Rethinking Travel Chapter 3: Reduce Carbon Footprint While Travelling

Author : Unwild Planet

“Tourism always comes with a risk, affecting the local communities, and leaving the destinations nothing but withered! Imagine the kind of carbon footprint you leave behind?!”

“I understand what you are saying, but aren’t there sustainable and responsible travel practices that you can follow?”

“Pfft! That’s all a blunder, you should just stop travelling!”

“What, no!!”

That’s right, stopping travel altogether is never a solution! Everyday decisions, from what we wear to our choice of commute, create carbon footprints. Important thing to know is that we can make a positive impact by minimizing our footprint through responsible travel choices!

How is UnWild Planet working towards reducing carbon footprint?

Rethinking travel is the core philosophy behind UnWild Planet, emphasising responsible tourism as our foundation. Every destination we choose and every local operator we partner with aligns with our commitment to sustainable travel practices. By prioritising responsible tourism, we ensure that our journeys not only provide unforgettable experiences but also contribute positively to the environment and local communities.

Let’s take a look at the few practices that we follow to work towards reducing carbon footprint.

Following local travel guidelines

No one else knows a destination better than their natives and authorities. To preserve its wildlife and ecosystems, every destination has policies established by the government.

As a responsible travel agent, we strictly follow these policies and always make sure to educate our clients about the same.

Explore the niche, remote destinations

When you approach a travel agent, they often share the same list of popular tourist destinations that the masses visit every year. However, there are bespoke travel agents who go beyond mainstream locations to offer remote and niche options, providing transformative experiences that go off the beaten path.

We are proud to share that we curate experiences that are highly customized, keeping the travelers’ passion points in focus.

Travel during shoulder season

Traveling during the shoulder season, the time between the busiest and least busy periods, provides several benefits. With fewer tourists, travellers can have a more intimate experience and have the opportunity to connect with locals on a deeper level. Additionally, it offers substantial savings on airfare and other expenses.

The pleasant weather, adaptable schedules, and distinctive seasonal attractions such as vibrant fall foliage and lively spring festivals make shoulder season travel a perfect combination of affordability, comfort, and genuine experiences.

Supporting regional projects

Your travel has an impact on the place and its people. When you visit a destination, it directly affects the location, its residents, and local communities. At UnWild Planet, we take responsibility for our impact. We partner with multiple local communities and programs, understanding their challenges at the grassroots level, and assisting in creating positive change.

We are dedicated to ensuring that our journeys benefit both our travelers and the regions they explore. By supporting regional projects and promoting sustainable tourism practices, we strive to make travel a force for good.

Some of our recent projects have been in Spiti building solar rooms and in Africa.

How can you as a traveller reduce carbon footprint while travelling?

As a traveller, there are a few practices which you can follow to reduce your carbon footprint. It all starts with small steps, yet big impacts.

Opt for Off-season or Shoulder Season Travel:

Reduce crowding and ease the strain on local resources by traveling during less busy times. Enjoy a more authentic experience with fewer tourists.

Explore The Niche Destinations:

Visit hidden gems instead of crowded hotspots. Consult a travel advisor for recommendations to discover remote destinations and reduce the impact on popular sites.

Choose Responsible Operators:

Select tour operators with sustainable practices and certifications. Support businesses that minimize environmental impact and contribute positively to local communities.

Choosing Direct Flights:

If you must fly, choose direct flights. Each takeoff and landing cycle consumes a significant amount of fuel, so minimizing these by avoiding layovers can reduce your carbon footprint.

Packing Light:

Every extra pound in your luggage requires more fuel to transport. Avoiding buying extra luggage and flying by the weight standards of the airlines would be an easy yet effective way to reduce our carbon footprint.

Staying in Eco-friendly Accommodations:

Depending on your destination, there are accommodations which are certified from LEED, Green Key, or EarthCheck, who often use renewable energy, practice water conservation, and have waste reduction programs. You may also enquire with the property about their sustainability practices.

Supporting Local:

Eating at local restaurants and buying from local markets not only supports the local economy but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods over long distances.

Reducing Energy Use:

Simple actions like turning off lights, air conditioning, and electronics when leaving your room can significantly reduce energy consumption. Choose hotels that implement energy-saving measures and renewable energy sources.

Minimizing Waste:

Bring a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and utensils. This reduces the need for single-use plastics, which are often not recycled and can pollute the environment.

Carbon Offsetting:

Offset Programs: Many airlines and travel companies offer carbon offset programs. By paying a small fee, you can fund projects like reforestation, renewable energy, or energy efficiency improvements that help balance out your travel emissions.

Educating Yourself and Others:

Before you travel, research the environmental practices and needs of your destination. Respect local customs and practices that promote sustainability. Share your knowledge and experiences with others to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable travel.

We are Rethinking Travel

Rethinking travel and adopting sustainable practices is essential to protect the environment, combat climate change, and support local communities. Sustainable travel reduces pollution, preserves natural ecosystems and cultural heritage, and promotes local economies. It also enhances travel experiences by fostering meaningful interactions and ensuring that destinations remain attractive for future generations.

Looking at travel with a different perception is all it takes to be responsible travellers. With rising concerns on our ecosystems and wildlife, it is only important that we rethink travel and take appropriate steps to reduce our carbon footprints when we travel.

Checking the destinations in your bucket list while reducing your carbon footprint might sound like a herculean task, but with a responsible travel partner like UnWild Planet, it wouldn’t be a challenge!