“Responsibility is the process, practice and attitude, sustainability is the goal.
Responsible practices lead to sustainability.” Marcelle Lawrence
This Blog is all about how to use travel to do good and how it will provide you with information to EMPOWER you on how to make a positive impact on the environment, local communities and cultures of the destinations you visit. This type travel is good for the planet and good for people. However, before delving into this sustainable way of travelling, there are a few essentials you need to know. Interested in this type of travel and wanna be a boss at it? Well, this post has just what you’re looking for. It will show you how to become the best at this exciting and rewarding type of travel and after reading this you will be equipped to travel like a sustainable travel BOSS. I’m gonna break it down for you and demystify this sustainable thing for you. Ok, ready? Lets do this! Here are the steps you have been looking for:
Reduce Waste
- Purchase goods that have less plastic and packaging materials.
- Fight the urge to want to replace something and have it repaired instead.
- Reduce food waste. Eat leftovers and get creative. It is estimated that 30% of agricultural land is dedicated to cultivating food that will never be consumed and 21% of fresh water is wasted on its production.
- Start composting.
Photo: Anita Jankovic on Unsplash.
Reduce use of single use plastics
- Have handy a reusable bag to avoid being given plastic bags with purchases. Some of Bermuda’s biggest stores no longer provide plastic bags!
- Use a sturdy stainless steel water bottle. Fill up at home and at work.
- Use a refillable coffee cup.
- Refuse the plastic utensils given with takeout meals. Instead, have handy a reusable utensil set like the ones made out of bamboo or stainless steel.
- Refuse plastic straws. Instead, carry a reusable straw with you like the ones made out of stainless steel. I’m happy to report that most of Bermuda’s restaurants and hotels no longer provide plastic straws.
Photo by Jasmin Sessler on Unsplash
Reduce energy consumption
- Change the bulbs in your home with energy-saving bulbs like LED bulbs.
- Unplug or turn lights, air conditioners and other appliances off when not in use.
- Put your hot water heater on a timer.
- Where possible install solar panels.
Solar Panels on a home in Bermuda
Be aware of water consumption
- Water is a precious resource anywhere you go. Be conscious of your water usage. Place a barrel outside to collect rainwater to water plants and for other basic uses. I saw this done while I was in the Caribbean. It is very handy!
- Take shorter showers.
- Don’t let the water run when it’s not in use.
Photo by Liz Martin on Unsplash
Eat more greens/Go local
- I was a vegetarian for two years, but today, I eat meat again, although a lot less of it. Meat production is one of the biggest producers of carbon emissions. Reduce your intake or go vegetarian if you can. You can start by going one day of the week without eating meat. It is predicted that by 2050, 52% of global emissions will be from agriculture and 70% of that will be from raising livestock.
- My favorite – support producers of local produce, like Farmers Markets, farmers, honey producers.
- Eat at restaurants that serve local produce. It’s way tastier and there is no long-distance transport of the food which means no carbon emissions.
- Eat foods that are in season.
Photo by Massimo Virgilio on Unsplash
Transportation
- Carpool now and then. It could result in you not having to drive, but sitting back and relaxing!
- Take public transport like the bus and ferries.
- Ride your bicycle – don’t forget to wear a helmet!
- Walk more – its good for you and good for the environment! Use an electronic or hybrid vehicle.
Example of an electric car in Bermuda
- Instead of offsetting your carbon – try insetting
- Do what you can locally to protect the environment like participate in beach clean-ups and other pollution reduction programs.
- Support environmental non-profits.
- Plant a native tree.
Now you know that sustainability begins at home BEFORE booking that flight, you can start implementing these responsible choices in your daily life and before you know it, they’ll be like second nature. Remember, if we become conscious of our choices at home, we can be the best conscious travelers. Give these tips a try! Before you know it, you’ll be travelling like a sustainable boss! Sustainability is a journey, so take it step by step. The fact that you’re reading this blog shows that you are curious or probably ready to start implementing sustainability into your life. If there are any responsible practices at home that you would recommend, put them in the comments. Eco Island travel makes it easier for travelers to explore new adventures in Bermuda with custom-made sustainable and cultural journeys so you can experience new adventures suited around you, and at the same time make a positive impact.
By Marcelle Lawrence, IG handle @ecoislandtraveller
