by sanjay bist
Published Mon, Feb 6th 2017, 12:02 | Business
The term green travel conjures many different images for travelers – sleeping in a hammock slung between two trees at a public beach, for example. For most travelers, however there are various shades of green travel that involve a range of actions that are far easier to implement.
At the heart of the matter is the universal view of the importance of protecting the natural and cultural environments of places you’re visiting. That means implementing habits that preserve the plants, wildlife, and other resources in their most natural state and respecting the local culture while contributing positively to local communities.
Many travelers believe that taking a green approach to travel makes for a more rewarding and authentic travel experience. It encourages travelers to create deeper connections with the people they meet and the places they visit.
Just like back home, you can take going green about as far as you’re comfortable. Many travelers implement simple ways to green-up their travel:
Choosing green lodging – these are hotels that employ locals, have recycling and linen reuse programs, and give back to the local community. Some green lodging really is renting a hammock on the beach, but other options including working on local farms, renting local apartments, or exchanging homes.
Taking public transportation, walking, or biking – these are all great options for reducing the amount of carbon emissions a traveler causes when they travel. Many cities have begun implementing bike exchanges, for example, and you can often find some of the best tours of cities by hiring a walking tour guide to give you the local, grounds-eye view of a new destination.
Carrying a refillable water bottle – if you’re flying, you’ll need to empty it before you go through security, but you can refill it on the other side and you won’t be buying and tossing water bottles as you travel. You can even get water bottles that filter the water for impurities now so the water you’re drinking is a little safer.
Avoiding takeout in non-recyclable containers – as a traveler, you may not be in the position to cook where you’re staying, so buying your food as you go is part of the travel experience. Street vendor foods and even restaurant leftovers can often be wrapped in just a little paper or recyclable aluminum foil rather than in products that cannot be recycled and cause a greater landfill footprint (think Styrofoam).
Booking non-stop flights – a significant portion of a plane’s carbon emissions comes from the takeoff and landing, so reducing the stops helps a traveler’s overall carbon footprint.
Buying local when you arrive – this means choosing local restaurants that buy their products from local farmers instead of hitting the chain that imports everything. Some travelers skip the TSA hassle and buy their shampoo, sunscreen, lotion and other liquids when they arrive. This helps the local economy and makes for an easier trip through security. Donate what’s left to a local shelter or drop it off at a hostel and it will get used up.
Taking a green approach to travel insurance has become important for many travelers and travel suppliers such as hotels and tour operators have heard the call and made options available to travelers who want to go green, but what does a green traveler have to think about when it comes to insuring their trip?
[Source: http://www.travelinsurancereview.net/2013/09/16/tips-insuring-green-travel/]