When was the last time you decided to go on a holiday?The time to lay back and relax away for the hustle and bustle of the city and the pressures of work.Its the time to let go and enjoy the serenity.But have you considered a Eco friendly holiday?. One that helps you and the environment.Then you are at the right place.Read on!
Green travel or Eco tourism was not so much on the radar of these travel enthusiasts not so long ago.But from market analysis,the Eco travel sector is increasing at a rate of 25% per year.Thanks to the confusion surrounding green issues in travel sector,the consumer begins to wonder if its possible to stay green and have a Eco friendly break.But Yes,which just small changes to our holiday lifestyle,we can have the best of both worlds Before we start we can
purchase electronic tickets for airline travel whenever possible. Less waste.An ticket offers many advantages for both travelers and airlines, including security,flexibility, cost
and convenience.Also provides the standard assurances of the traditional paper ticket.
The industry estimates a savings of $3 billion, 50,000 mature trees and about 3 square miles of forest annually if it used e-tickets only which makes it possible for airlines to offer more competitive fares to passengers.
Alternate means of travel include travel by car on the long drives or even travel by sea.The most memorable part of the holiday includes getting to the destination.The excitement that builds up in anticipation of how the destination may be.As the picnics on the green meadows along side the highways on route to the destination.but little do we realize that all the trash left behind and
soda bottles thrown out of the car windows choke the local environment and even the farm animals which may mistake the trash as food and hurt itself..Even if we do have a picnic its always best to clean up the trash and drop it of at a place it can be recycled.But of course,throwing out waste outside the car window is a big “no no”. Same going for sea travel,the waste thrown by passengers outside the deck is mistake by fish and can severely hurt them.Choose a transport service that has a green policy.For example the British airways have a very strong “go green policy” recycling all the waste created on the flight.
Green travel does not mean we have to compromise on our holiday,in fact we can bring the same careful attitude towards wasting water,electricity etc with us on the travel and practice
the same in our hotel rooms.Participate in hotel linen programs and let the hotel know that it’s
not necessary to change your towels and sheets every day. Participate in hotel recycling programs by placing recyclables in appropriate bins.If the hotel provides complimentary newspapers, pass yours on to someone else, or leave it in the lobby for another reader. Ask the hotel to see that
it’s recycled.Instead of leaving bathroom lights (and fans) on all night, it’s wise to pack night
lights for hotel stays.Be sure to turn off exercise equipment, sauna, whirlpool, Jacuzzi or tennis
court lights when you’re through.When we are so careful about this in our homes and so keen to save power.why not carry the same attitude on our holiday? We can finish our shower and get out faster without wasting just because it is a hotel.these small steps go a long way to help protect the local environment.
Even as we visit the places of interest and the surrounding of the destination.Try turn off the lights and other electrical appliances of the room.Set the thermostat to a low level also it may be energy conserving.As you travel around try to use public transport and if there are fellow travelers with you,encourage to car pool.Use the hotel van instead of renting a car. Use the bus or local transit system. Share taxis. Less pollution, and you can leave the driving to others.If you’re driving, turn your motor off when idling. Encourage tour/bus drivers to turn the motor off when idling.Don’t allow anything to be thrown out of your car windows ever.Equally so are participating in local recycling programs and sharing or reusing pamphlets, brochures, and maps.Supporting local businesses, artisans, transportation companies, attractions, and accommodations that employ environmentally friendly ways is a solid first step. Participating in environmentally friendly activities at destinations and minimizing waste in trash are others ways.
As we leave after a relaxing and equally Eco-friendly holiday.Ensure that as you leave your hotel room, turn off the AC/heat, lights, TV and radio. Close the drapes. If any waste is left,leave in the dustbin. Leave little bottles of amenities in the guestroom if unopened. This help reduce the amount of amenities used and is good for the environment.Carry a dry cleaning or grocery bag with you in which to carry dirty laundry home. This helps save plastic and goes easy on the wallet too.
In conclusion,we can enjoy our holiday in the fullest possible extent,with just minor changes to our holiday lifestyle.Thus help save the environment and showing that there’s no need to sacrifice style in the name of sustainability while on the move.Its a step in the right direction.