As the movement for sustainable travel and plastic-free living continues to gain traction, more and more travelers are trying to figure out the best ways to make their journeys enviromentally-friendly. But with so many claims about what products and practices are eco-friendly and what aren’t, it can be confusing and overwhelming to know what’s true and what’s not. Let’s take a closer look at plastic-free travel, how to make sustainable choices, and what you should watch out for.
What Does “Plastic-Free” Mean?
First things first: “plastic-free” doesn’t necessarily mean a complete absence of plastic. It simply refers to efforts to minimize the amount of plastic used, discarded, and consumed. That might mean finding alternative materials, employing eco-friendly practices, or even seeking out products and destinations that are purportedly more sustainable. The hope is that by taking these steps, travelers can greatly reduce their carbon footprint during their journeys.
How To Travel Plastic-Free
There are many potential options for reducing waste and avoiding plastic when you travel. Some simple steps to consider include bringing your own reusable water bottle and grocery bag, as well as skipping single-use toiletries in favor of larger containers that can be refilled. You might also consider investing in biodegradable products, camping gear, and other essentials and even donating and returning them for reuse after your journey is over.
Additionally, eco-friendly travel destinations are increasingly popular. Costa Rica, for example, has committed to reducing its plastic usage and even boasts eco-friendly resorts. In general, travelers can look for locations with strong sustainability programs, recycling systems, and efforts to protect the surrounding environment. As an added benefit, these destinations typically have a lot of other tourist-friendly features, like beautiful beaches and wildlife.
Common Greenwashing Practices
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. The term “greenwashing” refers to the practice of promoting an image of environmental responsibility without taking any meaningful steps to back it up. In the world of travel, this can look like the use of extravagant, eye-catching, and perhaps even seemingly eco-friendly ad campaigns, meant to distract from the fact that the same destination or company may be contributing to the destruction of shared resources.
Greenwashing can also mean companies promoting products as eco-friendly when they aren’t. For example, a hotel might claim to use environmentally-friendly cleaning products, but in actuality, those products still contain toxic chemicals. Some products might even make false claims about being biodegradable or compostable when they are neither.
What Actually Works
For these reasons, it’s important to stay informed about greenwashing and avoid using products or services that are likely to be more harmful than good. Look for products that meet strict certifications and labels, like those from the International Oeko-Tex Association, the Rainforest Alliance, and other reputable organizations. Do thorough research to find out what environmental goals a destination has, what programs and practices are in place to reach them, and what reviews from previous visitors have to say.
In terms of what truly helps with reducing plastic use, the “3 Rs” – reducing, reusing, and recycling – are extremely important. When in doubt, keep it simple: buy fewer products and travel as lightly as possible, look for recycled or reusable items, and always dispose of your waste properly.
Conclusion
There’s no question that plastic-free travel is becoming increasingly popular, and that’s something to celebrate. However, it’s also important to remember that the goal should be to make a meaningful impact. That means employing sustainable practices and products as much as possible, staying informed and wary of greenwashing, and always remembering the importance of the “3 Rs.” By doing so, we can help keep our beautiful world healthy for generations to come.
