By Howie Goldfinger, CEO, Ecorite
There has been much discussion of late around the topic of travel – ‘post-pandemic travel, ‘revenge’ travel, bucket lists, and more. Also entering the discussion is the topic of traveling sustainably and the growing trend towards eco-friendly tourism.
With reports coming out almost daily from various ecological monitoring agencies regarding global warming, species extinction and habitat loss, and our changing weather patterns, more people are thinking about what it means to travel sustainably. It’s ironic that travel to some of the most vulnerable and ecologically sensitive areas in the world are often some of the most over-used and over-visited, so gaining greater awareness of these issues couldn’t come at a better time. So, what are the ways that we can make a difference, even if it is only in a small way? Consider the following:
- Sustainable Transport: When planning your next trip, consider use of zero-emission vehicles when feasible. Can you access and use the public transit systems for certain elements of the trip, such as touring a city? Are bicycles, scooters, or e-bikes an option? These could be better eco-friendly options as opposed to simply renting a car and parking it in a hotel garage half the time.
- Green Accommodation: Are you looking at choosing an eco-friendly hotel or guesthouse that prioritizes sustainability? There are tour companies, travel agencies, and web-based resources available to explore your options.
- Eco-Friendly Packing: Are the luggage or bags you’re taking on the trip eco-friendly? This is where Ecorite excels, with many styles of totes, bags, coolers, and luggage made from high quality, durable materials that can be washed and reused, folded, packed or transported safely and durably.
- Respect Local Ecosystems: Wherever you go, it is important to minimize your environmental impact while traveling. If you’re visiting a sensitive wildlife tourism ecosystem, make sure not to upset breeding and nesting areas, sources of water or shelter, or other vulnerable areas. When touring museums, cultural sites, or archaeological zones, it is important to respect local customs, rules regarding photography, walking paths, or religious/historical significance. Recent examples of bad behavior in Rome were reported last summer with people wading in the Trevi fountain or carving their names into ancient bricks.
- Avoid Overly Crowded Tourism Areas: Just as many sensitive sites cannot support large numbers of people, even areas that are used to seeing large numbers of people are becoming overcrowded. Examples range from St. Mark’s Square in Venice to Mount Everest.
Whenever planning travel or on vacation, consider eco-friendly ways you can personally make a positive impact on climate change and environmental pollution. Let Ecorite help you with your sustainable travel products.