Whether you are focused on business travel or holiday trips, finding sustainable travel options could save your wallet and our planet.
As we become more aware of the impact of human activity on the environment, it’s important to consider our choices when it comes to travel. From choosing transportation methods that produce fewer emissions to making sustainable choices about where we stay and what we do when we arrive, there are many ways to make our travel eco-friendly.
Being environmentally friendly when travelling across the UK is important for several reasons. Firstly, the UK has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, meaning that we all have a responsibility to play our part in achieving this target. Secondly, travel is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, with air and road transport being particularly significant sources. By making environmentally friendly choices when travelling, we can help to reduce the overall impact of travel on the environment. Finally, many of the UK’s most beautiful and iconic landscapes, such as the Lake District and the Scottish Highlands, are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. By travelling sustainably, we can help to protect these places for future generations to enjoy.
Reducing your carbon footprint can be done in a variety of ways, from moving away from plastic water bottles to switching to an electric vehicle. If you drive alone, the average car emits about 192g of CO2 per km, but by carpooling, you can reduce the carbon footprint of every passenger.
This is why we put together our best tips to make your travel more environmentally friendly in 2023, and reduce your carbon footprint without breaking the bank.
1. Public transport: Take the train or bus on business trips, and find a responsible company whose values you trust.
When people travel, they often consider the easiest option available to them, which these days, could be driving or calling a taxi. While these are all fast options, it’s also worth considering environmental impact when you travel, and moving to shared options that are better for the environment like rail travel; trams and trains, or busses. For local people, this is a great way to experience the city as well as save yourself some money and the amount of carbon you produce in a day. It also means supporting the local economy!
We also found that many common travelers opt to rent a car for a short time; this means that wherever you go, you can know that you are using a less carbon-heavy vehicle to do so.
2. Walk or cycle: If you’re travelling a short distance, consider walking or cycling instead of driving. It’s a great way to get some exercise while protecting the environment.
Apart from walking or biking, taking the train is the most environmentally friendly option because it produces between 55% and 75% less carbon emissions. This is a great step to offset c02 emissions in your area.
3. Avoid air travel where you can, and book direct flights with the airline.
We already know that airplanes burn large amounts of fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides. These gases contribute to climate change by trapping heat in the atmosphere, causing global temperatures to rise; what not everyone knows is that a plane’s takeoff and landing can account for up to 50% of its carbon emissions, so if you travel around often, avoiding long-haul flights could be the greener option.
Secondly, airplanes emit these gases high up in the atmosphere, where their impact is even greater than if they were emitted at ground level. This is because the greenhouse gases interact with other chemicals in the atmosphere and contribute to the formation of contrails and cirrus clouds, which trap even more heat than the gases themselves.
Thirdly, the aviation industry is growing rapidly, and with it, so are its carbon emissions. In fact, according to the International Air Transport Association, aviation is responsible for about 2% of global carbon emissions. While this may seem small, it is projected to increase significantly in the coming years as air travel becomes more popular.
Finally, the impact of flying is not limited to greenhouse gas emissions. Planes also generate noise pollution, disrupt local ecosystems with their flight paths and can contribute to air pollution around airports, affecting the health of local residents.
Overall, while taking the plane is a convenient and fast way to get around, it is not environmentally friendly and its impact on the environment cannot be ignored.
4. Consider sustainable tourism and eco friendly places to stay
According to a report by Booking.com, the percentage of travellers who would default to sustainable accommodations rose from 61% in 2016 to 81% in 2017. If you do need to travel overland, you can still have a positive impact by using some of our practical tips to reduce carbon emissions as you do. We encourage you to try…
- Eco-lodges: Eco-lodges are accommodations that are designed to be a sustainable way to stay away from home; using eco friendly materials, renewable energy sources, and incorporating practices to reduce waste and conserve resources.
- Certified sustainable hotels: Many hotels are now certified by sustainability organizations such as Green Key, EarthCheck, or LEED, indicating that they meet specific environmental standards for things like energy efficiency, waste reduction, and water conservation.
- Hostels: Hostels are often a budget-friendly option for travelers, and many are also environmentally friendly. Some hostels incorporate green practices like composting, using renewable energy, and offering bicycles for rent.
- Homestays: Staying with locals in a homestay is a great way to experience local culture and support sustainable tourism. Homestays also have a smaller environmental impact than traditional hotels, as they often use fewer resources and produce less waste.
- Camping: Camping is an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature. Choosing a campsite that is certified sustainable, or practicing Leave No Trace principles, can help reduce the impact of your camping trip on the environment.
5. Bring reusable water bottles and bags: Bring a reusable water bottle and shopping bag with you when you travel to reduce waste and the need for single-use plastics.
It would cost at least £30 per month to purchase one disposable bottle of water every day, and it would take 405 years for each bottle to decompose – I’m sure that like us, you do not want to be a part of that statistic. Today, it has even become the latest trend to have a biodegradable water bottle with your favorite metal straw.
6. Offset your carbon emissions:
Consider offsetting your carbon emissions by investing in carbon reduction projects. Many airlines and travel companies offer carbon offset programs that allow you to pay to offset the emissions produced by your travel.
- Calculate your carbon footprint: The first step in offsetting your carbon emissions is to determine how much you are emitting. There are online calculators that can help you estimate your carbon footprint based on your travel, energy use, and other factors.
- Choose a reputable carbon offset program: Look for a reputable carbon offset program that supports projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions, such as renewable energy projects, forest conservation, or clean cookstoves.
- Invest in renewable energy: Consider investing in renewable energy projects, such as wind or solar power, which generate clean energy and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Support reforestation: Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, so supporting reforestation projects is an effective way to offset carbon emissions.
- Reduce your emissions: The best way to reduce your carbon footprint is to reduce your emissions in the first place. Consider making lifestyle changes such as driving less, eating a plant-based diet, and reducing your energy consumption.
- Purchase carbon offsets: You can purchase carbon offsets to support projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions. These offsets can be purchased through reputable carbon offset providers.
Overall, offsetting your carbon emissions can be an effective way to take responsibility for your impact on the environment. By supporting projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions, you can help mitigate the effects of climate change and contribute to a more sustainable future.