{"id":5736,"date":"2019-05-28T11:57:31","date_gmt":"2019-05-28T15:57:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.reservations.com\/blog\/?p=5736"},"modified":"2020-02-12T13:04:20","modified_gmt":"2020-02-12T18:04:20","slug":"carbon-footprint-travel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.reservations.com\/blog\/tips-tricks-budgets\/carbon-footprint-travel\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Ways to Shrink Your Carbon Footprint While Traveling [Infographic]"},"content":{"rendered":"

For the globally-minded individual, travel is something of a double-edged sword.<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n

On the one hand, travel is a window into alternative ways of life, and a means to feel closer to nature. On the other hand, tourism is the source of a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions<\/a> and can put enormous pressure on natural resources through over-consumption.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jump to Infographic:<\/strong> The Carbon Footprint of Global Travel<\/a><\/p>\n

The international tourism industry is growing faster than the whole of global trade<\/a>. And the environmental consequences of this growth are expanding just as rapidly. In order to curb the greenhouse gas emissions associated with travel, a huge cultural shift needs to take place. Regional governments, businesses, and consumers alike have a responsibility to ensure that the short-term excitement and profits from travel don\u2019t cause undue, long-term damage to our planet and future generations. For example, a great, simple switch that we can all make is switching to\u00a0paperless documents, using a tool like\u00a0JotForm’s\u00a0PDF editor<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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With a bit of planning, critical thinking, and open-mindedness, you can minimize the negative environmental impacts of your travels and<\/em> experience a more authentic side of your destination. Here\u2019s how:<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Only fly when the trip is long and non-stop. <\/span><\/h3>\n

The bulk of a plane\u2019s carbon emissions are due to take-off and landing. For this reason, you can dramatically reduce your flight-related carbon footprint by seeking alternative travel methods (like bus, train, or carpool) if your flight would be shorter than 3 hours, and by choosing direct flights whenever possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

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2. Pack light and with plans for reuse.<\/span><\/h3>\n

Heavy luggage requires more fuel during transport! But relying on single-use items during your stay also contributes to waste. Don\u2019t bring more than necessary, but plan smart by bringing things that will help you eliminate disposables during your travels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n