Now that you are out of school, there is no one nagging you to throw your bottle into the blue bin instead of the green, turn of the lights in the bathroom or recycle your old paper. However, summer does not necessarily mean a break from being eco friendly. I imagine what most of you are doing is traveling, and how you plan your holiday might have a huge impact on how you affect your world. So lets look at some things that might make a difference this summer.

 Some of the things you should consider are:
 
  •   the type of transportation you are using and  CO2 emissions
  •   how you interact with the local community
  •   how you treat their environment
Lets start with travel then. As you know transportation, and especially airplanes, produce massive amounts of CO2, and are very damaging to the environment.Therefore, you should try to fly a minimum amount, which can be easily done using the following tips:

  • Take fewer and longer holidays
  • Take some holidays closer to home
  • Travel by train and public transport where possible
  • Book direct flights avoiding transfers
  • Use public transport in destinations where possible 
However, if you insist on flying you can try to make that trip count. You can make sure to benefit the local community and environment. A lovely example of this is Evelyn's and Linn's trip to Senegal, which in my opinion, they really made count.

Before you go, you should also check out a couple of things:

  • Read up on local cultures and learn a few words of the local language - travelling with respect earns you respect
  • Remove all excess packaging  - waste disposal is difficult in remote places and developing countries
  • Ask your tour operator for specific tips for responsible travel in your destination 
  • Ask your tour operator/hotel if there are useful gifts that you could pack for your hosts, local people or schools
  • Ask your tour operator whether there are local conservation or social projects that you could visit on your trip, and if/how you could help support them
On holiday, there are many ways you can support the locals, protect their environment, and respect their culture.
  • Buy local produce in preference to imported goods
  • Hire a local guide - you'll discover more about local culture and lives, and they will earn an income
  • Do not buy products made from endangered species, hard woods or ancient artefacts
  • Respect local cultures, traditions and holy places - if in doubt ask advice or don't visit
  • Use public transport, hire a bike or walk when convenient - its a great way to meet local people on their terms and reduce pollution and carbon emissions
  • Use water sparingly - its very precious in many countries and tourists tend to use far more than local people
  • Remember that local people have different ways of thinking and concepts of time, this just makes them different not wrong - cultivate the habit of asking questions (rather than the Western habit of knowing the answers).  
  • Don't litter
There are so many ways in which you can make a difference with the way you travel, and completing any one of these changes will already help the world. Traveling responsibly is not a drag, I think it may result in you having an even better time somewhere, just planning a little more ahead. All the amazing destinations of the world are still open. 
And if you are looking for places, why not look at the winners of Tourism for Tomorrow: 2010
 
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/hubs/greentravel/7771695/Tourism-for-Tomorrow-Awards-2010-the-winners.html

I guarantee that these places would blow anyone's mind, eco friendly or not!

Also, if you don't know how to plan a responsible holiday, there are countless organizations dedicated to the cause.
Responsible Travel (this is where I did most of my research)
Eco Tour 
Organic Holidays
 to name a couple!

Have a great summer!
Hanna