5 Simple Ways Solo Travelers Can Save the Planet

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“Save the planet”. . .seems like a lofty goal for one solo traveler, doesn’t it?  Okay, so you probably aren’t going to save the planet all by yourself, but if you–and all the rest of us–do a few things that reduce our collective carbon footprints, the cumulative effect can make a huge difference in combating global warming.  Many of us may engage in environmentally-friendly practices at home and work, but somehow, those good practices go right out the window when we travel.

I’m a realistic person.  I know that while many people care about the environment and are concerned about global warming and climate change, it is difficult to break habits, especially if the change is inconvenient, expensive, or uncomfortable.  (It’s tough for me, too.)  So I’m not going to recommend any radical changes to your travel behavior.  I’m not going to persuade you to start couch-surfing, staying in hostels or only showering every other day to conserve resources if you’re used to staying in luxury resorts and getting spa treatments, am I?  Nor will I try to get you to take a 36 hour train ride to your destination instead of a 4 hour plane ride, even though it’s better for the planet and cheaper on your wallet–because I know you’re a busy person.  I’m just going to recommend a few simple steps you can take to reduce your carbon footprint when you travel that won’t be much of a burden on you, but will definitely make a difference in the long run.

1. Before you leave home, unplug all your appliances (except the refrigerator if you still have food in there).  Even if they’re turned off, appliances that are plugged in still drain electricity.  What’s in it for you? You’ll save money on your electric bill.
2. Pack lighter.  The less weight on an aircraft, the less impact on the environment.  Try to only take with you what you can carry on the plane.  What’s in it for you? Have you seen what airlines are charging for checked bag fees these days?  Cha-ching.  Money in your pocket.
3. Walk and use public transportation instead of renting a car.  Many desirable travel destinations have good public transportation that can take you everywhere you want to go.  What’s in it for you? What isn’t in it for you?  Public transportation is cheaper, it helps you avoid the hassle of driving in a strange place and trying to find parking where there isn’t any, walking is good for your health, and as a solo traveler, buses and trains offer you an opportunity to interact more with locals.  If you do need to rent a car, try to find a rental agency with hybrids.
4. Reduce, reuse, and recycle whenever possible. Ask if and how the locals recycle when you get to your destination.  If they don’t, try only to use consumables with a minimal amount of packaging. What’s in it for you? You will save money in the long run if you purchase items that you can reuse over and over again instead of having to buy disposables every time you take a trip.  For instance, a digital camera is a more worthwhile investment over the long term than a cheap disposable camera that lasts one trip.  And a reusable water bottle that doesn’t leech plastic into the water you drink is healthier for you than buying bottled water.  (Just get a purifier if you’re traveling in a country where it’s not safe to drink the tap water.)
5. Reuse your linens instead of having them changed every day. Many hotels now give guests the option of reusing their towels instead of having them changed every day.  Who washes their towels every day anyway? As a solo traveler, you’ll probably find hotels leave enough supplies in the room to last you a few days before you need new ones.  What’s in it for you? Not a lot, beyond not having to let housekeeping into your room every day–which might be good if you value your privacy and don’t want to have to tip them.  (Please do at least tip them at the end of your stay, though. They work hard for that money.)

If you’re already doing these things when you travel, pat yourself on the back and consider graduating to more advanced steps to reduce your carbon footprint–like checking into an ecofriendly hotel or going on an ecotour.  Personally, I’m good with numbers 1, 3, and 5.  I could do better with #4 and I really need to work on #2.  Those are my goals.  What’s in it for me?  I would like to stop things like this from happening.  I don’t want Planet Earth to lose the Great Barrier Reef, or its tropical islands, lobster, or Koala Bears.

Do you have any simple tips that help reduce your carbon footprint when you travel?  Or ways you’d like to make your travel habits more environmental?  I’d love to hear them!  Please share in the comments section below.

This blog post is dedicated to Blog Action Day 2009, the focus of which is climate change.

Interested in long-term solo travel, but not sure where to start? You can now buy The Art of Solo Travel: A Girl’s Guide by Stephanie Lee, which contains all the basic information you need to get started on your long-term solo journey. Read my review of the book here.