Greetings, adventurous travelers! Are you ready to explore the world while also taking care of our planet? If you’re like us, you love to travel and discover new places, but you also care deeply about our environment. That’s why here at Kendirita Tours and Travel Ltd, we’re excited to share with you some eco-friendly ways to travel that will reduce your carbon footprint while making your travels that much more exciting and rewarding.
We are passionate about sustainable travel, and we are confident that you are too. It is our duty and responsibility to tour the world in ways that leave the planet safer for the next generation. To achieve this, we must make responsible travel choices that minimize the negative impact of tourism on the environment and local communities while also supporting the local economy and preserving cultural heritage. In this blog post, we share a few ways in which you can travel sustainably and how your contribution can help preserve the earth for those coming after us.
Sustainable Transportation
According to the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP), the transport sector contributes approximately 25% of all energy-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Today’s transport sector is predominantly based on the combustion of fossil fuels, making it one of the largest sources of both urban and regional air pollution. Recent studies estimate outdoor air pollution causes more than 3.2 million premature deaths each year worldwide. While these are grim statistics, the battle is not lost yet. There are still things we can do and choices we can make to help reduce such effects and even forge a better way forward. You can choose to travel differently by adopting the following:
- Public Transportation: Public transportation like trains, buses, and subways are a great way to travel sustainably as they produce fewer emissions per passenger than cars or airplanes. Additionally, taking public transportation can give you a unique local experience. In Nairobi, for instance, our matatus are a cultural treat on their own. These mini-buses (locally referred to as Nganyas) are adorned with beautiful graffiti, play good music, are clean, and give you an authentic feel of who we are as a people. Easy-going, fun-loving, hardworking, and friendly people.
- Cycling: Cycling is another eco-friendly way to explore an area as it produces no emissions and is a fun way to get some exercise while on vacation. Many cities including Amsterdam, Tokyo, London, Taipei, and Paris have bike-sharing programs or offer bike rentals.
- Walking/Hiking: Walking or hiking is a great way to experience nature and local culture while minimizing your carbon footprint. This is particularly easy in cities where many attractions are in close proximity to each other. In Kenya, you can explore the KICC, Uhuru Park, the Nairobi National Museum, and even the arboretum, all in under a day of walking. Plus, isn’t walking really good for your heart?
- Electric Vehicles: If you need to rent a vehicle while traveling the world, you should consider an electric one. Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular and widely available as they do not emit GHG. As of 2021, there were an estimated 10 million electric vehicles on the road worldwide, with that number expected to rise in the coming years. In Norway, electric vehicles accounted for 50% of all new car sales in 2020. Renting an electric car or using an electric bike or scooter can help reduce emissions while allowing you to travel with ease.
- Carpooling: How often do you share a taxi? After a night out at a party, when going to a party, or sometimes even when going to the same hotel after a conference? Carpooling is an excellent way to save money, create stronger bonds and community while reducing emissions
Eco-Friendly Accommodations:
Eco-friendly accommodations are lodging facilities designed to minimize their impact on the environment. Such accommodations aim to reduce GHG emissions and promote sustainability through practices such as water and energy conservation, waste reduction and recycling, use of renewable energy sources, and the use of eco-friendly products and materials. During your travels, you may stay at hotels, resorts, and homestays that prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Volunteer Work:
Consider volunteering for an eco-friendly organization during your journeys. These organizations often work to preserve local ecosystems and wildlife, and volunteering can help offset the environmental impact of your travels. Organizations that support local businesses, encourage organic food farming, or promote climate justice are some of the best to volunteer at while traveling.
Taking everything into account, by making small changes to our travel habits, such as reducing our carbon emissions, conserving water and energy, supporting local businesses, and respecting local culture and traditions, we can make a positive impact on the planet and promote sustainable tourism. In so doing, we can ensure that future generations can enjoy the wonders of our world without compromising the integrity of the planet.
Writer: Winnie Wekesa