6 Changes You Can Make to Travel More Sustainably

As Earth Day has just passed us by, you're probably thinking about how you can travel, and teach English while being an eco-conscious citizen of the earth? While it seems difficult, even small changes to what you pack, how you choose to travel, and the companies you use can make a massive difference! Below we have listed a few suggestions:

1. Carbon Offset Credits/Programme

What is a Carbon Offset programme? Carbon offsetting is simply a way for individuals or organisations to ‘neutralise’ their proportion of an aircraft's carbon emissions on a particular journey by investing in carbon reduction projects. Such as, reforestation and conservation, renewable energy, or community projects that help to introduce energy-efficient methods or technology to undeveloped communities around the world.

Did you know there are 30 International Air Transport Association (IATA) member airlines that have introduced a travel offset programme? Including United Airlines, British Airways, and EasyJet. It’s really easy to select these programmes when booking, often it’s as easy as ticking a box! If given the option, invest in offsets that avoid emissions or replace fossil fuel-based energy with renewables.

There are also programmes that will allow you to offset your Carbon Footprint directly. Check out websites such as Atmosfair. All you do is insert which airport you are flying to and from, any stopovers, then flight class, flight type, and aircraft type (if you know it). It automatically calculates your climate impact and compensation amount! For example, a flight from Manchester to New York, stopping over at Amsterdam is £68.2. Additional References

2. Keep Things Simple

Fly with a no-frills, low-cost airline. Take a non-stop flight rather than one with a layover. Not only do you travel fewer miles in a direct flight, but during takeoff and landing a substantial amount of carbon emissions are released. Flying economy is better just because of the simple fact it maximises how many people fly at once, hence reducing the number of planes needed.

3. Using Public Transport

There are so many excellent alternatives to cars these days, the transport links across many countries are so great it’s often easier to use public transport. Using public transport is an obvious choice as it reduces the number of cars on the road and planes in the sky, therefore, reducing the amount of carbon emissions massively. Plus, it’s actually cheaper and as a traveller, it’s always nice to save money somewhere and not have to worry about driving in unfamiliar areas and buying or hiring a car.

4. Ethical & Sustainable Traveller

“The World Tourism Organization reports that, of each $100 spent during a trip, only $5 benefits the destination, meaning there’s a tremendous missed opportunity for travel to support local economies.” - Intrepid Travel.

Research is key, avoid businesses that treat their captive animals poorly, go to sanctuaries, respect the wildlife, don’t feed them, clear up after yourself, and look into companies such as Intrepid Travel. They help ensure that your money goes directly to the community instead of big-chain businesses. Also, REI Adventures’ low-impact hiking, and DuVine Cycling + Adventure Co.’s biking itineraries. As CEO Andy Levine says, “A bike takes you deep into the countryside, reaches remote villages, and travels on the level of local people. But best of all, the environmental impact of a bike is zero.”

5. The Ocean

Don’t touch coral! Coral is a protective layer, and it is very delicate – human touch and the oils from our skin can break it down, killing not only the coral itself, but the creatures who live among it. Use ocean-friendly suncream! Check out some great options here. Lots of sunscreens have harmful chemicals within them that end up in the water and kill the sea life. You can prevent contamination with this super simple step.

6. Shop local

Especially when you’re living abroad teaching English, shopping locally is even more important. Shopping locally means that your money is supporting the economy directly, rather than going to big corporations that don’t give back to the community. You are supporting a small business owner, which is always appreciated!

If you have other suggestions we would love to hear them! Message us on social media or here! We hope you implement some of these great ideas into your day-to-day travel.