Traveling is not always regarded as eco-friendly. Things like greenhouse gas emissions associated with traveling via plane and the tons of trash that tourists leave behind on what used to be beautiful beaches are just two examples of how traveling can damage the environment. However, you can do something about it by doing your part and making your next stay at a vacation rental as eco-friendly as possible!
First of all, you should look for eco-friendly accommodation that invests in green sources of energy and makes use of environmentally friendly cleaning supplies. Other than that, you might want to travel in a way that is as eco-friendly as possible and use reusable supplies instead of single-use ones. Last but not least, dispose of trash in a responsible way and shop at local businesses that promote sustainable practices.
If you want to learn more about being an environmentally friendly tourist, keep reading! Below, you will find a list of tips for making your next stay at a vacation rental much more eco-friendly.
Look for Eco-Friendly Accommodation
The best way to make your next stay at a vacation rental more eco-friendly is to look for eco-friendly accommodation. The first step of this process is to look for a place that invests in green sources of energy, such as solar energy and wind power, which, unlike traditional electricity, do not release greenhouse gases that scientists believe contribute to global warming.
Another thing you should look for is environmentally friendly cleaning supplies since the chemicals used by most cleaning products are harmful to humans and the environment. Cleaning supplies that contain ingredients like chlorine bleach and ammonia can damage your skin, kill fish, contaminate soil, and destroy flora. Furthermore, they are toxic to your lungs and can even cause cancer. So, try not to use harsh chemicals when cleaning garage floor tiles in your rental place.
Travel in a Way That Is as Eco-Friendly as Possible
Next, travel in a way that is eco-friendly. For instance, when buying a bus ticket, you might want to pay a few dollars more for the bus company to offset the carbon emissions that your trip will cause. Furthermore, you should consider walking, biking, and using public transportation to get around, as it is much more eco-friendly than driving a car on a daily basis. Lastly, if you have to take a plane, look for the most environmentally friendly airline that you can find.
Use Reusable Supplies Instead of Single-Use Ones
When it comes to being eco-friendly, avoiding single-use items is crucial as many of these items take a lot of time to decompose, and they often end up in landfills where they will stay for thousands of years before they stop leaking chemicals into the ground. So, instead of drinking from plastic bottles, bring reusable ones with you!
Another thing you should look out for is single-use disposable tableware. Make sure to pack your own reusable cutlery and plates instead of relying on plastic ones; bring along reusable alternatives of other single-use items such as napkins and plastic cups as well. When it comes to plastic bags, try using them as many times as possible. Also, try supporting local businesses that use reusable straws and other reusable products instead of single-use items.
Dispose of Trash in a Responsible Way
Remember to dispose of your trash in a responsible way! This is one of the most important things that you can do to preserve the environment, as disposing of trash incorrectly can harm the environment and lead to soil pollution. For example, things like cigarette butts and plastic bags are a major source of soil pollution because they take long years to decompose, and they release many chemicals that damage the soil.
Shop at Local Businesses That Promote Sustainable Practices
Last but not least, shop at local businesses that promote sustainable practices. For example, you can buy food from a local farm and avoid going to big chain stores that rely on mass farming practices that are harmful to the environment. You can also support local businesses that use reusable supplies instead of single-use ones, look for biodegradable materials to manufacture the goods they are selling, and invest in green energy sources, such as solar panels.
In Conclusion
To sum up, if you want to make your next stay at a vacation rental more eco-friendly, look for an accommodation that makes use of green sources of energy and environmentally friendly cleaning supplies. You should also try to travel in a way that is as eco-friendly as possible, use reusable supplies instead of single-use ones, and dispose of trash in a responsible way. By taking these steps, you will not only be doing your part to protect the environment, but you will also have a great time experiencing all the things that your destination has to offer!
