Okay, so I’ve been trying to be more eco-conscious, you know? And holidays… well, they can be a bit of a nightmare for the planet. All that travel, the extra consumption, the waste… So, I decided to really try and make my last holiday as sustainable as possible. Here’s how it went down.
Picking a Destination
First, I spent ages looking at places. Forget flying halfway across the world. I focused on destinations I could reach by train. It took a bit more planning, but honestly, the train journey itself was part of the fun! Way less stressful than airports, too.
Finding Eco-Friendly Accommodation
Then came the accommodation hunt. I skipped the massive all-inclusive resorts. Instead, I looked for smaller, locally-owned guesthouses or eco-lodges. I read loads of reviews to see if they actually walked the walk – things like using solar power, having recycling programs, that sort of thing.
Packing Light (This Was Tough!)
Packing… ugh. This is always my weakness. But I made a real effort to pack light. I stuck to a capsule wardrobe, mostly clothes I could mix and match. And, of course, I packed my reusable water bottle, coffee cup, and shopping bags. No single-use plastic for me!
Getting Around Responsibly
- Once I got there, I avoided renting a car.
- I used public transport as much as possible – buses, trams, you name it.
- I also rented a bike a few times, which was a great way to explore.
Eating Local and Seasonal
Food-wise, I made a conscious effort to eat at local restaurants. I tried to order dishes with seasonal ingredients, knowing they’d have a lower carbon footprint. Plus, it’s just tastier! Street food was my best friend – cheap, delicious, and usually served in compostable packaging.
Supporting Local Communities
I also tried to be mindful of where my money was going. I bought souvenirs from local artisans, not mass-produced junk. I booked tours with local guides, knowing the money would stay within the community.
Minimizing Waste
Finally, during all the process I did, I focused on creating as little waste as possible. Always have my own containers if taking food away. Always using my reusable items to avoid single-use ones.
The Result?
It wasn’t perfect, of course. There’s always room for improvement. But I definitely felt good about making the effort. It showed me that you can have an amazing holiday experience without trashing the planet. It just takes a bit of planning and a willingness to make different choices. It’s totally doable, and I’m definitely going to keep doing it this way!
