Planning a trip is stressful especially when you want to be mindful of the environment Follow these steps to have a green holiday
Looking for an alternate form of vacation whilst being a conscious traveller and contributing to the environment and help protect climate change in your own small way? But aren’t exactly sure how to go about it. Well, here’s what you can do.
Dial ‘D’ for Destination:
Reduce your carbon footprint by looking for destinations that are in your state or in the neighbouring state. Now granted that can’t always happen, so if your destination happens to be further away, then look for ways to travel that will help you reduce your carbon footprint whilst travelling. Sign up with travel agencies that encourage sustainable living to help you with your planning, in case this is your first time planning an eco-friendly vacation, or ask your community of friends to give you suggestions for off-beat locations.
Have wheels, will travel:
Depending on the distance of your destination, and the time you have on your hands, be mindful of leaving behind a minimal as possible carbon footprint. Think road or rail instead of air. However, if air travel is mandatory, opt for flights that fly full.
Home Sweet (Temporary) Home:
Opt for hotels and home / farm stays that are environmentally friendly.Look for accommodations that use solar power, rainwater harvesting and the like. There are many such places in South India that are eco-friendly. For instance, in Karnataka, you have the roster of Jungle Lodges to pick and choose from; in Tamil Nadu, you have the Karuna Farm; and in Kerala, you have the Coconut lagoon in Kumarakom among others.
Be eco-friendly, do eco-friendly:
Explore on foot, or rent bikes instead of taking a car; use recycled and upcycled bags when you go shopping, and consciously conserve light and water usage.
Goodie Bags:
Also known as mementos or souvenirs as a reminder of the trip you just took, and gifts for friends and family back home. Head out to the local artisanal market and buy stuff that are unique, and reflect an eco-friendly mantra. Eg: paper mâché products.
