Green holidayers

The summer vacation is upon us. But planes spew carbon emissions, hotels guzzle gallons of water to launder sheets and towels, and we as thirsty travellers chug-a-lug plastic bottles of water. No, no we don’t wish to dampen your vacation spirits. There’s “green travel” to the rescue. According to a TripAdvisor survey, nearly two-thirds of travellers are planning (green travel) to make more environmentally sound choices this year. We speak to some such travellers who have been early adapters of such eco-friendly travel practices, and they offer a litany of suggestions to shrink your carbon footprint.

There has never been a better time to be more environmentally conscious when travelling, says Sharat Shall, COO B2C, Yatra.com, who shares that green travelling is still at its nascent stage in India, however, with a growing consumer and industry concern in ecotourism, hotels, tour operators and outfitters integrating responsible practices, travellers are highly encouraged to plan low-impact getaways.

For green traveller Kanika Pal, “Green travel is not a passing trend but a portable lifestyle choice.” Kanika, who is an award-winning CSR and Sustainability professional, who quit her job to start Solutions for Clean and Healthy Environment Foundation (SoCHE) to drive environmental sustainability in marginalised communities, feels that going “green” is a matter of choice, a value, and not just a passing trend.

Keeping it green
Talking about the whole idea, she says, “I go for treks every year, and also multiple trips to forest safaris — so as a choice I retreat back to nature. While at treks, we ensure that there is absolutely no littering. Even while washing our face in the streams, we avoid chemical face washes and only use natural home packs, and minimise waste usage during the stay as much as possible. We also make sure that in the forest, we keep noise pollution to the minimal, never antagonise the wildlife and even pick up wrappers or other litter that one finds. Also, we usually carry solar chargers for cameras and manual charging torches.”

Another avid green traveller, Mukul Bhatia, an award-winning photographer and blogger who is also a textile designer and a modern-day nomad, says, “Sustainable travel is all about creating a positive effect on the communities you visit. Leave the place better than you found it — that is the prime thing. It’s all about the conscious smart choices. From having a reverse osmosis plant instead of a plastic bottle, using elements that require recycling, carrying a reusable shopping bag to avoid contributing to plastic bag pollution, are great environment-friendly options. One just needs to do a bit more research and choose right.”

Green ride
On the other hand, Akansha Katyal, a marketing head with a leading firm, says that she travels less but stays longer to do her bit for the green movement.  

And to reduce her carbon foot print, Akansha always chooses the greenest modes of transport. She says, “Among land transport, trains are generally environment-friendly. However, its impact on the environment depends on factors such as route, fuel type and passenger load. If you plan to drive, consider renting a fuel-efficient vehicle.”

She adds, “Or else, select a full flight on a large plane in a fuel-efficient fleet. Book the itinerary with the fewest number of connections because takeoffs and landings guzzle fuel. Pack light and bring a refillable water bottle and snacks from home. And pass on first-class: the extra leg and elbowroom are a waste of space and fuel.”

Smart shopping
Akansha says that Earth-friendly options are plenty if you fear green travelling will restrict your travel adventure. “You can sail, snorkel, scuba dive, hike, paddleboat, paddleboard, kayak, bike, swim, bird-watch and play I-spy-a-monkey in a tree,” she laughs. “And as for shopping, “Visit a crafts or food market, and don’t forget to bring a reusable bag for purchases. Choose products from a company that donates some of its proceeds to a local conservation group or charity.”

While you are on the road
The problem with doing responsible travel trips is that it does take a little bit of work. So how does one manage especially when in a group? “Peer pressure works like magic,” Kanika laughs. “Even on a day-to-day basis, if I am in a car with anyone, they don’t litter the road. There have been cases when friends have inadvertently littered from the car and we have stopped to pick it up. It’s the same during treks or forest safaris. Peer pressure works great.”

It’s not that hard
Mukul says that being greener on vacation doesn’t take a lot of effort or mean sacrificing pleasure. He adds, “It’s not hard at all. I feel that one needs to support a way of travel that supports nature and local businesses, and it isn’t too hard to find properties that are doing it right. I try and travel light, and personally, I am interested in supporting local businesses and cultures. So it isn’t just exploiting a culture but actually living, seeing, and existing in a sustained environment.”

Check-in
While selecting a hotel, ask about their environmental practices, Kanika suggests. “I, by default, end up tracking the environmental practices of different organisations. During international travels, while booking hotels, we like it when a hotel is an ecotel. I was blown away during my trip to Finland as the country itself operated like a sustainable corporation. The hotel rooms had dual bins for waste segregation.”

She adds, “During my trip to Umred Karhandla Wildlife sanctuary, my husband and I chose to stay in the forest guest house without any power. At night, we were using solar lamps, the water was heated on wood-fired stoves and there was no room service.

“Also, we were served food that was home-cooked in a nearby village. It was as natural an arrangement as it can get. So make sure you do your research in advance.”