Reduced waste when travelling
Travellers can generate a lot of waste and pollution, even with the
best intentions. But it isn't hard to make a few changes that can
help us avoid a lot of trash and otherwise green up our time away
from home.
Where
to start
Less
waste from food
Transportation
tips
At
the hotel
Eco-tourism
Use
non-lead fishing tackle
Tips for reducing waste while traveling
There are several ways that travelers can reduce waste while traveling.
Here are just a few ideas to get started.
Businesses
are responsive to their guests, customers and clients who voice concerns,
so speak up. If you have compliments or comments regarding their company's
environmental performance, write a note or speak directly to the general
manager of the hotel, the operator of a resort or campground, the
captain of the airplane, or the manager of your tour company.
Book
your guestrooms, campsites or meeting rooms in places that are clearly
interested in protecting our environment, and let management know
that's why you've chosen their establishment. Encourage the places
you visit to reduce waste and to implement water- and energy-saving
measures.
Use
reusable bags, storage containers and towels. Rent equipment, avoid
disposables, and pack waste-free picnics by bringing reusable's and
recyclables home with you. Buy fruits and vegetables without packaging.
Purchase
electronic tickets for air travel whenever possible.
Going
on a fishing trip? Use non-lead sinkers. This will protect wildlife
from lead poisoning.
Gas
boats on land instead of in the water to reduce pollution in lakes
and rivers.
Upgrade
to the most efficient boat motor. A 4-stroke engine is quieter, 40
times cleaner, and 2 to 4 times more fuel-efficient than a 2-stroke
engine.
Keep
campfire ash far from lakeshores to protect water quality.
Feed yourself (not the trash)
Food and packaging waste accounts for as much as half of what is
thrown away in a day, especially when you are far from home. Yet there
are some easy ways for you to reduce how much food and packaging you
throw away.
Reduce
fast food waste and excess packaging in carryout food. "No thanks,
I don't need a bag," may draw a curious look, but sometimes you
have to speak up for what you don't want.
Carry
your own reusable mug to avoid disposable cups.
Pack
a cooler of food bought in bulk or deli-style (which are often "least-packaged"
options) such as meats, cheeses and cookies.
Bring
along reusable plates and flatware. Use lightweight plastic plates
instead of paper plates, because they can be washed and used several
times over. § Avoid room service to reduce the use of disposable
items.
Ask
for smaller portions when ordering food where portions are bigger
than you can eat.
Did
you grab too many packages of ketchup or mustard? They won't spoil,
so save them for next time you have a meal on the go. It goes for
napkins and other conveniences.
Make
sure to promptly refrigerate leftovers you bring home so they don't
end up as waste.
If
the nearest trash bin is filled, don't toss your waste beside the
can — that's just like littering. Hold onto it until you can
dispose of it properly.
Transportation tips
Choose
to walk, bike, or cross-country ski instead using motorized forms
of recreation.
Enjoy
walking tours. Walk where sensible and safe.
Use
public transportation.
Carpool
with friends or family to reduce miles traveled in your vehicle.
Use
the hotel van instead of renting a car.
Share
taxis. You create less pollution, plus you leave the driving to others.
If
you are driving, turn your motor off when idling. Encourage tour bus
drivers to do the same when your group stops for a while.
Hotel tips
Many hotels have implemented waste reduction practices into their
operations. Here are a few things that travellers can do to help hotels
reduce the amount of waste they generate.
Let
the hotel know that it's not necessary to change your sheets and towels
every day.
Reduce
water use by taking shorter baths or showers.
When
you leave your hotel room, turn off the air conditioner, heat, lights,
television, and close the drapes.
Participate
in hotel recycling programs by placing recyclables in appropriate
bins.
Be
sure to turn off exercise equipment, sauna, whirlpool, or tennis court
lights when you're through.
Leave
the little bottles of bathroom amenities in the room if unopened.
Share any complimentary newspapers with others. Leave it in the lobby
for reuse or see that it's recycled.
If
available, use the hotel's electronic checkout program on the TV.
You can view your bill, approve it, and help reduce paperwork.
Eco-tourism
Eco-tourism builds environmental and cultural awareness of a region
while minimizing the impact of visitors. It is a philosophy for travellers
to follow to reduce their ecological impact on the places they visit.
Eco-tours often give a portion of their fees to local preservation
programs that build the local economy.
The Ecotourism Society offers travel ideas for destinations, tour
groups, and many resources to help you make informed travel choices.
Tips for the eco-tourist
Take
only the brochures or maps that you need.
Take
photographs, but avoid disposable cameras that are expensive and wasteful.
Do
not steal "souvenirs" from natural areas, historical areas
or hotels.
Leave
only footprints. Take out everything that you brought with you so
others can enjoy the area in the same way that you did.
Protect
endangered species and avoid purchasing products such as tortoise
shell, ivory, animal skins or feathers.
When
it comes to trash, you can "take it with you." Set an example
and pick up at least one piece of litter every day, especially at
places with lots of tourists.
