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How to be a green tourist
Whether you're white water rafting in the Grand Canyon, lazing on a beach in Benidorm or exploring the pyramids of Egypt, there are plenty of ways to lessen the environmental and ethical impact of your holiday. Sarah Madison lists her top ten green travel tips.
The greenest holidays are those spent at home, but sometimes it's impossible to shake off the travel bug.
More than half of us holiday abroad each year and for most of us it's an exciting opportunity to explore new places and discover new cultures.
If you're planning a trip abroad this year there are a number of simple steps you can take to reduce the environmental impact of your holiday.
1. Before you go
Buy a decent guidebook and do a bit of background reading on the places you plan to visit. Put together an itinery and make a list of things you absolutely must do while you're there so you make the most of your time.
While doing this, research any environmental problems the area might have – such as wide-spread drought, coastal erosion, endangered animals – and think of practical ways you can help, either before you go, while you're there, or on your return.
For instance, while on a diving holiday you might be able to take part in a marine life audit, helping catalogue species and monitor coral reefs.
Always remember that your holiday destination is someone else's home and you have a responsibility to look after the local environment as much as possible while there.
2. Checking green credentials
Make sure your tour operator is a member of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (www.aito.co.uk).
Members have to sign up to a set of responsible tourism guidelines and agree to protect the local environment and preserve natural resources as well as look at ways to reduce pollution and respect local customs.
If you want to research the green credentials of individual hotels, airlines and travel agents, look out for the Green Globe (www.greenglobe21.com) sign.
It's the travel industry's only global environmental programme – run by the World Travel and Tourism Council – and members have to meet strict standards for the responsible and sustainable development of tourism.
3. Getting there
While it's probably too late to cancel your holiday flight, it's important to note that air travel is the world's fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions.
A return flight to Florida produces as much pollution per passenger as the average car does in a year. Air travel accounts for around 10 per cent of a person's annual carbon footprint so it makes sense to let the train take the strain if travelling relatively short distances across Europe.
Train travel is about a third as polluting per passenger as flying and it's easier than ever to reach European cities and resorts, thanks to the high-speed Eurotunnel link.
4. At your hotel
Ideally, try and source locally owned accommodation and stay in small hotels, B&Bs or self-catering apartments rather than a big chain of hotels. That way, there's more chance the money you pay will go to the local economy.
Make sure you switch off your air conditioning, lights and TV when going out for the day and take showers instead of baths to conserve water, especially in a drought-hit region.
If you're happy to use sheets and towels for more than one day, do so, as it's an excellent way to save energy and water supplies.
Also, try and avoid using all those complimentary bottles of shampoo and conditioner that some hotels still insist on providing – the production of mini bottles and containers causes a significant waste of resources and most end up in landfill after use.
Bring your own toiletries with you or buy some from a local shop on your arrival.
5. Moving around
Steer clear of a hire car if at all possible and opt for public transport instead. It's a cheap way of getting around and a great for meeting locals.
At the very least, try to incorporate some 'car-free' days into your holiday and hire a bicycle or walk to your destination.
Nothing beats exploring a city on foot and you'll often see things from an entirely different perspective than you would have done whizzing past in a car.
6. Going native
When travelling abroad, eat in local restaurants and buy local produce.
That's easier said than done when you've gone and booked a fortnight at an all-inclusive resort or full bed and board at a hotel, but try and miss a few of your scheduled meals to explore more local fare.
You'll be supporting the local economy as well as getting an authentic taste of local cuisine.
Make sure the restaurant you choose buys only locally sourced produce and avoid expensive imported drinks by opting for local beers and wines.
What's the point of travelling half way around the world if you're going to eat and drink exactly what you would do at home?
7. Respecting local customs
It's obviously important to respect local customs and culture. Try and hire a local guide if possible – you'll get an insider's view of the place you're visiting and a real feel for the history of the area.
Before you arrive, learn a few key phrases so you can order a drink or ask for directions in the local language – you'll find the locals really appreciate the fact that you've made an effort.
Think about what you wear in public, especially if visiting a religious building or important historical site, and dress accordingly.
In many countries traders expect you to haggle over the price of goods and, while this can be quite entertaining and good fun, don't get carried away and drive too hard a bargain. Always settle on a fair price.
8. Take care of the environment
One of the golden rules of responsible tourism is to 'take only photographs, leave only footprints'. In other words, take personal responsibility for your actions and their impact on the people and places you visit.
Stick to marked paths and trails, don't take any rocks or plants when you leave and don't feed animals or other wildlife.
Don't leave any rubbish behind – take it back with you – and report any environmental damage you come across to your local tour operator.
9. Buying souvenirs
It goes without saying that you should never buy products or souvenirs made from endangered animals or rare plants. Natural souvenirs made of coral, shell or ivory should be avoided at all costs.
10. Back home
Once you're safely back home, you might want to consider investing in a 'carbon offsetting' scheme.
This enables you to offset the greenhouse gasses your flight pumped into the atmosphere by paying an organisation to plant carbon-munching trees on your behalf or by supporting an energy conservation project in a developing country.
It's probably the next best thing to stopping flying altogether, although some people have criticised such schemes as a fancy way of assuaging your guilt and legitimising wasteful behaviour.
If you want to learn more, one of the biggest UK carbon offsetting operators is The Carbon Neutral Company (www.carbonneutral.com) that runs various renewable energy projects around the world.
On its site you can calculate your flight's emissions and then 'neutralise' them through community projects that save exactly the same amount of carbon dioxide.
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Weather for Bakewell
Wednesday 23 May 2012
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