The holidays are a time for family, friends, and above all else, fun. But they can also be a time of great wastefulness and environmental damage. From the mountains of wrapping paper and plastic packaging to the endless stream of holiday lights, it’s easy to see how our celebrations can take a toll on the planet. This year, make a pledge to have a nature & climate-friendly holiday season. 1. Choose recycled, recyclable, or reusable wrapping paper 2. Send e-cards instead of physical cards 3. Shop second-hand for holiday decorations 4. Make your own edible gifts 5. Use LED lights
But you need to do a lot when going on holiday. Below are mentioned 5 tips for nature and climate-friendly holidays:
FLY LESS & STAY LONGER
When it comes to reducing your carbon footprint, flying less and staying longer at your destination are two of the best things you can do. Not only will you save on airfare, but you'll also be able to see and do more while you're there. Plus, you'll have a chance to really get to know the local community and culture. Here are a few tips for making the most of your nature- and climate-friendly holiday:
1. Do your research before you go. Find out what kind of transportation is available at your destination and how you can minimize your use of it. If possible, walk or bike instead of taking taxis or buses.
2. Slow down and savor your surroundings. Instead of rushing from one activity to the next, take some time to explore your surroundings and really experience everything your destination has to offer.
3. Stay in a particular place for a prolonged period. Not only will this save on transportation costs, but it will also allow you to really get to know the area where you're staying.
4. Patronize local businesses. Seek out locally owned restaurants, shops, and attractions whenever possible. This will help boost the local economy and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.
5. Be conscious of your impact on the environment. Take steps to minimize your wastefulness, such as packing reusable water bottles and bags instead of using disposable ones.
CHOOSE A RESPONSIBLE TOUR OPERATOR
When choosing a tour operator, it is important to consider the company's responsible tourism practices. Responsible tourism is an approach to travel that minimizes negative social and environmental impacts and maximizes the positive economic benefits for local communities.
Some things to look for when choosing a responsible tour operator include:
-The company should have a commitment to sustainable tourism practices. This means they should be working to reduce their environmental impact and support conservation initiatives. They should also be promoting social and economic development in the communities they visit.
-The company should have policies in place to ensure that their employees are treated fairly and with respect. They should also have procedures in place to minimize the negative impact of their operations on local communities.
-The company should be transparent about their pricing and what is included in the price of their tours. They should also be upfront about any additional costs that might be incurred during the tour.
Choosing a responsible tour operator is an important step in planning a nature and climate-friendly holiday. By doing your research and selecting a company that aligns with your values, you can ensure that your holiday has a positive impact on both the environment and local communities.
CHOOSE A NATURE-POSITIVE HOLIDAY
When it comes to choosing a holiday, there are now more options than ever before. You can go on an all-inclusive luxury resort vacation or a backpacking trip in the wilderness. But if you want to have a nature-positive holiday – one that doesn’t damage the environment or contribute to climate change – then there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
Here are some tips for choosing a nature-positive holiday:
1. Choose a destination that is easy to get to by public transport or has good walking and cycling infrastructure. This way you can avoid flying or using a car, which have high emissions.
2. Once you’re at your destination, try to stick to low-impact activities such as hiking, cycling, and swimming. These activities don’t require any special equipment or resources, and they don’t damage the environment.
3. If you do want to do some more adventurous activities, make sure that they are eco-friendly and don’t harm the local wildlife or habitats. For example, there are now many responsible whale-watching tours available that don’t disturb the animals.
4. Make sure your accommodation is eco-friendly too. Look for places that use renewable energy, recycling facilities, and environmentally friendly cleaning products. Many hotels and resorts now offer this type of accommodation, so it’s easy to find something that suits your needs.
SWITCHING TO A PLANT-BASED DIET
A shift to a plant-based diet has been said to cut carbon emissions brought on by food production by up to 70%. When you decide to eat a plant-based diet while on vacation, especially one that emphasises local, seasonal vegetables, you're helping to prevent trees in Indonesia or the Amazon to make a place for extensive animal production.
PREFERRING TRAVELLING BY RAIL
We are aware that it isn't always practical or feasibly possible, but when traveling in areas with good rail connections, like Europe, select trains over airplanes. You can also use local taxis or bus connections to get where you need to go. There are more and more options to pick electric cars over gasoline-powered jeeps when going on safari. Additionally, taking a ground trip can make the experience just as memorable as the vacation itself.
