We’re told there’s a hole in the Ozone

Look what’s washing on the beach

And Lord, I believe, from the heavens to the seas

We’re bringing Mother Nature to her knees

So let’s leave some blue up above us

Let’s leave some green on the ground

It’s only ours to borrow, let’s save some for tomorrow

Leave it and pass it on down

-Song by Alabama

The Earth has a lot to offer, water, sunlight, food, magic, fascination, energy, peace, and love. No one can understand this better than a traveller who embraces the wonders of the world wandering. They intimately understand the Earth’s bounty – its intensity, brilliance, and refinement – an inexhaustible source of awe.

That enchantment needs to be conserved for others to witness and recognize the profound beauty life holds, and the enduring memories it can forge. All by witnessing and appreciating the Earth’s captivating beauty. 

This is where sustainability comes into play. Sustainability is not confined to manufacturing industries. It plays a significant role in the travel industry as well. Sustainability has brought a whole new perspective on travel.

What is Meant by Carbon Footprint?

Carbon footprint refers to the emission of greenhouse gases through an different activities, like work, travel, food consumption, etc. It is measured in units, CO2e/ year, i.e., carbon dioxide equivalent per year. Carbon footprints encompass everything from personal to corporate to national to ecological. Every activity, cycle of consumption and production and lifestyle choice, has a carbon footprint. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, one must make every effort to reduce it as much as attainable.

What is Sustainable Travel?

Sustainable Travel is an eco-conscious approach to travel that strives to cause the minimum impact on climate change. A significant portion of the global carbon emissions, that are escalating the climate change catastrophe, are caused by travel and tourism, including travel, food consumption, and lodging.

As remarkable a travel experience may be, it does cost a lot of resources and causes a negative impact on Earth. For instance, the massive quantity of carbon emissions from air travel, the water pollution caused by ships and cruises, and the accumulation of disposable plastic garbage in the environment may contribute to pollution in different ways. 

Sustainable tourism aims to curb these negative impacts on the environment to save these resources from exhausting. 

Ways to Reduce Carbon Footprint

1. No Trash Tossing: Do not dispose of rubbish outside the specified bins. It is even better to avoid consuming one-time-use products in order to reduce the amount of waste produced.
2. Enlighten yourself and others: Educate yourself and others about sustainability. Share your experiences and encourage others so they emulate.
3. Keep the wildlife peaceful: They want to be as unbothered as you would want to be from them. Let’s not include activities that exploit wildlife such as riding animals. Feed only those animals that you normally do to avoid the disruption of the food chain.
4. Avoid using hotel toiletries: It’s a great way to reduce plastic waste if it’s possible to avoid using toiletries provided by the hotel. You may also choose a more eco-friendly way to carry them by using Shampoo bars, toothpaste tablets, and other essentials such as reusable cotton pads. This way you can chip in your contribution towards less plastic consumption.
5. Boycott Plastic Bags! It’s gratuitous that you carry even one plastic bag. With so many programs underway, it is crucial to refrain from using plastic bags. Try to ask for an alternative if you receive one while travelling. 
6. Do not waste food! It’s where the most carbon waste is produced. Try enjoying the local food and do not waste any. 

Conclusion

It’s no secret how global warming is causing climate change. Several geographies are witnessing frequent heatwaves and tropical storms causing destruction. 

Sustainable travel does not only conserve natural resources but culture and communities as well. It is essential to respect whatever life has to offer, including new experiences and people, wildlife and everything in between. Let’s do our bit to reduce our carbon footprint to enable sustainable tourism. 

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