Impactful Travel For Our Planet
Environmental Impact of Global Tourism
The urgent need to address climate change has put increased pressure on the tourism industry to significantly reduce its environmental impact.
With tourism numbers increasing every year the need to protect and restore our planet must be made a priority.
Travelers must hold the tourism industry accountable while making responsible choices to minimize their own individual impact.
Take only memories, leave only footprints.”
Chief Seattle
How Tourism Benefits Nature and Wildlife
Harmful Environmental Cost of Global Tourism
The negative impact on our wildlife and natural areas
1. aquatic life
Marine life has been impacted by tourism. Fishing and dive boats pollute the waters and can cause damage to coral reefs. Overfishing can strain the fish population and feeding fish can affect their health and behavioral patterns.
2. Wildlife disturbances
Wildlife is sometimes abused and taken from their homes for the sake of tourism or has suffered habitat loss which affects breeding, feeding and creates unnecessary stress due to the development of tourist infrastructure.
3. pollution
Tourism is a major cause of harmful pollution that affects our natural environment. These pollutants not only affect our air, land, and water quality but contribute to noise, light, soil, visual, plastic, sewage, and waste pollution.
4. excessive waste
The tourism industry is a major contributor to the global garbage problem. An increase in food waste, litter, and single-use plastics can put a greater strain on nations with less-developed waste management systems.
5. environmental stress
Tourism contributes to the overconsumption of natural resources which can lead to stress on wildlife, vegetation, and the local population. Tourism also adds to the spread of invasive species and degradation of an area from overuse.
6. climate change
Tourism is a large contributor to climate change. Air travel and other forms of transport, accommodation, and even our food choices add to the release of greenhouse gases which are the major cause of climate change.
Simple Tips to Be a More Responsible Traveler For Our Planet
Show Respect to ALL Life
- Support ethical wildlife sanctuaries and rehabilitation centres
- Avoid causing unnecessary stress on wildlife
- Never feed fish and wild animals
- Be careful not to spread invasive species
- Leave nature for everyone to enjoy
- Appreciate ocean life with your eyes only
- Be careful not to damage sensitive plants or harm animals
- Stay on developed trails and explore less popular areas
- Respect protected areas
- Don’t support animal tourism
- Educate yourself on the “Leave no trace” principles
- Report animal abuse
- Volunteer to help clean up nature
- Travel to off the beaten path destinations
- Conserve our natural resources
Be a Conscious Consumer
- Use natural travel products
- Support ethical brands
- Be aware of greenwashing
- Support ecotourism
- Choose ethical and locally sourced food
- Volunteer or donate to local environmental projects
- Support tourism businesses committed to the One Planet Network
- Use social media responsibly and leave honest reviews
Choose More Carbon Friendly Alternatives
- Use more sustainable transport
- Slow your travels down
- Keep flights to a minimum or fly direct when possible
- Consider eco-resorts when planning a vacation
- Take an extended trip rather than multiple short trips
- Reconsider unsustainable cruise vacations
Leave the Throw-Away Society
- Say NO to single-use plastics
- Donate travel items you no longer need
- Travel with reusable items
- Go paperless
- Purchase quality made and useful souvenirs
- Limit food waste
- Repurpose, repair or buy used items for your travels
