Twelve simple tips for mindful tourism
It can be difficult to be aware and ecological, especially if you have everything you own in a single bag. It certainly can not change everything or solve optimally. But sometimes even everyday things can make a big difference in the country you visit, and so do it for posterity as a destination.
Avoid plastic
Use a refillable bottle
Try this in countries where you should not drink water from the faucet. Search there, for example in the hostel, a restaurant, café or gas station a water refill station. You can decide for yourself if you prefer to use a glass, stainless steel or foldable silicone bottle.
Learn to say no
“Please, no plastic bag” or “no straw please” in the local language to say – Two small sentences that simply avoid so harmful to our environment disposable plastic. There are still far too many countries that have yet to grasp the damage caused by the plasticity of nature. It is all the more important to go there as a good example.
TIP: Even a “hello” and “thank you” are small words that have a great effect in the national language.
Buy locally
Fresh fruits and vegetables at small stalls instead of in large supermarkets. The same applies to souvenirs. Buy them from local artists and artisans. With a little luck you will also get a better deal. Always support local companies wherever you are in the world.
Take a cloth or multi-use bag with you
So you can easily transport everything and you can immediately offer them as an alternative to the usual plastic bag in stores.
Try an environmentally friendly transport
Take public transport such as bus or train. Or use your muscle power and walk a few stretches, cycle or use ride sharing / ridesharing.
If you can not avoid flying
If possible, book a nonstop flight instead of multiple flights. To reduce the amount of CO2 emissions and stay on site as long as possible so that it really pays off. Consider also if you want to compensate your flight otherwise. You can u.a. to do about organizations like atmosfair .
Save paper
in which you look at flyers and cards and either give back or inform you afterwards on the Internet. Maps can also be downloaded offline and for free with the MapsMe app – so you can navigate anywhere without the Internet and without a map made of paper.
Take responsibility for animals
Whether it’s about souvenirs like crocodile leather bags, dried starfish, animal amusements like trained monkeys, caged whales and dolphins or even (probably stunned) tigers, do not just think about yourself and your beautiful photo, but watch out with them too Animals respectfully handled and a natural attitude as possible. The same applies of course to the plant world. Be careful not to spread plant diseases or even destroy ecosystems like coral reefs.
Spare energy and water
Simply turn off lights, air conditioning / heaters, and standby devices when you’re not there or you do not need them. Setting the air conditioner from 20 to 18 counts saves 3-5% energy. Also save water with short showers or a romantic shower for two! Get used to it at home and continue this good habit while traveling. Often one finds also in hotels the small plates the one requesting towels several times to use. Please come to this request. This will save you water and chemical cleaning agents in your destination.
Less is more
Try to take as little luggage as possible. This not only makes carrying easier, but also saves CO2 when transporting by car or plane. And at the end of the journey you have even less to wash.
Less eats more
Like your luggage, your diet also saves CO2, by completely or partially relinquishing meat.
Pass on instead of throwing away
Whether on the road trip, where, for example, a pack of pasta is left over or backpacking in the hostel. Of course, this does not just apply to food but also to everyday items such as cotton buds or camping utensils that you no longer need. See if your car rental company or accommodation offers a “for free” corner and put things there that are still useful and edible for others instead of disposing of them.
„Take only Photos, leave only Footprints“
Actually, a matter of course, but remember not to let waste in nature. If you encounter a tin or plastic bag, you dare to collect it, even if it’s not yours. Maybe you would like to participate in a CleanUp? A great way to get to know the country and especially new people.
Take your time and travel slowly
The longer you stay in one place, the better you get to know him and the people living there.
At the same time you save CO2 if you use less means of transport. Enjoy your travel experiences and record them in your travel journal.
TIPP
13 tips for a waste-free holiday (German)
