Tips on Environmentally Conscientious Travel

Tips on Environmentally Conscientious Travel

(Big words but totally do-able)

‘Eco-tourism builds environmental and cultural awareness of a region while minimizing the impact of visitors’.

Travelling to foreign destinations or even to another city on holiday is described as a period of relaxation, minimum effort and is usually accompanied by aggressive littering, wasting of energy and polluting the environment. People’s concern for the environment seems to decrease proportionally with the increase in distance away from home. Why bother to clean up after myself, if I am never coming back here? Why spend an hour on the internet figuring out where all the recycling spots are, then spend another hour trying to find these spots just to recycle 12 beer cans, 4 glass wine bottles, a cardboard box and some random empty packets made of plastic? The task is hardly worth the effort for a holiday maker or a traveller. But being environmentally conscious does not necessarily mean finding a recycling point or recycling bins for that matter; you can simply reduce your garbage/waste and energy consumption whilst travelling. It takes minimum effort and it can even save money and time. Here are a few tips on how to be a responsible and sustainable traveller:


* Just because the water and electricity in the hotel room is included in your accommodation fees does not warrant you to use these utilities in a reckless manner e.g. Leaving the heater/air conditioner on in the room when you are away the whole day or leaving the tap running whilst answering a 30 minute phone call


* Use reusable bags, tableware and containers rather than paper plates & cups and packaging that can only be used once and have to be repurchased


* Buy fruits, vegetables etc. without packaging or plastic bags


* Keep ash from campfires away from water sources to protect the water quality


* Let the hotel/lodge room service know that you do not require that your sheets and towels be changed every day; unless you wet your bed of course.


* Use public transportation instead of hiring your own taxi. Not only do you get to mingle with the locals and have a better understanding of the city but this creates less pollution in aggregate.


* Return glass bottles to shops for re-use


* Share newspapers/magazines you have already read with others. Leave it in the lobby or hand it over to a fellow traveller for a read


* Take photographs, but avoid disposable cameras. They are expensive, wasteful and do not last.


* Do not steal "souvenirs" from natural areas, historical areas or hotels however tempting it may be. Rather take a photo and live with the memory of it; there will be others after you who would also like to see.


* Leave only your finger- and foot-prints in a natural resort; Take out everything that you brought with you so others can enjoy the area in the same way that you did.


* Protect endangered species and avoid purchasing products such as tortoise shell, ivory, animal skins or feathers. Each country has its specified list of endangered species to be protected. Is it really worth trading some exotic feather for a criminal record?


So there you have it, just a few ideas to get you started on thinking about looking after the environment whilst travelling. And if you do want to find those recycle bins for 12 beer cans, 4 glass wine bottles, a cardboard box and some random empty packets there is always our good friend ‘google’ to help you find out where.

Notes on Sustainable Travelling around Cape Town

Arriving in Cape Town, you might get a bit confused. Mountain to the left, ocean to right, city bustle in the middle; or was it first the city and then....? Anyway, upon arrival you will quickly notice what sets this place apart from it’s contemporaries across the globe: In Cape Town you can have it all. Scenic landscapes, beautiful people, sun, fun and good, oh-so-good food.So much so, that one more than often forgets that this breath-takingly stunning piece earth is in fact a top-rated bio-diversity hotspot, and as such hosts a variety of unique minature eco-systems that have been around for ages. For example the faimed Cape ‘Fynbos’ - a fern - which can be found at over 30 National and Private Parks,Conservation Areas and Heritage sites around the city. If you choose to ‘go with the flow’, you will find yourself utterly engaged by the sheer variety of hikes and ‘secret look-outs’ to be discovered across the Cape Peninsula – all capable of evoking long-lasting images in your memory way after the hangover is gone. Try the warm springs just after Hermanus or the ‘The Rock’ for the most scenic sun-set picnic over Camps Bay.

 
Best contact one of the Fair Trade in Tourism SA tour operators or befriend some locals for the low-down on these and other spots. After you have feasted eye and lungs it is probably time to fill up your tummy as well. Although you can choose from a myriad of restaurants across Cape Town, it pays to have a look around. There still are some hidden gems that not only leave your stomach wallowing with joy afterwards, but actually contribute to making the Cape a better place by sourcing only organically- and sustainably-grown, local foods in order to satify your appetite. Some examples include “Zucchini’s” on Loop Street, ‘Emily’s’ at the V&A Waterfront or “The Greenhouse” at the majestic Cellars-Hohenort.If you’re the “DIY/I-Totally-Love-To-Cook” -type, simply browse around one of the over 20 organic markets in and around the city. 

You will find anything from fresh farm produce to carefully crafted specialty foods as you browse row after row of environmental activism personified. And in case you’re wondering how to get to all these places, you’ll be pleased to know that we sport an environmentally-friendly, carbon-conscious cab company called “The Green Cab”, several Avis branches for carbon-neutral rental cars, as well as a multitude of bicycle rental agencies, horse carriage companies and locals willing to share a ride via a ‘Rixis Cab’ - a local share-ride provider.Oh, did I mention the paragliding, mountain-climbing, downhill mountain biking, abseiling, shark-cage diving, surfing, kiteboarding, sunset horse trailing, crafts shopping, township-touring, sea kayaking or sandboarding you could get up to? Nope?!

Well, I’m glad I did then.

Hamba kakuhle. Go well.

http://twitter.com/TheSustainable

www.win-eco.co.za 

Check out this article and more at:  OneTravel.com