Teenage environmental activist Greta Thunberg made headlines sailing across the Atlantic Ocean on a zero-emission yacht to speak at the United Nations Climate Action Summit. While many travelers may not be ready to take their adventures to this extreme, that doesn’t mean there aren’t simple things you can do to be an environmentally conscious traveler. These four simple steps will lessen the environmental impact of your vacations. And as an added bonus, the same steps that help the environment may also help your budget.
Your home may still be consuming a lot of energy (and therefore costing you money) even when you’re not there. Preparing your home for your departure can reduce its energy consumption, thereby saving you money. Many home electronics still consume energy even if they are not in use, so you might consider unplugging your TV, computer, microwave, and/or other electronics that don’t need electricity while you’re gone. Don’t forget to adjust the heating or cooling of your home, too! It doesn’t need to be a perfect temperature when you’re gone, so you might save money by making adjustments before you leave.
Staying hydrated is important, but buying bottled water at airports and tourist sites can be incredibly expensive. Bringing a refillable water bottle on your journeys can save you money and reduce unnecessary waste. The Tap app can help you find Refill Stations on your adventures.
Whether you travel by car or airplane, added weight decreases fuel efficiency. That means that the more you pack, the more fuel will be consumed to transport it. Because of this, packing less can save you money on fuel if you travel by car. If you travel by plane, you might be able to avoid extra baggage fees.
Renting or hiring a car may seem convenient, but it is also less fuel-efficient than many other forms of transportation. Consider the other transportation options available at your destination. Walking, biking, and using public transportation are usually friendlier on your wallet and the environment.
How do you save money and the environment on your travels? Share your tips in the comments section below.
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