Indians now keen to travel green. Here's how you too can do it
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Loading... - Advika Varma
- 10 Jun 2022
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While family vacations and romantic weekend getaways at the beach are quite popular on the travel agenda now, many people are thinking more critically about the environmental impact of their trips. Indeed, according to a recent Sustainable Travel Study commissioned by Booking.com, more sustainable travel is important for 94 percent of Indian tourists.
Furthermore, 68 per cent of Indian travelers say that recent climate change news has prompted them to make eco-friendly travel choices.
However, even leaving the house starts traveling more permanently, with a more deliberate approach to packing the proverbial suitcase.
Travelers can reduce their personal travel footprint by carefully considering ingredients and packing a little lighter.
Less weight means planes burn fuel more slowly, and 36 percent of Indian passengers chose to travel lighter in the past year, a positive step towards reducing the carbon emissions associated with their trips. Even those who travel to their destination by train, car, bike, boat, or foot can bring some essentials with them to help reduce their environmental impact.
With that in mind, and as Indian travelers get back on the road this summer, Booking.com – one of the world’s largest online travel agencies – has a helpful packing guide for this year’s durable suitcases with more to be aware of. shares.
Trustworthy Eco Friendly Toiletries
In recent years, bathroom cabinetry materials have undergone an eco-makeover, with more sustainable alternatives to non-recyclable plastic toiletries now available. Game-changing are shampoo and conditioner bars that don’t use plastic packaging and won’t weigh down a case for those who want to pack lighter and more permanently.
Consider the SPF’s sustainable credentials when planning a water trip, especially if you’ll be visiting and swimming in areas with sensitive ecosystems like coral reefs. The chemicals in sunscreen can be harmful to ocean and aquatic life, so make sure it is labeled ‘reef-safe’ before packing it.
Similarly, some mosquito repellent chemicals can be harmful to the environment, so consider switching to a natural alternative that uses citronella or peppermint to keep the bugs away. These simple changes make it an excellent option for the 58 percent of Indian travelers who believe that preserving wildlife and natural habitats in their chosen destinations is an important part of sustainable travel.
embrace zero waste
It’s no secret that limiting single-use plastics is one of the toughest environmental challenges we face, with an estimated 91 percent of plastics currently not recycled and ending up in the ocean or landfills. Travelers can make a few simple swaps when packing by considering what reusable items they might need during their travels.
Many global travelers are already considering sustainable dinnertime swaps, with 75 percent of Indian travelers planning to be more aware of their food consumption while traveling, such as choosing more vegetarian or vegan options or opting for organic/ Eating locally sourced foods. But it can also be more than what’s on the plate. If you’re dining at a food market or eating street food, bring some bamboo cutlery with you to avoid offering single-use items.
Travelers can also take eco-friendly swaps while staying hydrated. Instead of buying plastic water bottles that are single-use during travel, consider a stainless steel option that can be used for years and should be topped up with drinking water whenever possible.
There are eco-friendly options for those traveling to places where the water may not be safe to drink, as well as those who rely on natural water sources when camping and hiking. Consider using a water purification tablet or a UV-light purifier, which is a small, lightweight wand-like device that emits UV light to kill bacteria, viruses, and protozoa (parasites) in the water. Read More...
