In partnership with Stoneleigh
Stoneleigh wine and In2thewild are offering you the chance to win an eco-getaway in a tiny house, entry details here.
You don’t have to look hard to see that travel is changing, taking our attitudes and actions along for the ride.
Increasingly, most of us are trying to balance our love of travel with doing the right thing. We are not only living in a global pandemic; we are living in a climate crisis and now is the time to shift the way we travel on-going.
Here are seven things you can do to support our local places and ease your impact on the planet
1. Tick the box to carbon offset your flight
The cost is usually small but has a big impact. Qantas’ carbon offsetting program, Qantas Future Planet, invests in projects to protect the Tasmanian wilderness and power renewable energy projects around the world.
2. Take a holiday in your own city
Head to your nearest city for the weekend and feel the excitement of being a tourist in your own backyard. Research local spots online (you might find something completely new!) and plan an itinerary.
3. Rest your head in eco-friendly accommodation (like Stoneleigh’s In2thewild experience!)
There are ecotourism certified hotels around Australia but many hotels and private stays aren’t officially recognised for their green efforts. It can take a bit of effort to find accommodation that aligns with your values so here are some things to look for:
Waste management like recycling and composting facilities on site. They don’t use single-use plastics. Check to see if they use renewable energy or are carbon neutral. Ask where the food is sourced, are they buying local or growing their own. Check the products they use, cleaning and bathroom, are they refillable and safe for the surrounding environment. And finally, do they support local environmental or conservation projects?
4. Support First Nations tourism experiences
We’re blessed with an incredibly rich natural and cultural history in Australia. Research the Country you’re visiting and book a local indigenous tour or cultural experience, I promise it will fill your cup and you’ll have greater appreciation and understanding of this vast country.
5. Pack your reusables
Water bottle, coffee cup, and grocery bags. These might seem like things but collectively they will keep tens of thousands of single-use plastic out of landfill.
6. Visit lesser-known small towns, places that need your support
Byron Bay has enough tourists; make travelling more interesting and head to the less-crowded areas and support other local communities.
7. Take your trash
If you’re bushwalking, camping, or staying at an off-grid place, remember to take your trash with you and dispose of it responsibly when you get home.
