Today, “eco” tourism is mainstream as people have started thinking more about how their vacations impact the environment. However, the term has been used too loosely, often applied to experiences that are far from true ecotourism.
Let’s explore how to distinguish ecotourism from simple outdoor activities and how to make your trip genuinely mindful of nature.
5 Core Principles of Ecotourism
Nature Is at the Heart of the Journey
Ecotourism focuses on nature, whether it’s visiting UNESCO World Heritage natural sites or local attractions like lakes, waterfalls, or caves. Learning about the region’s cultural features is also part of ecotourism.
Supporting Local Communities
Ecotourism involves not only travelers but also local residents. Demand for eco-friendly tourism creates jobs for locals as guides, artisans, and environmental protectors, reducing incentives for activities like poaching.
Low Environmental Impact
We can’t entirely avoid the negative impact of our travels, but we should aim to reduce it as much as possible. This includes how each traveler behaves and how tourism services are organized.
Supporting Nature Conservation
Ecotourism isn’t just about enjoying nature but also giving back. You can contribute by donating to environmental organizations or volunteering, whether it’s picking up litter, maintaining eco-trails, helping count wildlife, or planting trees.
Learning About Nature Is Essential
Understanding the local environment and culture is key. Include guided tours, eco-trail hikes, or visits to natural museums in your travel plans to gain a deeper appreciation of the region.
What to Bring With You
What you pack depends on your destination, but here are some universal tips:
Take Your Eco-Habits With You
If you already separate your waste, use solid hygiene products, and store food in reusable containers, continue these habits while traveling. Finding recycling points in a new region can be as fun as playing the most entertaining game at the online casino in NZ!
Bring Reusable Items to Avoid Single-Use Products
Here are things that help avoid disposable items:
- A light shopper bag and reusable produce bags for shopping.
- Your own water bottle to refill at cafes, refill stations, and drinking fountains.
- A reusable cup for coffee at cafes or for use at a campsite.
- A food container and utensils to save leftovers at a cafe, pack snacks, or use as a plate at a campsite.
There are foldable cups and containers that take up minimal space in your bag.
Pack Light
The less you take, the smaller your carbon footprint. Here’s how to minimize your load:
- Plan your wardrobe and only pack what you’ll definitely wear.
- Transfer liquid toiletries into smaller containers.
- Try solid shampoos and conditioners. They’re lighter and more compact.
- Instead of a paper book, take an e-book or download books on your phone or tablet.
Choosing the Right Transportation
Select transport ith the lowest carbon footprint possible. For short trips, use public transport instead of driving a car or taking a taxi. Even lower-carbon options include biking or boating, though these may not be suitable for all routes.
If flying is unavoidable for long distances, here are tips to reduce your flight’s environmental impact:
- Choose direct flights. Most energy is spent getting the plane in the air, so fewer takeoffs means less fuel burned.
- Skip single-use food and drinks on the plane. Pack your own meal in a reusable container.
- Don’t wrap your luggage in plastic. If you’re worried about its appearance, get a reusable cover.
- Bring an empty reusable bottle in your carry-on. Many airports have water coolers or fountains where you can refill it.
How to Camp Responsibly
Camping offers plenty of opportunities to reduce your environmental impact. Pay attention to daily habits that may seem insignificant but can affect the environment.
Choosing a Campsite
- Use designated campsites if available.
- If there are no campsites, pitch your tent in areas without vegetation, like rocky or sandy spots, to avoid damaging plants.
- If no such areas exist, use sites already impacted by previous campers to avoid enlarging disturbed areas.
- If no signs of other campsites are present, do the opposite: set up tents far apart, walk on different paths, and avoid staying in one spot for too long.
Storing Food
- Don’t leave food out in the open or in your tent. The smell may attract wild animals.
- Use airtight zip bags or containers to keep food from emitting odors, and store them in a bag or tent.
- In some regions, the only way to keep food safe is by hanging it from a tree, so check the guidelines for your destination.
Making a Campfire
- Ensure campfires are allowed in your area, and check if there are any fire restrictions.
- Only use fallen branches for firewood. Never break or cut live trees.
- Use existing fire pits if available. If not, build your fire on sand or gravel, not on the soil.
- If you must build a fire on the ground, dig a fire pit at least half a meter deep and avoid areas with grass, overhanging branches, tree roots, tents, or peatlands.
- Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids to start a fire, and keep water nearby in case something goes wrong.
Cleaning Dishes
- Scrape leftover food from plates and bury it or take it with you to avoid attracting animals.
- Collect water in a clean container and move 50 meters away from the water source to wash dishes.
- Use natural cleaning agents like baking soda, mustard, sand, snow, or soil instead of synthetic detergents.
- Dig a small hole to wash dishes over, then bury it afterward to ensure no trace or smell is left behind.
