Apr 4, 2022 • 5 min read
13 ways to reduce your carbon emissions when traveling
Nov 20, 2020 • 3 min read
Use public transport or, even better, a local bike-share scheme © Giorgio Fochesato / Getty Images
With the travel industry responsible for 8% of total global emissions, every action you take to curb your carbon is worthwhile. Here are some things to consider ahead of your next trip.
1. Fly smart
If you fly, reduce in-flight emissions by choosing a carbon-efficient airline, a direct flight and a seat in coach (economy) class instead of business. Other tactics include lowering window shades (to help keep the plane cool), bringing your own amenities and food (or, failing that, pre-ordering a plant-based meal).
2. Pack light
No matter what type of transport you’ll be taking to reach your destination, or once you get there, a lighter suitcase requires less energy to transport.
3. Use public transport
Taking public transport (or even better, a cycle rickshaw) won’t only help to reduce emissions, but you’ll also tick off a classic local experience. Many global cities are now equipped with affordable bike-, e-bike or scooter-share facilities.
4. Use electric vehicles or e-taxis
Electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure is improving around the world every year. And while major ride-share apps Uber and Lyft have yet to introduce EVbooking systems, both companies are currently incentivizing drivers to make the switch over to electric vehicles.
5. Sleep green
Low-carbon hotels generally run on renewable energy, use energy-saving lights and other appliances, recover rainwater, recycle and use local products. Slash more emissions by foregoing housekeeping and minimizing your electricity and water usage.
6. Choose low-carbon activities
From walking and cycling tours to non-motorized snorkeling and diving excursions, carbon-light activities are better for your health as well as the health of the planet.
7. Skip the tourist tat
Typical tourist souvenirs create a triple emissions whammy: they’re made from plastic or chemically modified fabrics, in emissions-belching factories, and are transported in gas-guzzling trucks, ships or planes.
8. Eat local
Sampling regional delicacies at local-run stalls and restaurants is one of the great joys of travel, and choosing foods that are grown and produced locally helps to reduce food miles (emissions created by transporting food). Small farms are also more likely to adopt eco-friendly practices like avoiding toxic pesticides – ask for info before you buy.
9. Eat less meat
With greenhouse gas emissions from agribusiness on track to surpass that of all other sectors, including energy, transport and industry, the single best way of reducing emissions on the road (aside from not flying) is to lower your intake of meat, particularly red meat, which creates the most livestock emissions.
10. Embrace zero-waste travel
Every product you use on your trip requires energy to manufacture, more energy to recycle, and releases emissions when it breaks down. By curbing waste whenever possible, you’ll also curb emissions.
11. Skip the long showers
From Cape Town to Kathmandu, many travel hotspots around the world struggle with water shortages. By using less water, we can not only help to reduce pressure on the local water supply, but also help to slash the emissions created by treating and pumping water.
12. Carbon-offset all journeys
Planes aren’t the only form of transport that spew out carbon. US-based tracks and offsets car, train and plane trips, while Swiss non-profit also offsets car journeys, cruises, events and more. Several subscription-based apps offer a one-stop-shop approach to carbon offsetting. calculates a monthly offset fee based on your lifestyle (including travel); you can choose which carbon-reducing project to donate the cash to each month.
13. Line-dry all your travel clothes
There’s not always time to line-dry travel gear when you’re on the move, but with one dryer load using five times more electricity than washing, it’s worth packing a travel clothes line to use when you can.
This excerpt is from The Sustainable Travel Handbook: Practical advice and inspiration for the conscientious traveller, published by ÀÏ°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼ in November 2020. Order your copy at .
You might also like:
How to be a responsible wildlife tourist
Innovative sustainable tourism attractions around the world
What a sustainable restart to travel could look like
Explore related stories
Photography
8 places to see tigers in the wild – and how to make it happen in 2024Apr 16, 2024 • 13 min read
- Sustainable Travel12 innovative sustainable tourism attractions you can visit around the worldWildlife & NatureEnjoy the simple life at these 10 top agritourism farm stays
Mar 16, 2022 • 7 min read
Sustainable TravelTravel trends for 2021: the revival of the sleeper trainJan 3, 2021 • 4 min read
- Sustainable TravelThe world's most remote island is now the Atlantic's largest marine park
Nov 18, 2020 • 2 min read
Family TravelAll aboard the Slumber Express: family travel by night trainDec 22, 2019 • 8 min read
Sustainable TravelAirbnb wants to help travellers interact ethically with animalsOct 4, 2019 • 2 min read
Sustainable TravelSee South Africa’s twinkling bioluminescence captured in a beautiful videoApr 10, 2018 • 2 min read
- HikingUltimate travel list: ÀÏ°ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±¼Ç¼'s top sights in the world (41 to 50)
Aug 17, 2015 • 6 min read