Discover the World Responsibly: 7 Tips for Eco-Conscious Travel
We live in a society where people are constantly seeking fulfillment through new experiences. Travelers and lifestyle influencers are becoming more numerous on the web, particularly on social media. Of course, traveling around the world also means “flying”, which is not necessarily synonym with “ecological”. The airplane is known to be the most polluting means of transportation.
At Whelk, we firmly believe that it is possible to find a balance between your desire to discover the world and your commitment to reduce our ecological footprint. How? It’s simple: by making responsible choices as a consumer.
1. Unplug your electrical appliances and turn off all the lights in your home.
By unplugging all your electronics and turning off all the lights in your home, you will not only save money, but you will also avoid producing electricity for nothing. In Quebec, 94.8% of electricity production is generated by hydroelectric power plants, which can give the impression that they have no negative impact on the environment. Nevertheless, it is the operation of all these plants that can be harmful to our planet.
2. Plan your housing and travel.
This way you will avoid unnecessary kilometres and you will save time. You could even rent a bicycle instead of taking the car or the bus. It’s a great eco-friendly way to get around. This way you will live the real experience of traveling by visiting the cities.
3. Buy local and eat vegetarian.
Imported products pollute the planet because of their transportation and the many chemicals used to preserve the quality of food. Why not opt for restaurants or small local markets to find products that are mostly organic, fresh and not packaged with tons of plastic that takes years to decompose? This will also allow you to fully experience the cultural life of the country you are visiting. Also avoid eating any animal products. To produce one kilo of meat, the equivalent of 15,000 litres of water is needed.
4. Travel lightweight.
Rather than taking a large suitcase, why not instead consider using a backpack to limit the amount of clothes and items you bring with you. Because it’s so light, the backpack is much more convenient to carry with you. The heavier your bag is, the more fuel necessary to carry it. Limit yourself to a few classic outfits that you can hand wash and interchange. Don’t forget your lightweight Whelk sport cap for protection from the sun.
5. Bring personal hygiene products with no packaging and that won’t be ocean-damaging.
Have you ever heard of bar shampoo and conditioner? These are usually sold without packaging and are very compact. It’s perfect for a traveler looking to save space in their luggage and it weighs nothing. Another interesting aspect of this type of product is that you can be reassured that it won’t drip all over your clothes during transport and you don’t have to worry about the number of millilitres allowed at the airport in your luggage. This is a must have for any frequent flyer.
Everyone knows the importance of protecting your skin against UV rays to prevent sunburn, skin cancer, etc. No doubt, wearing sunscreen is very important. However, some sunscreens are composed of chemicals such as oxybenzote, octinoxate and benzophenone-2, which can be very polluting for our oceans. They can also affect the development of marine animals and corals. Take the time to read the ingredients on the back of your tube of sunscreen before you buy it.
6. Bring your reusable water bottle, reusable straw and reusable utensils.
Carrying these reusable products with you wherever you go will help you avoid using plastic unnecessarily. You will also be able to refill your bottle at available water points without having to pay.
7. Clean up the beaches you visit.
Indeed, this may seem mundane. However, all beaches are full of garbage from the tourists who visit them. Do not hesitate to take the initiative to collect some rubbish around you. You might be surprised at the reaction of other tourists. Not only will some be embarrassed not to pick up their own rubbish, but others will follow your initiative by helping you. You may unexpectedly meet people. Who knows?
