Most of us are looking for ways to live more eco-friendly lifestyles. Being more environmentally friendly is great for the environment, it’s a way to save money in many cases, and if you’ve got kids, it’s a fantastic chance to set a good example and teach them more about sustainable practices and the dangers of climate change. While there are countless benefits to family travel, travel is unfortunately a big contributor to our carbon emissions. The good news is, there are some great changes that you can make, and habits you can start to enjoy more eco-friendly family trips.
Make Nature Fun
Getting out into nature is so great for families. It’s a wonderful way to get some exercise and teach your children about the natural world, but it’s also a great chance to instil a love of nature and wildlife, which can make encouraging eco-friendly habits easier.
Getting outdoors is also an excellent way to have fun as a family without spending time in the car, paying for admission to busy attractions, or otherwise polluting the area.
At home, try to go out for family walks, hikes, berry picking and other outdoor activities, and when you travel, try to do plenty of exploring on foot.
Learn Together
There’s so much to learn about nature, wildlife, climate change, pollution, and sustainability. As adults, we often know less than our children, who are learning at school and watching informative shows about the topic. When you travel, spend time learning about wildlife and nature in the area, and any conservation that is going on nearby.
Use Public Transport
Public transport is still a polluter, but it’s much better than taking a car. Take trains and buses when you can, and if you fly anywhere, try to make an effort to reduce emissions in other ways, such as using public transport at your location instead of hiring a car.
Upgrade to Electric
Rushing out and buying a new car isn’t sustainable. But if you do need a new car, buying or leasing an electric model is one of the best things that you can do to make your trips more sustainable. If you need help and advice, read this new leasing guide from LV’s writers, which will give you all of the information that you need, to make sure you find the right electric option for your family.
Take More Economic Routes
Most modern map apps and sat nav systems give you the option to follow a route that will save petrol and reduce pollution. Staying off very busy roads and travelling outside of rush hour can help you to avoid adding pollution to already oversaturated areas.
Shop Second-Hand
Taking a longer trip often means heading to the shops for new clothes and other supplies before you go. If you need anything, try to buy it second-hand as much as you can. Look in charity stops and on shopping apps like Vinted for great deals and a chance to give a product a new life.
Pack Picnics
Instead of eating out or buying pre-packaged foods and drinks in disposable bottles during your trip, try to pack picnics in reusable bags and bottles to enjoy on the way.
Visit Local Businesses
If you do eat out during your trip, instead of visiting large chain restaurants, which often have a very high carbon footprint and do little for communities, spend your money in small, local businesses that are more likely to support the local economy and take steps to be environmentally friendly. Try to shop local and buy local produce during your trips.
Choose Attractions Carefully
One of the best parts of a family holiday is visiting fun tourist attractions like zoos and museums. These can offer great opportunities to create lasting memories and offer a chance to learn. But not all attractions are equal. If you are visiting a zoo, for example, try to find one that invests in conservation and takes good care of its wildlife.
Avoid Cheap Souvenirs
Cheap, tacky souvenirs made with plastic are common at tourist attractions and hotspots. These are tempting, especially for kids. But they are usually a waste of money, consigned to the back of a drawer or broken before you even get home. If you do want to buy souvenirs, try to opt for handmade items that support local businesses or creators.
Opt for Reusable When Possible
Whenever you buy anything on your trip, try to opt for reusable options, avoiding disposables as often as possible. This might mean taking more with you from home, instead of shopping when you arrive.
Travel is a wonderful thing, and you certainly don’t have to stop enjoying family trips to reduce your carbon footprint. You might just have to think about it a bit more carefully and get off the beaten track from time to time. More eco-friendly trips can be a great chance to enjoy wonderful family adventures.