The world needs more Slow & Eco Traveller
The sky is blue, the roses are red, and the Earth is Green. For how long?
Nowadays, environmental consciousness is almost universal. Many of us take daily actions like recycling, cycling, or modifying our diets to support our planet. Yet, strangely, these intentions often pause when we enter vacation mode as if the sun has hit our forehead so hard that we have forgotten our values. It’s time for us to become the ultimate slow traveller, or eco traveller, my friend.
As tourism steadily climbs, each step we take leaves an invisible imprint that is less invisible to the local environment and its inhabitants. While concepts like sustainability and slow travel offer theoretical knowledge, what’s desperately needed is a tangible, practical guide.
"Slow travel isn’t just about seeing the world, but about letting the world see you, unguarded and open"
This isn’t your average, trend-riding handbook. Instead, it’s a compilation of feasible, sensible, and actionable steps that everyone can adopt to become more eco-friendly, thereby reducing our detrimental footprint on the communities and ecosystems we visit. Yes, some suggestions might rub your hair the wrong way but don’t hate me (yet).
To be fully transparent, it’s important to acknowledge that some ethical eco-alternatives might come with a higher price tag. I understand the dilemma of managing expenses while planning a trip, especially for the budget-conscious backpacker (I see you, savvy backpacker). However, if adopting all these practices seems difficult, start small. Even minor adjustments by many can lead to significant, collective benefits.
What is an Eco Traveller?
I could give you many different definitions to understand what an eco traveller is and at which point you could be considered an eco traveller. However, if you are chasing this second point, you might consider it wrongly.
It’s not about receiving a label to show off during your next dinner, it’s about some values and concrete actions to integrate.
This way of travel aims to “connect conservation, communities and sustainable travel” (TIES). Put simply, an eco traveller encompasses all “environmentally responsible travel to natural areas, to enjoy nature, cultural features both past and present, that promote conservation, have a low visitor impact, and provide for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local people” (IUCN).
Through his interactions with his destinations and all the implicated actors (from stepping out your home door to coming back), he participates in:
- Minimising his carbon footprint
- Immersing in local culture without imposing his
- Providing direct positive benefits for the local economy, conservation, and environment
- Helping to empower local people
You see? Without fulfilling these criteria, it might be harder to showcase your previous “eco-travel” trip because you ride a bicycle in Cuba for a whole week after a 20-hour flight way and back. However, it is far from impossible and often provides meaningful experiences to be remembered.
Is there a difference between a Slow Traveller and an Eco Traveller?
Not really. At the end of the day, a slow traveller and an eco traveller share an underlying ethos of mindful and responsible tourism, even if their fundamental approach slightly varies from different angles.
Both are interested in travel culture, avoiding commercialised and touristy spots, preferring instead, to support local economies and engage with cultures respectfully and sustainably. While slow travel focuses more on the pace and depth of engagement with places and people, eco travel emphasises the environmental ethics of travelling.
So, if your heart, body, and soul were splitting apart, unable to choose, do not fear! Together, they form a powerful mix that offers a comprehensive framework for experiencing the world in a way you have never done before. It’s a personally fulfilling and globally responsible experience, making them not mutually exclusive but rather, complementary to achieve sustainable and authentic travel experiences.
Adopting practices from both slow and eco travel can be a great ally to overcome challenges such as juggling travel with work, finding authentic and sustainable options, and starting your own adventures, backpacking or not, in a manner that is respectful to the planet and local cultures. So what are you waiting for?
How to Become an Eco Traveller?
Only a few steps separate you from becoming a genuine and cute eco traveller. But no rush! Remember, it’s a marathon. The goal is not to incorporate only a one-off effort but to integrate a few of them (or all by becoming a real OG) in your travel behaviour. Ready? Go!
First, Adopt the Slow Traveller mindset
Adopting the mindset of a slow traveller is an essential first step. This approach isn’t just about travel; it’s about enriching your journey with deep, meaningful experiences off the beaten path. Let your innate curiosity be your guide and immerse yourself in the philosophy of Slow Travel to lay a solid foundation for your eco-travel endeavours.
Choose your destination
Theoretically any place on the globe can fit into the eco-travel framework. Indeed, certain locations seem tailor-made to attract mass tourism at the expense of local people and the environment (but being a reader of this blog, you’re likely already mindful of such pitfalls).
The beauty of eco-travel is discovering how almost every destination offers opportunities to engage positively with local communities, support the local economy, and take steps to reduce your environmental footprint. The world is full of kind-hearted people and places waiting to be sustainably explored.
But, Do Your Homework
However, the opposite is also more than true, and vigilance is crucial. The allure of being eco-friendly has become a magnet for businesses looking to capitalise on the trend without actually committing to sustainable practices, a phenomenon known as greenwashing. It can range from exaggerated claims to outright lies about their environmental efforts.
