Five simple tips to travel more sustainably.
By Madeline Perreard.
How to be an Eco-Friendly Traveler
1. Purchase with a purpose.
Traveling forces you to be a minimalist, but I’m constantly challenged by advertisements pushing me to buy more, more more. When I find myself in the consumer trap, here is how I work my way out.
First, I keep a wishlist of every item I “need.” Running low on soap? Need a new pair of sneakers? I write every item down in detail. Then, when I have the desire to shop, I know what I am shopping for, and am less likely to buy something I don’t need.
Second, I only travel with one of every item. I have one pair of sunglasses, one hat, one dress, one skirt, etc. This way, if I see something interesting, I can immediately assess if it’s something I already have.
Third, I love to shop secondhand. New clothing loses half of its value when you remove the tag. Invest in something second hand and save water, C02, plastic, and labor.
2. Travel with reusable products.
Single-use plastic is everywhere, and can be hard to avoid. It’s integral to travel with reusable items to reduce your waste. You can find my go-to reusable travel items here.
3. Make your own souvenirs!
I love to bring gifts home, but souvenirs can add up quick. Why not make your own? Some of my favorite souvenirs are photos or journal entries. I also keep my leftover coins and turn them into magnets, I draw my own postcards, etc. Homemade gifts are just as appreciated as store-bought ones.
Also, the best way to remember a place is to be present when you are there. No material item will ever bring back the past, so try to enjoy it in the moment.
4. Explore on foot.
There are plenty of ways to get around, but I prefer walking. Walking is great for the body, mind and environment. Next time you have an attraction a couple miles away, consider walking or biking. Biking is also carbon-free and very accessible in Taiwan. Try renting an Easybike with your easypass card to see your next attraction.
5. Leave it better than you found it.
One of the most meaningful ways to experience a place is to feel that you made a difference. I would highly recommend checking out platforms like WWOOF and Workaway to volunteer in foreign places. As a bonus, you won’t have to pay for food or housing while you volunteer!
If you don’t have time to volunteer, remember that little actions matter. The next time you go for a walk, pick up litter, or simply connect with nature to remember how lucky we are to inhabit such a beautiful world.