We go on holiday to have a break from the stresses of life, so why shouldn’t we give the environment a break too? You might not think about it, but taking a holiday abroad can have severe effects on the environment without taking the necessary precautions. From the transport methods you choose to the accommodation that you select, there are several ways to ensure that your environmentally friendly holiday is as perfect as possible. Here, we take a look at the best ways to ensure your holiday is environmentally friendly, so carefully pack your items, apply for your European Health Insurance Card, and continue reading!
Go Green With Your Sunscreen
We all need sunscreen when going on holiday – without it, we endanger ourselves to many fatal skin conditions, including cancer. With so many on the market though, choosing the right one for the environment can seem challenging. Did you know that between 6,000 to 14,000 tons of sunscreen washes off of swimmers, snorkelers and scuba divers alike, contributing to the bleaching and destruction of habitats beneath the ocean’s surface? Due to the chemicals within certain sunscreens, marine life is always in danger, so it’s paramount that we protect them to the best of our ability. In order to do this, select a coral/ocean-safe sunscreen with a broad spectrum UVA and UVB filter.
Choose A Sustainable Hotel Programme
In order to conserve our environment, more and more hotels are embracing sustainable methods, such as recycling programmes, energy efficient initiatives and waste treatment systems. Nevertheless, there are still many that haven’t incorporated these methods into their practices, so always ensure you’re selecting an eco-friendly hotel when booking accommodation. This can have a huge impact on the planet, especially with hundreds of people staying in a hotel at once, so selecting a sustainable hotel programme instead will make all the difference.
Select Public Transport Wisely
Of course, it’s difficult to avoid travelling by plane in order to reach your holiday destination, however the transport that you decide to use when abroad is entirely your choice. Many people decide to hire a car when touching down abroad, which, as you can imagine, is the worst mode of transport to take. If possible, always opt for the train, or, even better, rent a bike! Cities such as Amsterdam have an abundance of bicycles available for rent, allowing you to view the city in an environmentally-friendly way, while also getting the exercise that you need!
Be Smart With Your Souvenirs
While taking photos and keeping a travel journal are great ways to remember your holiday in years to come, a souvenir can have great sentimental value, or make a thoughtful gift to a loved one back home to show you appreciate and think of them. However, when making the decision of what souvenir to opt for, you need to be smart. You’d be surprised at how many items are made from endangered species, including several hides and body parts that could even be illegal. If you need to, never be afraid to inquire at the counter and ask about the souvenir that you’ve selected, as this small decision could have a large impact on our endangered species.
It’s easy to forget about the environment when putting your legs up on holiday, however the smallest of decisions can have the greatest of impacts. From the mode of transport that you decide on, to the sunscreen that you decide to use on the beach, having an environmentally friendly holiday abroad doesn’t need to be difficult.
Article Submitted By Community Writer