Natural Awakenings Twin Cities September 2023 Issue

eco tip
Eco Travel 101
While checking places off the travel
bucket list, keep in mind these traveling
tips for leaving small footprints
across the Earth.
REDUCE FARAWAY TRAVEL
Burning up jet fuel to fly to places
represents a large affront to the
environment. Staycations are the most
eco-friendly. The shorter the distance
we travel from home, the lower our
carbon footprint. Because takeoffs and
landings use the most fuel, fly direct
whenever possible.
AVOID OVER-TOURISM
Some sites are so popular that they are
prone to being overrun and abused.
To avoid becoming part of the trampling
herd and minimize tourist impact,
visit the most popular tourist destinations
during off-peak months or avoid them
altogether. A green travel agent can help
find less-trafficked destinations, book
hotels with green certifications and secure
eco-friendly tours and adventures.
SAY NO TO DISPOSABLE PLASTICS
Put together a travel kit that doesn’t
include throwaway plastics. Pack soap,
shampoo and conditioner bars, as well
as soap sheets that fit in a wallet, lather
up with water and disintegrate. Invest
in a reusable travel bottle—collapsible
types use less space—along with a
filter or purifier, in case of non-potable
water. Pack a few lightweight cloth
bags for souvenir shopping.
GO PAPERLESS
Most transportation tickets can be purchased
online and stored on a phone,
with no paper needed. The same is true
for maps, brochures and guidebooks.
RESPECT RESOURCES
Help the local economy by using less
of the area’s resources. Turn off the
lights and air conditioning when not in
the hotel room. Take short showers.
Don’t get the bed remade with fresh
sheets every day, and reuse towels as
much as possible.
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES
To support community talent, purchase
from local artisans for unique
gifts. While a chain restaurant might
seem fun, a local restaurant is more
likely to serve authentic dishes. Ask
residents where they would go, or hire
a guide that lives in the area.
USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Rental cars and taxis use more resources
and may not give the best
travel experience. Taking a local bus
or train across town helps the environment
and provides a great way to
experience the culture. Biking and
walking are even more environmentally
friendly and allow for some of
the best meandering and sightseeing.
LEAVE NO TRACE
Leave nothing behind. Place trash
in receptacles, or, better yet, carry
a bag and pick up trash to beautify
the landscape.
den-belitsky/AdobeStock.com
12 Twin Cities Edition NAtwincities.com