Traveling – whether by car, bus, rail or air – has always been linked to carbon emissions, yet tourism fuels local economies and can even help to conserve the natural environment and cultural assets. Here are five tips to minimizing your impact on the world you love to explore.
As the first and last leg of the travel experience for thousands of guests every day, Fast Park is committed to reducing the carbon footprint of our facilities. From upgrading to more fuel-efficient shuttle fleets and transitioning to LED lighting throughout our facilities to investing in geothermal heating systems, taking part in solar panel programs in select markets and more, we are always seeking ways to conserve energy.
We’re working hard to do our part. So, what can you do to reduce the environmental impact of your travels? We’ve got some ideas!
- Plan Your Itinerary with Intention. When choosing a flight, search for nonstop routes that will get you to your final destination in less time and fewer miles. If you’re traveling great distances by air, experts also recommend visiting fewer places longer. Make the most of long-haul, international trips and take in as many experiences as possible before boarding the return flight home.
- Be a Conscientious Packer. Lighten your luggage by leaving most of the contents in your closet at home. While packing a few extra outfits and pairs of shoes feels like a good idea, it never fails that many items often go unworn. Also consider packing reusable items that could be of use, such as a water bottle or reusable shopping bags. You can even search for water bottle refill stations in the Closca Water app to take the guesswork out of staying hydrated.
- Pick Eco-Friendly Accommodations. Online booking platforms like booking.com have collaborated with industry experts to rate accommodations based on sustainability. And after you check in to your socially responsible accommodations, use apps like FairTrip to identify local shops, restaurants and experiences all rated by their positive social impact status as a green business and ability to pay fair wages to employees.
- Enjoy the Local Scenery and Treasures. Tourism strengthens economies, and one of the best ways to positively impact local jobs, businesses and communities is to patronize local shops, restaurants and tour groups. If your travels take you near national parks, historical sites or protected areas, plan a visit. The fees collected at these destinations help to fund conservation activities that enable them to preserve the sanctity, wildlife and structures on display.
- Consider the small choices that can lead to big impact. Forgo daily towel service in your hotel room and power off the television and lights when not in use. Walk or bike instead of renting a vehicle if your destination is easy to navigate and walkable.
Leaving a lighter footprint doesn’t mean you have to lessen the fun or adventure. Sustainable travel is becoming increasingly important as we expand our awareness of the climate and our global impact. Instead of limiting our experiences, it is opening the world to more thoughtful, creative and intentional adventures.
Start and end your next “intentional adventure” at Fast Park. Our cumulative efforts will make it easier for future generations to experience the world in a more mindful and responsible way.
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