As you plan your next adventure, ask yourself: “How can I leave a positive legacy?”
As we travel and explore the world, it is becoming increasingly important to travel responsibly and sustainably. Mindful travel is about making conscious decisions that prioritise the health of our planet. With growing awareness of environmental and cultural impacts, more travellers are opting for sustainable choices in their journeys.
Choose Your Destination Wisely
One of the first steps toward sustainable travel is carefully selecting your destination. Choose places committed to sustainable tourism, where the location is rich in cultural and natural heritage, and actively promote conservation efforts and ethical tourism practices. These destinations often have programmes in place to protect natural habitats, preserve cultural traditions, and support local communities. I recently took a trip to Gunung Leuser National Park. I stayed in Tangkahan, North Sumatra, where I interacted with Sumatran elephants and learned about the conservation efforts to protect the elephants and the surrounding rainforest. Travelling to lesser-known places with a deep commitment to environmental and cultural conservation allows you to enjoy a more authentic travel experience and protect the environment.
Eco-Conscious Transportation
Transportation is one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions. While air travel may be unavoidable for long-haul trips, there are plenty of ways to reduce your travel footprint once you reach your destination. Choose eco-friendly transport options such as public buses, bicycles, or walking. By reducing your reliance on cars and taxis, you are helping to lower your carbon emissions.
When planning your trip, factor in some extra time and take a train or a bus instead of a domestic flight. Train travel, in particular, allows you to enjoy scenic landscapes while producing far fewer emissions than air travel. Walking or cycling benefits the environment and provides an immersive way to explore new places, allowing you to meet local people and get closer to the culture.
Stay in Sustainable Accommodations
Avoid large hotel chains and choose locally owned, eco-conscious accommodations like boutique hotels, guesthouses, eco-lodges, and camping. Glamping is a form of outdoor accommodation that combines the experience of camping with the comfort of luxury modern amenities. During my latest eco stay, I was immersed in nature with all the comforts – a perfect combination. Staying in smaller establishments allows for a lighter environmental footprint, mainly locally sourced materials, and many employ sustainable practices such as solar power, water conservation, and organic farming. Additionally, many eco-lodges and smaller boutique hotels offer guests opportunities to engage with local culture and nature through activities like guided hikes, local cooking classes, or village walking tours.
Pack Light and Use Eco-Friendly Gear
Packing light is convenient and a simple way to reduce your carbon footprint. Less weight on planes, buses, or trains means lower fuel consumption. Using versatile, durable clothing that can be worn multiple times and is light enough to be hand-washed repeatedly is convenient and eco-friendly. Bring reusable items like water bottles, shopping bags, bamboo or steel cutlery, and a travel straw when packing. These items can significantly reduce the need for single-use plastics, contributing to less worldwide pollution.
Support Local Businesses
Supporting local economies is at the heart of sustainable travel. By shopping at local markets, dining at local restaurants, and purchasing handmade crafts from local artisans, you are helping sustain small businesses and keep traditional crafts alive. Avoid large international chains. If you are on a business trip and this is unavoidable, opt to seek out authentic experiences and eat locally. You will support local farmers and food producers and reduce the environmental impact of transporting food over long distances. Choose seasonal, locally grown produce whenever possible, and try traditional dishes that reflect the region’s culture and heritage.
Engage with Local Cultures
A key component of sustainable travel is building connections with the local culture. Learning from locals fosters respect and understanding and ensures that tourism contributes positively to the community. Take a local cooking class or language lesson, or participate in traditional ceremonies. However, it is crucial to approach these cultural experiences with respect and sensitivity. Be mindful of local customs and etiquette, and take time to learn about cultural norms before you arrive. By showing respect for the local culture, you enrich your travel experience and help preserve the integrity of these communities.
Respect Nature and Wildlife
Nature is often the most significant draw for travellers, but it is essential to approach it carefully. You are contributing positively by visiting wildlife sanctuaries and conservation projects that prioritise the well-being of animals and their natural habitats. When in nature, follow the principles of “Leave No Trace“. Stay on marked trails, carry your litter out, and avoid disturbing wildlife. Your purchases make a difference, so choose souvenirs that are ethically sourced.
Conserve Resources
Small actions can lead to significant changes when it comes to conserving resources. Save water by taking shorter showers and reusing towels during your stay. Turn off lights, air conditioning, and appliances when you are not in your room. Many hotels and eco-lodges have water and energy conservation programmes, so participate when possible. Conserving resources helps reduce the overall environmental impact of your stay and helps to support the global effort to mitigate climate change. It is a simple, yet effective way to contribute to sustainability.
Choose Responsible Tours
When planning excursions or guided tours, look for eco-friendly tour operators who often give back to the community, adhere to ethical practices, and ensure that local wildlife and ecosystems are protected. Tours that include cultural immersion and support local development projects are excellent ways to experience the richness of a destination while knowing that your money is being used to benefit the environment and local communities.
Minimise Waste
Leaving no trace is a fundamental principle of sustainable travel. Carry reusable bags, containers, and utensils to minimise the use of single-use plastics. Take all your rubbish with you, especially in natural areas where waste disposal can be challenging. Leaving nature untouched, you help protect the environment from pollution and degradation.
Volunteer or Donate
Volunteering or donating to local development initiatives is another meaningful way to support sustainability during your travels. Many eco-friendly accommodations and tour operators partner with local charities, conservation groups, or schools, offering travellers the chance to give back through hands-on work or financial support. These efforts contribute to the long-term sustainability of the community and ensure that tourism has a lasting positive impact.
As you plan your next adventure, ask yourself: “How can I leave a positive legacy?“ The world is waiting to be explored – sustainably.
Published: Indonesian Expat, October 2024
