What is eco-responsible tourism?
Eco-responsible tourism, also known as "green tourism", is a form of sustainable tourism focused on preserving nature and biodiversity. The aim is to limit the degradation of places as much as possible during your trip.
It is possible to travel in a more ecological way by adopting a few simple gestures:
- Selecting more sustainable modes of transport
- Choosing eco-friendly accommodation
- Reduce your energy consumption
- Buying locally
- Respect the environment
- Take part in green activities
Here are a few tips to help you organise your next eco-responsible holiday:
Choose more sustainable modes of transport.
The choice of mode of transport is one of the key elements of an eco-friendly trip. But what is sustainable transport?
It's a mode of travel that incorporates the concept of ecomobility. According to an OECD report, it is defined as: "transport that does not endanger public health or ecosystems and meets mobility needs while respecting the principles that renewable resources are used in quantities below their rate of regeneration, and non-renewable resources are used in quantities below the rate of development of renewable substitutes".
Motorised transport all contributes to global warming, but there are alternatives, such as trains, buses and car-sharing, which help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared with planes and private cars. And to take things a step further, you can ask yourself what type of trip you would like to make in the future, for example:
- Considering a trip closer to home,
- Going on a cycling adventure,
- Planning a trek to discover your region on foot!
Choose eco-friendly accommodation.
During your holidays, opt for environmentally-friendly accommodation, such as eco-lodges, campsites or accommodation certified by environmental labels such as:
Ecolabel - NF environnement La Clef Verte Ecogîte Gîte Panda
These establishments implement sustainable practices such as :
- Use of renewable energy
- Responsible water and waste management,
- and the promotion of local and organic products.
Discover all Booking Better eco-responsible establishments Ici
Reduce your energy consumption
Adopt responsible habits in your use of energy and water, even when travelling. Turn off lights and electronic equipment when you leave your home, and take quick showers to reduce water consumption. Small gestures can make a big difference in the long term!
In hotels, you can also specify that you don't want your sheets and towels changed, once again helping to reduce your impact on the environment!
Eat locally & respect your surroundings
When you eat, try to eat locally produced food. This will help support the local economy and reduce your carbon footprint! And when you travel, think about how your actions can affect nature! A little tip: always carry a bin with you so you don't leave your rubbish behind.
Take part in green activities
Who said doing green activities wasn't fun? Here are 10 eco-friendly activities to do on your own, with friends or family during your holiday:
- Visit national parks and nature reserves. These areas are protected for their natural beauty and biodiversity.
- Go for a walk. Take the opportunity to discover the flora and fauna while doing some sport!
- Visit farmers' markets. Farmers' markets are a great place to find fresh, seasonal produce.
- Paddling. Kayaking or canoeing is an excellent way of slowing down and discovering nature that is often inaccessible and invisible from land. Take the opportunity to pick up a bit of litter along the way: plastic waste is present in 100% of Europe's waterways.
- All the other non-motorised water sports. Paddle, pedalo, sailboat. Little tip: use sun creams that respect the seabed!
- Go for a bike ride. It's the best way to enjoy nature without producing greenhouse gas emissions!
- Go treasure hunting. You'll love geocaching! The aim is to find boxes hidden in the countryside. These boxes contain what previous treasure hunters have left for you! Then it's your turn to leave a little present for the next explorers! Let the compass and clues guide you.
- Make vegetable paint. Turmeric or onion skins for yellow/orange, beetroot for red, spinach for green and red cabbage for purple. All you have to do is create masterpieces!
- Practice meditation or yoga. There's no better way to relax.
- Play board games with your family, read a book...
So, are you ready to swap your traditional holidays for more responsible ones?