Travelling Sustainably

Sustainability: The ability to meet the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs

As the climate crisis is being brought to the forefront of mainstream media, it’s important to reflect on the small, surprisingly easy things we as individuals can do. Collectively, all these little actions will make a huge impact!

The tourism industry accounts for around 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions; a significant proportion. By making small changes in how we travel we can help conserve and protect the environment, as well as support local communities. Travel Hokkaido is passionate about sustainable travel and is constantly taking steps to improve itself in this regard. They encourage others to think and act with an environmental conscience and with greater consideration for local communities.

Here’s some tips on how to do so!

1. Do you need to take a plane?

Consider international/high-speed trains, car (if you have >4 passengers) and coach as options to get to your destination. These options are usually much cheaper than flying, and you can take this as an opportunity to make the most of the journey! Road trip with a group of friends, have a picnic feast on a train or have a cheesy sing-a-long on a coach. Travelling this way not only means that you are reducing your carbon emissions, but you also have more flexibility with stopping along the way, so you can enjoy the sights before your holiday has even properly begun!

“When you fly, your body travels faster than your mind. You don’t have that when travelling by train. You slowly adapt to your changing environment. This is really travelling.”, Saskia Griep – Better Places

2. If you’re flying, explore those far off places!

Long-haul flights, surprisingly, have lower carbon emissions per passenger-mile than short-haul flights, as emissions are highest during take-off and landing, and short-haul flights are usually unable to follow the shortest route to their destination. Also, you don’t need to take more expensive flights to fly sustainably! Refuelling stopovers for intercontinental flights (travelling over 6000km) actually result in lower emissions per passenger-mile, due to the plane having to carry less fuel. This lowers the plane’s weight, so it consumes less fuel.

Some websites and flight booking agencies or apps will actually point out which flights have lower carbon emissions. Our favorite one to use is Skyscanner which highlights the ‘Greener choice’ flights and display the actual percentage of CO2 that is saved.

3. Make your trip carbon neutral

Carbon offsetting is where you mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the same amount of emissions anywhere in the world.

One way you can purchase carbon offsets is via South Pole. Through the website, you can calculate your carbon emissions, and then choose which project you would like to support in to offset them. Another option is Carbon Footprint.

If this is financially possible for you, this is one of the best ways to travel sustainably and truly makes a huge difference 🙂

4. Learn about the local culture & customs before you go

This will ensure that you are respectful while you travel and will also enhance your experience in that country.

Knowing more about the country you’re in and having a deeper understanding and appreciation of the culture will make your holiday even more enjoyable. You can have a much more immersive experience. Greater awareness will also ensure you do not act improperly in culturally sensitive/ religious areas and that you are being respectful. By educating yourself on the local communities and their heritage you will help preserve the local culture and traditions.

5. Eat at local restaurants and shop at local shops

Not only will purchasing locally allow you to find and try things you may not be able to get elsewhere, it will also mean you are contributing to the local economy, rather than giving your money to already wealthy, large corporations which cause leakage of profits. This allows local economies to prosper and the area to develop, benefitting the community with more jobs, greater public spending and better infrastructure.

Also, consuming local goods and using local services often also helps to preserve the local culture, especially when it is local traditional craftsmanship and cuisine.

A more authentic experience is great for both you and the locals!

6. Cut down on plastic

@ecosaint eco-bags recommended by @ttttttiana

Start adding “I don’t need a bag, thank you” to your useful phrases list! Stop generating unnecessary plastic waste by using your own reusable bag, carrying a reusable straw/cutlery around, bringing your own reusable mug to coffee shops and using a reusable water bottle!

It is estimated that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the sea than fish. So, let’s act now! Always check if the tap water at your destination is safe to drink – this helps you save money and the planet. If it isn’t, then check for any drinking water points, or purchase a large bottle of water which you can use for water bottle refills.

Note: In Hokkaido the tap water is safe to drink, so make the most of those refills!