Take volunteering, for example. Some organisations tout their ethical stance on community aid, like child care or well-building projects, without truly embodying these principles. Instead, they exploit the notion of the “white saviour,” imposing external solutions that often leave communities more dependent than before.
To navigate these muddy waters, dedicate time to researching and questioning. Look beyond the surface to understand a business’s true impact. Authenticating their claims through reputable and reliable organisations such as the Global Sustainable Tourism Council or the Rainforest Alliance can help distinguish genuinely sustainable practices from greenwashed facades.
Equip yourself properly
Starting your adventure with nothing but your spirit ( aka à la “Nus et Culottés”) is a challenge. Even if this possibility might sound thrilling, realistically, a bit of preparation helps a lot. Here, two options unfold. First, utilise what you already possess. Second, acquire new gear if you have no equipment or if your current equipment is so old my grandma aside will look like a young dragster. In that case, a bunch of sustainable and eco-friendly options await you to choose from, considering the best fit for you and your needs.
Selecting Your Trusty Companion: The Backpack
In your quest for adventure, your backpack becomes more than just storage; it’s your unfailing companion, stoically enduring the whims of travel and the occasional bad decisions involving tequila. The quest for the perfect eco-friendly backpack, one that aligns with your eco traveller ethos without compromising on durability and ethics, begins with identifying brands that honour the following principles:
- Fair wages for their workers
- A commitment to conservation and sustainable initiatives
- The use of recycled materials
- A stance against promoting overconsumption
These criteria guide us to a list of tailor-made brands that stand with the slow and eco traveller mindset, offering products crafted with respect for the planet and its inhabitants.
Essential Eco-friendly Travel Products
With a suitable backpack chosen, the next step is to fill it. Beyond the essentials lies a vast industry often dominated by plastics, contributing to environmental degradation. Yet, hope shines through companies pioneering a shift towards sustainability, offering alternatives that reduce our ecological footprint while enhancing personal well-being (aka say goodbye to microplastics).
A curated selection of such companies provides a gateway to eco-friendly travel essentials, from toiletries to indispensable tools, all crafted under the principles of:
- Fair wages for their workers
- A commitment to conservation and sustainable initiatives
- The use of recycled materials
- A stance against promoting overconsumption
- Incorporation of alternative materials from sustainable sources
Rethinking Travel Gear & clothes
Before succumbing to the allure of new holiday outfits, take a moment to reflect on necessity. The fashion and clothing industry, often overlooked in discussions of environmental impact (and it upset me a lot), thrives on our penchant for excess. Holidays, in particular, can become pretexts for unnecessary consumption, exacerbating an already critical issue.
If new items are indeed necessary, the eco traveller’s crew (composed for the moment of myself and…myself) advocates for minimalism and sustainability, urging a shift towards brands committed to ethical production and longevity. Thrift shopping, besides being extremely cool, or supporting brands that align with eco-friendly practices, offers a path to mindful consumption, aligning our travel habits with the broader goal of environmental stewardship.
“To do good, you actually have to do something"
Go there the right way young eco traveller!
Let’s recap, aspiring eco traveller. You’ve chosen your destination and armed yourself with eco-friendly equipment. However, there’s one crucial decision yet: how will you reach your awaited destination?
If your answer was by plane, you might need to put it in perspective. Ponder this: does it align with your ethos to invest in sustainable gear, foster local economies, and advocate for environmental conservation, only to counteract these efforts with a 20-hour flight for a two-week stay? There should be a way to choose trains over planes my friend, there is always a way…
Do not cry in your corner yet, claiming life isn’t fair or that you can just stop travelling, giving up on all your travel. Reality is different.
Exploring Alternatives Transportation Mode: The Slow Travel Movement
The realm of eco travel has witnessed a blossoming of Slow Travel operators offering itineraries free from flights. Even if organising your journey independently, their approach should spark a light on the numerous pathways to eco-conscious exploration. The options are vast, from train and carpooling journeys to bus trips, connecting you to your destination with a deeper appreciation for the journey itself.
This mode of travel, especially within Europe, offers a unique vantage point on the continent’s shifting landscapes, enriching your experience far beyond the mere act of arriving.
Choose your flight wisely
Nevertheless, stopping people from taking the flight seems genuinely impossible due to the impracticality of an aviation boycott. I recognize that for many, certain distances demand flight. While opting for shorter, unnecessary flights is shitty, crossing the Ocean may necessitate this mode of transport (even though you could try to remember your swimming class).
For those who cannot imagine a journey sailing, informed choices can, at least, slightly mitigate environmental impact. Direct flights significantly reduce carbon emissions by eliminating the need for additional takeoffs and landings, saving approximately 100 kilograms of CO2 per passenger.
