Environmental awareness is becoming more and more important in our society. At the same time, faraway destinations such as Asia are becoming increasingly popular. Actually a contradiction in terms – but it does not always have to be, because exploring the world and still being kind to the environment do not have to be completely mutually exclusive.
We have put together a few tips on how to make your holiday as eco-friendly as possible and do something good for the environment!
1.) Leave your home as eco-friendly as possible
This point should actually go without saying. But in the rush of departure, it is sometimes forgotten:
Before you leave your home, switch off the lights in every room, unplug everything and switch off all appliances (except the fridge and freezer). This saves a lot of electricity while you are away.
2.) More eco-friendly means of transport
Long journeys in particular are usually made by plane, which puts an enormous strain on the environment due to high CO² emissions. Of course, we do not want to put you off long trips in general – destinations like Hawaii, Bali or Australia are probably Surfer absolute dream destinations for us too. Still, you might reconsider your holiday destination now and then and think about whether there is a nice alternative in Europe. Within Europe you can reach many destinations easily by train or car – ideally sharing the car with other travellers heading the same way. The ride-sharing platform BlaBlaCar is a good option for this. Or good old hitchhiking. It is also worth keeping an eye out for saver fares on the train every now and then.
Or maybe you fancy a trip by bike or even on foot? This is not only good for the environment, but also for your own fitness.
3.) Look after the environment in everyday life on the road too!
Studies have shown that people behave less environmentally consciously on holiday than at home. Even people who live very eco-consciously tend, when travelling, to change towels more often than usual, not separate their rubbish quite as carefully as at home, or leave the lights and air conditioning on in their holiday apartment even when they are out – after all, they are on holiday… But that is exactly the wrong way of thinking. Protecting the environment is ALWAYS important for everyone.
Here are a few tips on how you can behave even more eco-friendly on your next holiday:
– Try to be just as environmentally conscious on holiday as you are at home.
– Eat regional food and try the local cuisine – it is also a great way to get to know your destination much better.
– Explore the region by bike, bus and train or on foot.
– Do eco-friendly activities such as surfing, horse riding, hiking or cycling.
– If you see rubbish lying around on the beach, pick it up and take it with you – the environment will thank you!
– And do not forget that things you might throw away before heading home could still be useful to others. Just ask around – some hotels and hostels offer the option of leaving things you no longer need (such as books, opened toiletries or clothes) for other travellers or for the locals. You would surely appreciate such a service yourself when things get tough.