Eco-Friendly Travel: Easy Tips for Sustainable Adventures

It’s Marissa, Marketing Specialist at ArcMate here, and I'm excited to share some green travel wisdom with you. Fresh from a 4-day business trip to Boston, I've put together a list of eco-friendly travel tips that are not only good for the planet but also easy to implement. Let's dive into how we can make our adventures more sustainable without sacrificing any of the fun! 

Why Eco-Friendly Travel Matters 

Before we jump into the tips, let's quickly touch on why eco-friendly travel is crucial for our planet: 

• Reduces carbon emissions 

• Minimizes waste in tourist destinations 

• Supports local communities and economies 

• Preserves natural habitats and wildlife 

• Encourages sustainable practices in the tourism industry 

Now, let's explore how you can make your next trip more eco-friendly! 

Embrace Digital Boarding Passes

Say goodbye to paper waste! Most airlines now offer digital boarding passes that you can add directly to your smartphone. Benefits include: 

• Reduced paper usage 

• No more lost boarding passes 

• Faster check-in process 

• One less item to keep track of while traveling 

I’ve been using digital boarding passes for years and highly recommend you try it if you haven’t already! 

Switch to Solid Toiletries

Solid toiletries are game-changers for eco-friendly travel. Here's why: 

• Shampoo and conditioner bars work wonders (even for thick, coarse hair like mine!) 

• Solid soap bars are compact and waste-free 

• Toothpaste tablets are a unique, eco-friendly alternative 

• These don't count as liquids in your carry-on 

Pro tip: Check if your hotel provides toiletries before packing. You might be able to skip bringing some items altogether! 

Say No to Single-Use Plastics

Let's tackle the plastic problem head-on: 

• Bring a reusable water bottle (collapsible ones are great for travel) 

• Pack travel utensils to avoid disposable plastic cutlery 

• Use reusable shopping bags for any purchases 

During my Boston trip, my reusable, collapsible water bottle came in handy more times than I can count. Once packed for the plane, I was able to easily collapse it into my carry-on! 

Utilize Reusable Totes

Reusable totes are travel must-haves! Use them for: 

• Shopping during your trip 

• Storing dirty laundry 

• Organizing your belongings 

Most markets and grocery stores have totes available for purchase, or if you're traveling for a tradeshow or convention, many vendors will be more than happy to give you a tote! (I got 4 totes on my trip!)  

If you do by chance end up with a plastic bag, use it as a trash container during your stay. I like to put mine in one of the small hotel trash cans so it makes housekeeping easier and I still get to utilize the grocery bag in some way. 

Donate Unused Hotel Toiletries

If you end up with unused hotel toiletries: 

• Collect mini bottles during your stay 

• Bring them home with you 

• Donate them to local shelters 

Just because you bought or used travel-sized toiletries on your trip doesn’t mean you have to stop using them once you’re home! I’ve kept the same travel-sized body soap container for years and just keep refilling it as needed. If I bring used hotel toiletries home from my trip, I use them up instead of just tossing them out and wasting product.  

Conserve Energy in Your Accommodations

Be mindful of your energy use: 

• Reuse towels and sheets when possible 

• Turn off lights and electronics when leaving your room 

• Adjust the thermostat to a more energy-efficient setting 

These simple actions can significantly reduce your accommodation's carbon footprint. 

Choose Eco-Friendly Transportation

Whenever possible: 

• Use public transportation 

• Walk or bike to nearby destinations 

• If you must rent a car, opt for a hybrid or electric vehicle 

 If utilizing a rideshare service, you can help save the environment (and money) by doing a carpool with other patrons who may be going to similar destinations. This option can be set up directly in the rideshare app of your choice. 

Pack Light and Smart

Challenge yourself to pack lighter: 

• Stick to a carry-on and personal item when possible 

• Use packing cubes to organize and compress your clothes 

• Plan your outfits in advance to avoid overpacking 

 Trust me, this one was the absolute hardest for me to accomplish on my recent trip. I have always been the type of traveler to bring a full-sized suitcase, a carry-on bag, and a personal item, which were all filled to the brim... even for small trips! I justified the fact that I needed options for my overpacking. On my recent work trip, I challenged myself to only bring a carry-on and a personal item, which is my trusty laptop bag. Happy to report that I made it happen! 

Conclusion 

 Embracing eco-friendly travel doesn't mean sacrificing comfort or experiences. With these tips, you're well on your way to becoming a more sustainable traveler. Remember, every small action counts! 

On my Boston trip, implementing these eco-friendly practices not only made me feel good about reducing my environmental impact but also added an extra layer of adventure to my journey. It's amazing how small changes can make a big difference. 

What are your favorite eco-friendly travel tips? Share them in the comments below – let's inspire each other to travel more sustainably!