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/eco-friendly-airlines-atmosfair
Flight selection also extends to aircraft age; modern planes boast enhanced fuel efficiency, serving as the lesser of two evils. When scouring for flights, leverage tools like Skyscanner to identify options flagged for lower emissions, balancing cost with ecological footprint.
The Debate on Carbon Offsetting
Carbon offsetting proposes a trade-off: a financial contribution towards a project aimed at CO2 reduction. While conceptually appealing, the practice faces incoherences over its regulation and the potential to perpetuate flight justification.
Despite these concerns, carbon offsetting may be a tool in the eco traveller’s arsenal. There are registries that can provide some legitimate guidance on who to use for your carbon offsetting, like Climate Action Reserve.
Ultimately, the essence of eco-travel lies in the selection of the most sustainable options available, integrating direct routes and, where possible, offsetting the environmental toll of your journey.
Spend your money in locals’ pockets to avoid money leakage
When it comes to holiday spending, most of us are unaware of where our money ends up. This oversight is more significant than you might think (dramatical sounds start), directly impacting local communities and environmental conservation. The phenomenon of money leakage describes how tourist expenditures often benefit foreign corporations over local economies.
By opting for local restaurants and accommodations, you’re not just supporting community members; you’re also contributing positively to the environment. Giant hotel chains and resorts on untouched beaches barely do any good, contributing to ecosystem deterioration, and resource depletion while disregarding their impact on local life. So, how can you make a difference and ensure your travel enriches the places you visit?
Savour the Local Flavors
Wander on a culinary adventure by choosing local restaurants over familiar international chains. Local cuisine contains a tapestry of history, culture, and tradition woven through the unique preparation of ingredients and spices used. Street markets offer a gateway for your grocery shopping while allowing you to understand a community’s eating habits and the vibrant array of local produce.
Buy Meaningful Souvenirs
When hunting for souvenirs, seek out local crafts in markets or small shops run by community members. Contrary to generic souvenirs produced in chains by awful plants, authentic handicrafts hold cultural significance and support the artisans directly. These items not only carry the essence of the place but also help sustain traditional crafts.
Select Homely Accommodations
Opt for homestays, guesthouses, or small Slow Travel hostels over multinational hotel chains. Such accommodations provide a more immersive experience and support local households. These places often come with unique stories, enhancing your travel experience. Platforms like Book Different, which emphasises responsible tourism, can help you find the right stay.
Explore diverse local activities
Reject Harmful Wildlife Tourism
Wildlife tourism, when ethically managed, can support conservation efforts and educate tourists. However, many wildlife tourism activities exploit animals under the guise of conservation. To truly respect wildlife, adopt an “observe, not disturb” philosophy and support sanctuaries that prioritise animal welfare without allowing direct interaction.
Here are a few general rules to follow.
- If you interact with animals in any way, it is likely not to be wholly ethical. The only way to see a wild animal ethically is from a distance, in a habitat suitable for the animal. Always think “observe, not disturb”.
- Do the sanctuaries allow volunteers? Malpractice and cruelty are much harder to hide with the caring eyes of helpers all around.
If these two criteria aren’t respected, chances are you are participating in animal cruelty and unethical wildlife tourism.
Engage in Local-led Activities
Whenever possible, choose activities led by local guides. Their deep-rooted understanding of the area’s legends and history can transform your perspective, offering a richer, more authentic travel experience.
By embracing these practices, you can journey not just as a tourist, but as a conscientious eco traveller committed to making a positive impact on the places you explore.
Raise up your head young eco traveller, you are not alone!
I admit that changing consumption and travel habits is not an easy thing to do. It might be hard, and you may even think “Why strive for change when the norm remains untouched?”.
The truth isn’t that sad! A shift is occurring – an awakening to a more sustainable way of traversing our planet. The Slow Travel movement is rising , gaining momentum, and reshaping perceptions and practices alike.
When opening your mind and your eyes to this new travel way, a community of like-minded eco travellers genuinely appears around you. The dawn of a world where sustainable and eco-travel is omnipresent has just emerged, and it’s now up to us to ensure this vision continues to flourish!
Are you in?
"Slow travel teaches us that every path leads not just to a new destination, but to a new perspective."
Now, it’s your time to shine
The end of this guide is merely the beginning of your adventure as an eco traveller.
As you close it, armed with knowledge and a burning desire to make a difference, know that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
The road ahead is both exciting and daunting, filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute. Be the change you wish to see, one journey at a time. And when the road gets tough, look back at the steps you’ve taken, the difference you’ve made, and the community you’re a part of. Together, we can shape a future where travel is not just about the places we visit, but the legacy we leave behind.
Are you ready to take that step?
Bon voyage!
Wander with purpose – Connect with Heart.
