More Pleasing Picnics
What you’re doing now:
When you can’t travel far, you throw a garbage-filled picnic instead…
New ideas:
Throw a sustainable stay-cation picnic! Bring:
- cutlery from home instead of plastics.
- water – cold or hot – in thermoses.
- food in glass containers that won’t fly away in the wind like plastic plates will.
- cloth napkins.
- a garbage bag to collect any waste you do produce!
Where to go? Check out your city’s guide to conservation spaces and parks. Many city websites have maps of hiking trails, kayak rentals, or nature museums or conservation centers.
Book a Better Flight
What you’re doing now:
Planning to fly? Consider how your plane affects the environment.
New ideas:
Book with an airline which has a carbon offsetting program. It’s a way to neutralize your portion of carbon emissions. Over 30 IATA airlines have an offset program, like:
- Air Canada who donates to environmental conservation.
- British Airways who invests in waste management.
- HERE is a list of 9 other airlines to use!
Book a direct flight – it produces less carbon emissions than frequent take offs and landings.
Don’t Throw in the Towel
What you’re doing now:
After each hotel shower, you get a new one from staff. Clean – but not eco-conscious.
New ideas:
Hang up your towel on a bathroom rack so staff know you want to reuse it. You don’t wash towels daily at home, so why do it on travels?
You can also bring a water-wicking towel. Instead of hotels washing many towels, you only wash 1 at the end of your travels! Find travel or microfiber options HERE.
Greater-Cause Gifts
What you’re doing now:
How do you buy presents for loved ones? Skip tourist knick-knacks for local craftsmanship.
New ideas:
Seek out options for local crafts:
- Buy from indigenous artisans and local producers. This benefits the community and is more meaningful than factory-line items.
- Ask a local what they recommend. It gives you options and the chance to connect with the community.
