Sustainable Travel: 5 Smart Tips for the Eco-Conscious Traveller

September 10, 2024 / 4 MINUTE READ

Sustainable travel isn't just a fad. It's the future if we want to keep exploring the world and ensure it remains just as beautiful for generations to come. Whether you're zipping around on a bike or going digital with your travel plans, these are practical and achievable ways to tread lightly on the planet. Here are five tips to help you travel with a greener conscience, all within your reach.

1. Opt for Greener Ways to Get Around

Consider this: air travel contributes a significant 3% of global CO2 emissions. For instance, a single round-trip flight from London to Bangkok generates about three tonnes of CO2 – a figure close to your car's annual emissions!

Before you book your next flight, why not explore some eco-friendlier options? Trains, buses, and even two-wheeled adventures can cut your carbon footprint while offering a more authentic way to see the sights.

Some ideas to try:

• Slow it down: If you're not in a rush, why not take a train or a bus? Not only is it better for the planet, but you'll see more along the way.
• Embrace the local experience: Bicycles, motorbikes, and shared rides not only align with the local culture but are often more affordable, convenient, and eco-friendly. Carpool, anyone?: Look for shared transport options like rideshares or communal taxis. Less traffic, pollution, and maybe even a new friend or two.

The plastic problem is real and urgent. Every minute, we collectively use a staggering one million plastic bottles – and sadly, most of them end up in landfills or oceans.

But it's not just about plastic bottles. From throwaway utensils to fast fashion, our reliance on single-use items is wreaking havoc on the environment.

A better way forward?

• Reuse what you already have until it gives up the ghost, and when it's time to replace it, opt for durable, high-quality alternatives.
• And here's a thought: Resist the temptation to buy 'travel clothes' that you'll only wear once. Repurpose what you already own, and only invest in essentials. Your wardrobe – and the planet – will thank you.

Gone are the days when travel meant stuffing your pockets with paper tickets, brochures, and postcards. Nowadays, it's easy to go digital – and better for the planet too!

• Get your tickets electronically wherever possible.
• Opt for digital brochures or return paper ones after use.
• Use contactless payment methods like Google Pay or Apple Pay to minimise your reliance on physical currency.
• And for goodness' sake, send your mates a digital postcard. They'll appreciate the novelty of it!

Do you really need that airport fridge magnet? Or yet another keyring? When it comes to souvenirs, less is definitely more.

Instead of buying mass-produced trinkets, why not seek out something special, made locally and sustainably? Handcrafted goods like woven baskets, pottery, or organic textiles support local artisans and are far kinder to the environment.

Here are a few tips:

• Buy from local vendors.
• Opt for items that are natural, organic, and ethically made.
• Steer clear of anything that could harm wildlife or local ecosystems.

Now, here's something you might not have thought about. Traditional SIM cards are small but mighty in terms of environmental impact. Each card carries a hidden footprint—about 50 grams of CO2—with two billion of these little plastic rectangles produced yearly, it all adds up.

The solution? Switch to an eSIM like eDataSIM. A digital SIM card built into your phone eliminates the need to swap out a physical card whenever you travel. Not only will you save yourself the hassle of hunting down a local SIM at every stop, but you'll also be cutting down on waste.

With eDataSIM, you can stay connected, enjoy all the digital services you need, and reduce your carbon footprint – all in one go. Now, that's a win for sustainable travel!

Make Your Travel Greener with eDataSIM

Sustainable travel isn't just about reducing your impact; it's about making choices that support the communities and environments you visit. We've given you five ways to get started, but here's one of the easiest: switch to an eSIM.

By choosing eDataSIM, you can reduce waste, stay connected, and simplify your travels without needing a physical SIM. Ready to make your next trip more sustainable?

Get your eSIM today at eDataSIM.