Sustainable change while travelling.

Living the #saltysideoflife

In my #saltysideoflife series, I explore the four pillars of change you can start making for yourself that can set off the ripples that can grow to become a wave of change for the world and contribute towards keeping our oceans sustainable.

It's well established today that human activities contribute significantly to climate change and rising sea levels that are altering the waves we ride. At the current rate of change, the next generation may not be able to enjoy the Earth the same way we do today.

Sustainable travel is one of the most positive ways we can help our planet recover. Travelling sustainably means minimizing the carbon footprint and environmental impact associated with the trip. We become more conscious of our environmental impact and the need to preserve it as we travel. Every time we visit, we learn more about how local communities are being impacted by climate change. These encounters not only serve as a reminder to minimize our impact when travelling, but they also motivate us to live more sustainably at home.

It may seem like a daunting task, but making an impact on the environment may be much easier than you think, and there are some small changes you can take in planning and executing your trip to make a positive impact on the Earth. Here are three ways to be more environmentally conscious while travelling: 

Walk or bike to local destinations

Biking is more than just fun and good for your health — it’s also great for the environment. Cars are less efficient on short trips with lots of changes in speeds, such as when driving in and around town. One of the best things about biking is the ability to explore your surroundings. You’ll use less gas and can spend that money on other events and activities.

Take a train or bus instead of a plane

Air travel is getting more sustainable and that's great. You can't get as green though if you fly - other forms of transport are much better for the environment. Sure, flying has its perks but trains and buses are a much better choice when it comes to the environment. They produce fewer carbon emissions and can be enjoyable if rushing through airports isn’t your cup of tea. You can also take in the scenery, chat with your fellow passengers and just get to your destination without the hassles of airport security and baggage claim.

Camping is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to go on holiday.

Camping is a great way to get outdoors, connect with nature and experience your destination through a different lens. Campers leave no trace on the land and there's no need for noisy generators or coolers full of ice. It’ll also save you some money for you to spend on experiences and more travel as well!

Keep track of your carbon footprint

It’s hard to manage what you can’t measure. Knowing your carbon footprint is the first step towards making more sustainable decisions. The bulk of individual emissions are generated by regular activities such as driving and using electricity in the home, and all travel-related emissions account for two-thirds of our global emissions.

By tracking your emissions, you're able to have a clearer picture of your individual actions. With this knowledge, you can make informed decisions about what parts of your lifestyle you might like to change, and how. There are a number of fantastic calculators available to estimate your carbon footprint. Toitu New Zealand for example provides a number of emissions calculators, including a travel calculator that allows you to calculate emissions for your domestic or overseas travel emissions associated with a range of New Zealand-specific accommodations.

How will you travel sustainably? Share your tips for living the #saltysideoflife below!