Green travel

What does ‘green travel’ mean?

Green travel, also known as eco-friendly, sustainable or responsible travel, refers to a type of tourism that focuses on minimising the negative impact on the environment, society and economy of the destination being visited.This type of travel involves making conscious decisions to reduce one’s carbon footprint and environmental impact by choosing environmentally-friendly transportation, accommodations and activities.

For example, green travellers might opt for public transport, cycling or walking rather than renting a car, choose hotels and resorts that have eco-friendly initiatives such as renewable energy sources, water conservation and recycling and avoid activities that exploit animals or harm the environment.

Overall, green travel aims to promote sustainability and respect for the environment and local culture, while also supporting the local economy and promoting social responsibility.

Why is green travel a good thing?

If you’re wondering whether green travel is a positive thing, the answer is yes. There are several reasons why, including: 

• Environmental protection: Green travel helps to minimise the negative impact of tourism on the environment. By choosing eco-friendly accommodations, transportation and activities, you can reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to protecting natural resources and wildlife.
• Support for local communities: By choosing sustainable travel options, you can support local communities and contribute to the local economy. This can help to create jobs and preserve local cultures and traditions.
• Health benefits: Green travel can also have health benefits for both travellers and the environment. For example, walking or cycling can be a great way to explore a destination while also getting some exercise. Eating locally-grown, organic food can also promote better health and support sustainable agricultural practices.
• Personal fulfillment: Travelling in an eco-friendly and sustainable way can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. By choosing green travel options, you can feel good about the positive impact you are making and have a sense of personal fulfillment knowing that you are contributing to the greater good. This can lead to more environmental awareness from travellers once the trip is over too.

Be honest: Is there really such a thing as ‘green travel’?

Yes, green travel can really exist! While it may be difficult to achieve 100 per cent sustainability in travel, it is possible to make conscious choices that minimise the negative impact of tourism on the environment, society and economy.

Many hotels, resorts and tour operators are adopting green initiatives and eco-friendly practices, such as reducing energy and water consumption, promoting recycling and waste reduction and sourcing local and organic food. Some destinations are also implementing sustainable tourism strategies, such as limiting the number of visitors and managing the impact of tourism on local communities and natural resources.

Travellers themselves can also make a difference by choosing eco-friendly accommodations, participating in responsible and sustainable tourism activities and minimising their carbon footprint by using public transportation or walking/cycling.

While it may not be possible to eliminate all negative impacts, green travel is a step towards a more sustainable future and can have a positive impact on both the environment and the local communities.

Green giants: The top sustainable travel companies

Check out some of these holiday operators who put planet before profit 🙂

High flying or rail riding? A plane vs train showdown

There is growing evidence to suggest that travelling by train can be a more environmentally friendly option than flying, especially for shorter distances.

One of the key factors is the difference in carbon emissions between the two modes of transportation. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the carbon emissions from a train journey are typically lower than those from a flight. For example, a train journey from London to Paris produces around 10kg of CO2 per passenger, compared to around 118kg for a flight between the two cities.

One of the main reasons for the lower carbon emissions of trains, despite being big emitters themselves, is that they’re designed to transport a large number of passengers. As a result, the per capita emissions tend to be significantly lower.

Aeroplanes are responsible for about three per cent of total global climate emissions. A single flight produces three tonnes of carbon dioxide per passenger, but the amount goes up dramatically if the plane is nearly empty. 

In addition to lower carbon emissions, train travel can also have other environmental benefits. They can be powered by renewable energy sources such as wind, hydro or solar power and travel via train also has the potential to reduce road congestion and air pollution in urban areas.

Furthermore, train travel can often be more convenient and comfortable than flying, especially for shorter distances. Trains can take you directly to the city centre without the need for transfers or additional transportation, which also lowers the carbon footprint of a journey. 

Therefore, if you’re looking to travel more sustainably, trains virtually always come out better than planes – and often by a lot. However, it’s important to note that train travel may not always be the most practical or convenient option, especially for longer distances or when travelling to more remote destinations. In these cases, it may be necessary to consider the environmental impact of flying and explore other options for reducing your carbon footprint, such as carbon offsetting or choosing airlines that are committed to sustainability.

Green skies ahead: Airlines and sustainable travel

While the effects of flights on the environment are increasingly well-documented, there are a growing number of airlines that are committed to sustainability and are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint and promote environmentally friendly practices. 

Delta Airlines, for example, has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030 and has launched a programme to invest in carbon offsets and sustainable aviation fuel. Finnair has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2045 and has also made significant investments in more fuel-efficient aircraft. Other airlines including Air France and Qantas have improved their waste reduction and implemented recycling initiatives and have reduced single-use plastic on their flights. 

However, travellers should be aware that while the airlines above are making efforts to be more sustainable, there is still a long way to go to make air travel anywhere near environmentally ‘friendly’. There is no escaping the fact that taking flights simply isn’t a sustainable mode of transport if you are looking to travel completely ‘green’. 

Our advice is that travellers should always do their research and choose airlines that align with their own values and commitment to sustainability. This research might take more time and effort, but if you’re looking to take away from your travel nothing but memories, it will be worth it.

For other inspiration on living a more sustainable life check out our information on diet and food.

FAQs: Want to travel but don’t want it to cost the Earth? We have the answers to your green travel questions…

? What is green travel?

Green travel, also known as eco-friendly travel or sustainable travel, is a type of tourism that focuses on minimising the negative impact on the environment, society and economy of the destination being visited.

? What are some examples of green travel practices?

Examples of green travel practices include using public transportation or walking/cycling, choosing eco-friendly accommodations, participating in environmentally friendly activities and eating locally grown, organic food.

? Why is green travel important?

Green travel is important because it helps to protect the environment, supports local communities and promotes sustainable and responsible tourism practices.

? How can I find green travel options?

You can find green travel options by doing research on eco-friendly accommodations, tours and activities. Look for hotels and resorts that have green initiatives and certifications, such as LEED or Green Globe. You can also use online resources, such as eco-friendly travel guides and sustainable tourism websites.

? How can I be a responsible green traveller?

By being mindful of your environmental impact, supporting local businesses, respecting local cultures and traditions and engaging in sustainable tourism practices.

? What are the benefits of green travel?

The benefits of green travel include environmental protection, support for local communities, health benefits and personal fulfillment. Green travel can also be a more authentic and meaningful travel experience.