Sustainable travel is becoming increasingly important as we strive to reduce our environmental impact. Self-catered accommodation is a great way to travel sustainably, as it offers a range of eco-friendly options that can help you reduce your carbon footprint.
Here are some quick tips on how to be a more sustainable traveller:
1. Choose accommodation providers with a conscience
Check to see if they have taken steps to reduce their environmental impact, such as using energy-efficient lighting and appliances, recycling, and using renewable energy sources.
2. Pack light
When packing for your trip, bring only what you need and try to pack light to minimise your transportation impact.
3. Choose local
Staying in locally-owned accommodation helps to support the local economy and reduce your carbon footprint.
4. Turn off the lights
Switching off lights in your room when you head out, helps to conserve energy and reduce the building’s carbon footprint.
5. Reuse towels and linens
Many accommodation providers now offer the option to reuse towels and linens, which helps to reduce water and energy to clean and replace them. This helps to reduce our footprint and conserve resources. The same goes for items you won’t use during your stay. Simply pop them in the cupboard as soon as you arrive for the next guests to use.
6. Eat and shop local
Eating locally-sourced food helps to reduce your carbon footprint and supports the local economy. Choose an accommodation location that is close to bars and restaurants and opt to dine in restaurants that source local ingredients and have sustainability practices in place. Shop at local businesses, purchase handmade products, and support the local economy instead of choosing mass-produced items.
7. Use public transport
Whenever possible, use public transport to get to and from your accommodation. This helps to reduce your carbon footprint and is often cheaper than taking a taxi or renting a car. Opting for a city-central location means that public transport links are frequent and easy to get to, on foot.
8. Look for eco-tourism options
Look for eco-tourism options where you can enjoy the destination while still protecting the environment.
9. Avoid single-use plastics
Bring a reusable water bottle and choose restaurants that don’t offer single-use plastics.
10. Leave no trace
Clean up after yourself, dispose of waste properly, and don’t leave anything behind.