The idea of sustainable travel – balancing the economic needs of tourism with its environmental and social impact – is a (rightly) growing consideration for travellers. As we head back out on the road, most of us would like to leave the places we visit a little better off than when we arrived.
However, the benefits aren’t limited to reducing travel’s impact on the environment; at the heart of sustainable tourism is a richer, more immersive experience that fosters a connection with the community. Here are seven ways to be a more sustainable traveller in Australia.
1. Go local
From taking a historical bar tour in Adelaide to buying direct from the grower at a farmers market in Armidale, the key to sustainable travel is to support local businesses. Whether it's breakfast at a high street café, lunch at a local winery or an afternoon kayaking tour; playing, staying and shopping locally can have a ripple effect on the local economy.
2. Stay longer
Australia has enough destinations, towns and attractions to suit every traveller. But rather than ticking all the boxes and trying to cram every destination in, travellers are being urged to stay longer, go slower, and get to know your chosen destination better. Not only will this reduce your carbon footprint, it’ll also allow you more time to connect with the local community and understand the unique eco-system of the surrounding environment.
3. Re-use and recycle
It's common to indulge in a little more takeaway when you’re travelling, so bring your own cutlery, re-usable water bottles, coffee cups and straws. A small re-usable tote is perfect for carrying groceries, housing that special gift from a local shop, or packing all your beach gear while on the road. And rather than tossing all your rubbish in the bin, hold onto your recyclables until you find a recycling bin.
4. Be energy-conscious
Back at your accommodation, aim to be energy-conscious: switch off lights if you’re not using them, and conserve water by having shorter showers and hanging your towels up for re-use (especially in drought-affected regions). In your hotel, the biggest energy drainer is air conditioning. Switch it off once you’ve got the room to your ideal temperature, closing open doors and windows to stabilise the temperature – or simply don’t use it at all.
5. Consider an EV road trip
If you plan to travel in your electric vehicle and it’s a long-haul road trip you’re doing, consider where you’ll stay and if your accommodation is EV-friendly. As EVs become more and more popular, an increasing number of venues are offering EV charging amenities, so it’s worth considering if your accommodation offers this. Discover more great tips on EV road trips.
6. Seek out sustainable accommodation providers
Hotels, hostels and holiday parks at every level of budget are embracing new ways to be more sustainable. This includes installing solar panels and rainwater tanks, setting up bee hives on their grounds, commissioning furnishings from local makers and sourcing local produce from independent growers. Before you book, do your research, and choose accommodation providers working hard to reduce their impact.
7. Minimise your environmental footprint
When planning a trip, consider avoiding saturated tourist hotspots in favour of quieter, more secluded destinations, or visit out of season to reduce your environmental impact. When you’ve reached a destination, keep in mind how you’re physically having any impact: walk if you can avoid driving, and if you’re out hiking or on sand dunes, be mindful of staying on sign-posted trails to minimise erosion and interference with flora and fauna.
Image: Photography by Mangiwauvia via Getty
