ism is a lifestyle taken on by those who can travel and work anywhere. But the problem is that traveling frequently around the world can have digital nomads cause more damage to the environment. When digital nomads use unsustainable products and maintain habits that can harm the surroundings, they contribute to global warming and environmental problems.
If you’re a digital nomad who wants to curb environmentally destructive habits, here are the following steps you can take.
1. Use Sustainable Transportation
When you’re in a new destination, take time to know which transport is sustainable and available in that area. Bicycles for rent, electric vehicles, and scooters are some choices you can indulge yourself with and help you become a more sustainable digital nomad. See if more forms of green transport can help you avoid cars or other vehicles that use gas or fuel. If you find yourself in a country that uses eco-friendly transportation such as electric cars and trains, use them often to get around to become an eco-friendly traveler.
2. Stay at Green Accommodations
Your choice of accommodation can also have a great impact on your overall carbon footprint. Many areas encourage green living as a response to the move towards green tourism. It’s not surprising to find hotels, lodges, and hostels that use solar generators, recycling, and composting, to name a few.
If you cannot find green accommodations, you can still be a responsible digital nomad by practicing certain habits. When you’re in a hotel, for example, you can save electricity by switching off lights when you are not using them or turning off the air conditioner before going out of the room. As an alternative and more affordable solution, stay with friends or family instead if they are in the area.
3. Switch To A Plant-Based Diet
Keeping livestock animals and farming them for food are significant contributors to the progression of global warming. The meat industry alone is responsible for daily greenhouse gas emissions that place more stress on the ozone layer.
Scientists and experts have created guidelines on healthy and sustainable diets. It does not discuss removing meat from your daily diet. There’s no need to give up your favorite meat dishes. You can still practice sustainability by having one plant-based meal daily to make a difference in the environment. Plus, eating local food bought from farmers’ markets helps the economy and is overall good for your health.
4. Use Eco-Friendly Gear
Choosing the side of sustainability means that you must also make conscious decisions on the kind of personal items you use, from the bag to your toiletries, for example. Many brands lined up in the market advertise eco-friendly apparel and gear for travelers.
But before you take out your wallet, research the brand first to see if it’s truly committed to environmental causes or is just using it as a marketing gimmick. Find out their ethics, the type of material they use for their products, and their other efforts towards green living.
If you have the budget for it, invest in quality eco-friendly items that help produce less waste. A good quality product will also last longer. Hence, it can reduce commercial waste in the long run.
5. Travel As Light As You Can
Traveling light is also good for the environment. That’s because your luggage doesn’t have to be transported via multiple flights, consuming more fuel and contributing to more greenhouse gases in the process. Aside from that, lighter luggage will help you move around with more ease and is less costly since you don’t have to pay for additional baggage allowances.
To pack light, choose clothing that you can mix and match easily, so you don’t have to bring too many pieces. Bring only the most essential shoes, since these could make your luggage heavier. Even the bag you choose will help lighten the load.
Additionally, use a lighter bag with compartments to help maximize your space while still traveling light. Personal toiletries are not necessary since you can just buy them when you arrive at your destination.
Conclusion
Being a digital nomad has many perks. Basically, you can explore the world while getting to work in your own time—whether that may be at the beach, pool, or some scenic greenery. In fact, many people dream of this lifestyle. But that doesn’t mean one should forgo sustainable and green practices.
As a frequent traveler, you must be more conscious of your carbon footprint. Aside from that, it is also a huge responsibility to respect and take care of the natural resources that you have chosen to visit. The local communities count on them. Most of all, keep the above tips in mind to further reduce your carbon footprint.
Article Submitted By Community Writer