Earth Day: More than just a holi-day
Every year, Earth Day rolls around, and it’s a green deluge. It’s an important day to recognize and push for action. Many have good intentions, and we don’t want to dissuade people from trying. It’s about being genuine, accountable and create positive change. After all, the planet is our most vulnerable and precious asset. While it’s ‘a holi-day,’ it should be a mindful practice in our daily routine to where we spend our money, where or how we travel.
How can one person make a difference? Where you spend your money is power. Big brands and some of our biggest contributors to climate change do respond to the all mighty green - the dollar.
As a travel advisor, my role is critical to change. We influence where travelers spend, how they travel, and the activities they participate in. In my agency’s pilot travel advisor training program by Sustainable Wanderlust, I’m realizing just how influential I can be and bringing that to the forefront of travel decisions.
Travel Can Be a Force For Good
When it comes to travel, you don’t have to be ‘crunchy’ or cut-back on experience. There are plenty of companies embracing sustainable practices as a part of their business model now. You don’t have to look far or get into the weeds to identify companies with real actionable programs in place like G Adventures, Intrepid Travel and Natural Habitat Adventures tour operators. For hotels, you can check by their sustainability page and the depth of info beyond getting rid of single-use plastics. Try boutique properties that weave local artists in the dècor and hire local. Accor Hotels has implemented a pretty serious program across it’s hotel portfolio. You can see vetted options on booking engines like KindTraveler.com or Booking.com. When booking flights, you can see now that big players like Google are sharing on top what your impact is and offering more choices.
Myth Buster: sustainable travel is more expensive. That’s one of the biggest mental hurdles for consumers, along with it’s hard to decipher.
Sustainable Destinations
Think Costa Rica, Slovenia, New Zealand, Norway and the Azore Islands to name a few that are incredibly focused on sustainability as a destination.
Simplify Sustainability
There are thousands of definitions of sustainability. There are 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Everyone is spouting off carbon offsets, and other buzzwords. Don’t get caught up or discouraged! There are plenty of simple ways to weave it into your itinerary and deciding process.
In truth, the core is having humanity, and support community. If you’re empathetic, and focused on the betterment of others in the destinations you visit, it has a resounding positive impact. When we are able to provide basic human needs, opportunity and safety to people, the planet, animals and community all benefit. It’s all cyclical. The more people aren’t stressed or worried about how to survive, it frees them up to look after others and the welfare of animals - which is huge in destinations where animals are exploited for entertainment.
That’s why sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated. You can make a positive impact by:
Go and learn about another culture and way of life; then share that with others to educate people on the world and create a stronger concern for others in other parts of the world
Book through an advisor that focuses on sustainable itineraries and partners
Go to a local market to buy items or a company that includes shopping at the local market to table experience
Staying at hotels with a clear sustainable program, detailed on their site
Slower travel: by this, I mean, stay in destinations longer with not a lot of moving around or transportation needed
Book local experiences like dining with a family, visiting a village and buying there
Seek out brands who hire local and promote those locals to executive levels
Ask questions if you don’t know; every question actually shows businesses this is important and creates positive change as well as affects their bottom line
Look for B-Corp Certified companies
Companies who contribute financially to the community and re-invest money to stay in the destination
Packing Ideas:
Sustainable travel shoes: TOMS earthwise collection and Suavs Shoes - both pack really well or slip on and off at the airport
Bring a reusable water bottle and be mindful of plastic use
Bags: Try out Paravel made with recyclable materials and very stylish, functional
Upcycle Clothes: Rent your clothes without skimping on the style, quality or options with Rent the Runway, Nuuly, or buy with companies like Patagonia who use recyclable materials. If you’re into vintage, go thrifting and recycle some amazing duds.
Don’t get caught up in the buzzwords or get overwhelmed. Focus on being mindful and what feels right. Ask questions! That is the easiest way to influence positive change and get more consumer-friendly materials.
Ask me, if you need some guidance and sustainable travel planning.
