Traveling with Nature in Mind – Tips for Sustainable Explorations
We recognize that travel can have a negative impact on nature, through increased carbon emissions, pollution, and exploiting ecosystems. We at Aegean Outdoors are actively working to avoid and minimize these negative effects. You have an important role to play in reducing your carbon footprint and prioritizing nature during your travels, by giving back to nature and minimizing your impact.
Here are some suggestions for putting nature first while traveling:
“Let’s make choices that help protect our planet’s precious eco-systems.”
– Avoid using products and engaging in activities that harm ecosystems.
– Bring a reusable water bottle and coffee cup. Consider using reusable bottles with a filtration system.
– Carry reusable cutlery, Tupperware boxes, and straws.
– Use a reusable bag instead of plastic bags.
– Refrain from buying products wrapped in plastic, such as slippers or individually wrapped tea bags.
– Use refillable shampoo and shower gel bottles filled from home.
– Pay attention to what you flush down the toilet to avoid disposing of items that contain plastic, such as wet wipes.
– Avoid buying foods containing palm oil and souvenirs made from hardwoods like ebony and mahogany, which contribute to deforestation.
– Choose sunscreen that does not contain oxybenzone, octocrylene, and octinoxate, as well as nanoparticles of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as these can be harmful to marine habitats.
“Let’s make a conscious effort to minimize our activities and reduce our consumption of products that harm the environment. Together, we can make a positive impact!”
– Consider traveling by train, which emits 80% less carbon than flying.
– Minimize domestic flights and explore other transportation options such as local buses or trains.
– Avoid consuming foods that are scarce locally to ensure food security for the residents.
– Reduce meat consumption by opting for plant-based alternatives with a lower carbon footprint.
– Look for certification labels like ‘MSC’ certified fish or ‘deforestation free’ products.
– Utilize leftovers efficiently by donating them to others or composting them to minimize waste going to landfills.
– Save documentation digitally on your device to reduce paper consumption.
– Conserve resources by turning off the A/C when leaving the room, reducing the use of in-room kettles, and taking shorter showers.
– If proper disposal facilities are not available, take recyclable waste back home with you.
“Support the creation of economic opportunities for local communities.”
It’s important to remember that when we support biodiversity and ecosystem regeneration, we can also make a positive impact on our travels by supporting local communities. By choosing to dine at locally owned restaurants, stay in locally owned hotels, purchase from local shops or visit local marketplaces, we not only get a more authentic local experience, but also provide employment opportunities and boost the local economy.
