Sustainable Resolutions for a Happy New Year of Travel

After a challenging period of isolation with lockdowns and stay-at-home orders across the globe, we’ve gained a new perspective on travel. Certainly a greater appreciation for it. And perhaps a renewed collective consciousness of how we as travelers can positively impact our world - one less carbon footprint at a time. In 2021, let’s research and use our new found strategies to support the local people and environments we visit, nurturing them for future growth. Here are 11 resolutions all travelers should make this year and always.

1. Plan Positively

When preparing for a trip, let’s pause and think about how best we can spend our money. Consider who we are benefitting - those committed to protecting natural resources, people, heritage, reduced energy consumption, etc. Research and identify green washing companies - those that make themselves appear more environmentally friendly than they really are. Choose places in need, and small businesses that support local community efforts. Find routes and activities that lessen carbon emissions. For ease in trip organization, contact lokal travel, a sustainable travel agency.

2. Explore #ECO

Search for companies that are ‘green’ accredited or rated by regulatory guides such as GSTC, EarthCheck, Green Globe, LEED, Green Keys, etc. Read reviews from like-minded travelers and heed their concerns. Book accommodations on green sites like Kind Traveler, a platform that partners with hotels who reward guests nightly discounts for donating to on-site charities.

3. Cut the Carbs

Take-offs and landings create most carbon emissions, so make each flight count, and fly direct when possible. For flight-free getaways, embrace destinations that offer shared low-octane transport options like the train, ferry, biodiesel-electric hybrid buses, or ride around in clean, non-petroleum fueled vehicles like electric cars.

4. Eco-Exercise

Another good way to cut the ‘carbs’ is getting around by foot or bike. And instead of visiting the gym, take your workout outdoors. If exercising inside is the only option, opt for routines that avoid electrical machines.

5. Clear out Chemicals

Use products that are considerate of others. We are bombarded by chemicals daily, from the air we breathe to the water we drink. It’s intoxicating and compromising to our immune systems. This is particularly important now during a pandemic where carcinogenic disinfectants are used more than ever. Products that are organic, paraben-free, and locally sourced, many of which can be discovered on ewg.org, will not only improve our environment, wildlife, but our own wellbeing. Question whether the places to which you visit prioritize chemical-free housekeeping, gardening, and sanitation systems to protect our natural ecosystems.

6. #Unplug x 2

I don’t mean to meditate (though that’s a healthful habit to assume as well) I literally mean unplug electrical devices, like chargers and small appliances when not in use. Turn the lights off when leaving a room. Not only does unplugging reduce energy consumption, but it reduces harmful electromagnetic frequency (EMF) radiation.

7. Water Wellness

Do remember to pack your reusable water bottle. Just as important as the water source from which you drink, is what your bottle is made of. Look for BPA-free plastic, stainless steel, or glass. If you do use plastic, keep it away from heat, which can leach chemicals into the water. At your accommodation, ask if they encourage guests to save water and also do they implement water-saving methods like recycling water for gardens.

8. Move Away from ThrowAways

Elevate your reusability game by minimizing waste and pollution. Remember to bring your reusables and move away from single-use plastics and ‘compostables’. Most often these goods, including those that are labeled ‘green’ are made primarily of petrochemicals and are non-biodegradable.

9. Foodies

Feast where food is grown organically onsite, ethically sourced, chemical free and sustainably so. Avoid GMO foods. Shop farmers’ markets and support locals who grow produce without the use of chemical pesticides, fungicides and insecticides.

10. Maximize your Minimalism

Mitigate the negative effect of consumption. Pack light and when it’s difficult to, like in the winter time use Paravel’s convenient packing cubes to compress your gear. Pack sustainable high quality, durable clothes that last longer without laundering. Travel less, stay at a destination longer.

11. Sharing is Caring

Share your mindful travel experiences. The more intelligent awareness we generate on sustainable practices to loved ones, businesses, to those on social media platforms, the more we reinforce the importance of healthier travel initiatives. These efforts are vital to pacify the crisis of humanity and the planet.