Can We Learn To Travel Sustainably?

The concept of sustainable travel has been around for decades. Still, it gained more attention and popularity in the 1990s as people became more aware of the negative impacts of tourism on the environment and local communities. Since then, there has been a growing movement towards responsible and sustainable travel practices.

We know that climate change has been a simmering issue since the 1970s. We have witnessed deforestation, rising temperatures, animal extinctions, and melting glaciers.

While some have decided to ignore the science, others struggle with a sense of hopelessness, not knowing what to do.

Whatever your beliefs, generations who will wonder what we did during these trying times are coming behind us. Moving along with curiosity, an open mind, and gathering new information is a great start.

Let’s define “sustainable travel.”

Photo by Holly Mandarich on Unsplash

What Is Sustainable Travel?

Sustainable travel is a way that minimizes the negative impact on the environment, economy, and local cultures.

It involves making conscious choices to reduce carbon emissions, waste, and other harmful practices while promoting social and economic benefits for the local communities.

Sustainable travel is:

1. Travel that funds the protection of nature and wildlife.

2. Travel that empowers marginalized groups of society.

3. Travel that is designed and driven by local communities.

4. Travel that heals and uplifts the local people as much as the visitor.

5. Travel that promotes “leave no trace.”

6. Travel that minimizes our carbon footprint and emissions.

7. Travel that changes our being.
   

As a traveler, I know I can do better to travel sustainably, and I already see many people leading the way.

Becoming a more conscientious traveler will benefit the planet.

It may be essential to continue doing what we love, like exploring and attempting to understand the world to learn more about sustainable travel.

Moving toward a healthier planet will be a journey for all of us. It’s not something we will wake up one day and have accomplished. It will take us all learning, changing, and inspiring others to do the same.

Sustainable travel will require a change in our perspectives on travel.

A change from viewing the planet as our “playground” to becoming more of an ally to help restore balance in our natural world.

We can do better. We must do better.

Perhaps if we start with a few simple lifestyle changes, we can all become better travelers and stewards of the natural world.

To explore this topic further and find ways to make a difference today, visit my other posts about sustainable travel.

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Cheers to a sustainable future for our planet and children.

XOXO

Marla