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How to travel in a sustainable way

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Hema Selvaraj

Founder of Greentist October 11

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According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, 10% of global spending is on tourism. For context, this equates to roughly 350 million jobs globally. The next decade is projected to see further growth in the sector. While there are many economic, social, and cultural benefits to tourism, it is also accompanied by overcrowding, pollution, and depletion of local resources. Not to mention the enormous carbon footprint especially from flight trips. As consumers, we need to make responsible choices to travel responsibly.

World Wildlife Fund has compiled a useful checklist to inspire us to minimise our carbon footprint, protect biodiversity, and contribute to local communities during our travels. The tips offered cover the full lifecycle of a holiday including the activities before, during, and after the holiday. At the planning stage, it is important to consider the actual destination, mode of transportation, accommodation, and the sustainability credentials of the tour operators, and/or cruise lines. It is also advised to pack light and carry refillable bottles and containers to minimise the use of consumables during the holiday. Likewise, energy consumption should also be optimised, where possible. Further, WWF advises us to contribute to biodiversity conservation and shop at local artisans to boost the local economy. After returning home from the holiday, it is a good practice to share the travel experiences for others to follow suit and support organisations that protect the destinations.

#sustainabletravel #carbonfootprint #biodiversity

Read the full WWF article here

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