a new car, putting it off until their current one is incapable of getting from A to B, let alone passing an MOT without needing major repairs. But there are ways that you can spread the cost of a new car, such as leasing it, and there are a lot of compelling reasons to upgrade to an electric car.
The biggest plus point when it comes to electric cars is, of course, that they do not create exhaust. If you are thinking about how you can travel in a more climate-friendly way, there will not be more clear-cut better upgrades than this. But many people have serious questions about investing in an electric car, which is largely because they have yet to try one. One of the major concerns is charging. No one wants to be left stranded because their car has run out of juice. But charge points are becoming more and more widely seen across the United Kingdom, whether at your local petrol station or supermarket, or you can even buy a charge point to install in your garage. If you have any questions about electric cars, such as how long do they take to charge, visit LV ElectriX. They have a range of resources to help you learn more about electric cars and the best way to move forward, and you can check out their suggestions here. This is the perfect time to think about an electric upgrade.
Rethink Your Commute
Travel can be about the day-to-day choices that we make. We have talked about how driving an electric car can make a huge difference to your carbon footprint, but if you really want to think a little bigger, you have to think a little smaller at the same time. For example, anyone with a car can find it easy to go onto autopilot and simply drive to a destination because it is convenient. But every time you turn that key in the ignition, you are making a choice, regardless of whether it is electric or not.
So, why not think about alternatives for when you are heading to somewhere relatively nearby? Why not think about taking the bus or other forms of public transport if you are travelling within the city? If you have been thinking of getting into a healthier routine, then jogging, cycling, or walking to your destination could be a much better approach for both your body and your mind. If your commute requires the use of a car, then maybe it is time to think about carpooling. With the price of petrol going up and up right now, it makes a lot of sense to spread the cost with a colleague instead of footing the bill all by yourself. That way, everyone wins.
Keep Your Green Perspective At The Hotel
Returning to travelling abroad, one of the best things about going somewhere new is staying in a luxurious hotel. There is nothing like knowing that you are going to stay somewhere where almost everything has been taken care of for you. However, if you have made a commitment to going green, then you need to keep it up even when you are staying in a nice hotel. To start with, look for hotels that have a green policy. Given how much the climate crisis has affected all of us, it should not be too hard to find a place to stay that is open about the steps that they are taking to reduce their own carbon footprint. Some may even have a stamp from one of their national green organizations.
But you also need to think about your behavior while you are there. You need to take the same approach that you would when you are at home. You may not be paying the energy or water bills at a hotel, but you are still using those amenities. With that in mind, try to make sure that you are turning the lights off when you are out of the room or do not need them. Only charge your appliances as needed, instead of leaving them charging overnight. When it comes to water, you can start by remembering to take your reusable water bottle with you when you are travelling. Have a shower instead of a bath, as this uses so much less water. Think about how you can minimize the amount of laundry that you are creating for the hotel, such as reusing your towels for more than one day instead of asking them to be cleaned.
