Earth Day provides a day to reflect on the state of the planet, and how each and every individual can make a difference regarding the quality of our environments.  

Sustainability might not always be the first thing on our on minds in our day to day lives, or when we plan to travel. However, being conscious of incorporating greener behaviors not only enhances experiences, but also contributes positively to the worldwide initiative of sustainability. Simple practices, such as not running excess water while brushing one’s teeth, promote an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Sustainable practices, in short, advocate for the environment by leaving areas the same way that they’re found. Living sustainably demonstrates how individuals can care for the environment and motivate others to do the same, even as we look to travel abroad. 

Consider the impact of our daily activities can later affect the environment when we travel, and how those choices might impact the environment. Yet sustainability does not have to be intimidating! For instance, choosing to bike around a city center instead of driving utilizes less carbon emissions. Even participating in a cooking class can support a local business while learning about a culture in depth. 

Let’s take a closer look into a few specific reasons and ways we can be more sustainable during the next adventure abroad: 

Use Less Plastic, Ways To Go Green

Using less water bottles, or reducing our use of plastic in general, can both have positive environmental impacts. Reusing towels, limiting the amount of time in the shower, and using the same bed linen during a stay can also make greater differences saving expenses and water on washing. 

As we incorporate these practices in our day to day lives, we have the ability to pass that along to other areas. Packing a reusable water bottle reduces use of plastic waste and saves from spending countless dollars on water bottles per day! Most areas have local water fountains for use, or visitors can find locations with filtered, purified water on tap. 

Another tip on going green is recycling and disposing of trash properly. Pick up any trash to help sustain fragile environments! Purchasing a packable and reusable shopping bag acts as a tote, in case there are groceries or souvenirs to take back after the end of a long day, and supports the reduction of plastic bag usage during travel. 

Supporting Local Communities

Visiting small businesses and eating locally encourages visitors to get involved with the community and appreciate smaller shops. Visit local markets and keep an eye out for locally sourced produce and prepared foods. This also alleviates carbon footprints, since the farther it takes to ship items, the larger the footprint becomes. Local markets also offer opportunities to purchase unique gift items, antiques, instead of buying imported goods. As you shop local, you empower the communities and put money back into their economy.

The same principle of supporting local businesses applies to dining out. Restaurants that source local ingredients are typically more eco-conscious, and need visitors’ support to stay in business. Currency gives consumers the power to make positive changes, even during mealtimes. 

Using Sustainable Solutions When We Travel: Worldwide Examples

Even countries that EdOdyssey visits incorporate sustainable initiatives! For instance, Madrid, Spain, has added bike lanes and restricted parking on certain days of the week, as well as removing car and bus lanes from Gran Via to encourage walking and biking. 

Within the culinary scene, Lima focuses, “on sustainable Peruvian produce and succinct daily menus that are just as big on flavor and technique as their more established counterparts, conscious to apply ethical business practices and innovative ideas” (The Independent).

Sustainable transportation has become a huge aspect in major cities, and Canada is no exception! In North America, Montréal also holds the ranking as the most bike-friendly city, and is known for electric transportation and sustainable mobility (Tourisme Montréal). 

As all of us look to travel, we incorporate sustainable practices is important for us to stay mindful so we can positive impacts when we make visits. Locals and visitors can ensure that their money is being put into the local community for the better by contributing to the local businesses and being eco-conscious to the environment.

As we prepare to travel and embrace sustainable practices, we always benefit from having knowledge of the local language to best understand their practices! If you’re interested in taking your language learning to the next level, definitely check out our past blog, “Four Tips For Embracing the Language Learning Journey”!

Sources

“Lima Has a New Generation of Foodies – and They're Driven by Sustainability.” The Independent, Independent Digital News and Media, 4 Mar. 2019, www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/lima-peruvian-food-latin-america-new-generation-foodies-a8665241.html.

“Montréal Is a Leader in Sustainable Mobility and Intelligent Transportation.” Tourisme Montréal, 4 Apr. 2019, blog.mtl.org/en/sustainable-transport