So, I’ve been meaning to chat about this for a while, something that’s been on my mind and that I’ve been trying to, well, actually do something about. It’s about how I travel, and trying to be a bit kinder to the old planet, you know? Carbon-reduction travel, they call it. Sounds fancy, but for me, it’s been more about fumbling my way through it.
How It All Started For Me
It wasn’t like some big revelation, more like a slow burn. I’d be flicking through photos from trips, amazing places, right? But then this nagging thought would pop up – how much fuel did I burn getting there? How much plastic did I leave behind? Started to feel a bit off, to be honest. I love seeing new places, but I didn’t want my trips to be part of the problem, or at least, I wanted to lessen my chunky footprint.
My first few attempts were a bit, shall we say, chaotic. I went full-on enthusiastic, trying to do everything at once. One trip, I tried to pack super light, only eco-friendly everything, and ended up forgetting my phone charger and nearly had a meltdown. Classic. It’s not about being perfect overnight, that’s what I learned pretty quick.
Figuring Out the Transport Thing
The big one for me was always getting from A to B. Flights are just so easy, aren’t they? But man, they’re not great for the environment. So, I started looking into trains more. My first proper long-distance train journey instead of a flight was… an experience. I remember sitting there, watching the countryside roll by, which was way better than staring at the back of an airplane seat. Sure, it took longer, and the Wi-Fi was dodgy, but it felt different, in a good way. Less frantic.
And when I absolutely have to fly, because sometimes you just do, I started looking into that carbon offsetting stuff. I’m still not 100% sure how effective it all is, if I’m being totally honest, but it feels like at least trying to acknowledge the impact. It’s like, okay, I did this, now how can I try and balance it out a tiny bit?
Packing Smarter, Not Harder (Well, Trying To)
Then there’s packing. Oh boy. I used to be a chronic over-packer. Three pairs of shoes for a weekend trip? Sure, why not! Now, I actually try to think. Do I really need this? That’s the golden question. I got myself one of those reusable water bottles with a filter – game changer. No more buying endless plastic bottles of water. And a solid shampoo bar instead of another plastic bottle. Little things, see? They add up.
- Swapped tiny plastic toiletries for solid bars.
- Always pack a reusable shopping bag.
- Got a good travel coffee cup for takeaways.
It’s not about depriving myself, more about being a bit more mindful about the stuff I drag around the world with me.
What I Do When I’m Actually There
Once I’m at my destination, I try to keep the same vibe going. Eating local is a big one for me now. I actively seek out little family-run places that use local ingredients. Food tastes better, and it hasn’t been shipped halfway across the globe. Plus, you often find some real hidden gems that way.
And waste, man, waste. I’m way more conscious of it now. If there isn’t a bin around, I’ll stuff wrappers in my pocket or bag until I find one. Sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how often you’re tempted to just… not. I also try to say no to unnecessary plastic bags in shops, or those little plastic straws they love to give you everywhere.
It’s a Journey, Not a Destination (Cheesy, I Know)
Look, I’m no eco-saint, not by a long shot. I still make mistakes, sometimes convenience wins, and that’s okay. But I’ve found that making these little changes, one trip at a time, has actually made my travels more rewarding. It’s made me slow down a bit, connect more with the places I visit, and feel a bit less guilty about my wanderlust.
It’s just about thinking a bit more, you know? Before I book, before I pack, before I buy. And it’s definitely an ongoing process. Every trip, I learn something new or find another little thing I can tweak. It’s not about massive, heroic efforts, just small, steady steps. And honestly, it feels pretty good to at least be trying.
