The Sunday Independent

Save the planet, choose eco travel

CLINTON MOODLEY clinton.moodley@inl.co.za

The pandemic has led travellers to develop a more sustainable approach to travel. Eco travel, also known as sustainable or green travel, is fast becoming a hot commodity for guests venturing abroad, with travellers making strides to save the environment one trip at a time.

Prerna Prasad, the founder of Ecoplore, a booking platform for ecofriendly hotels, fell in love with eco travel during a trip to Rishikesh in India when she was 22.

“It was never intentional to start an eco-travel journey. It happened purely by chance. We spent three days in the city and stayed in a tent owned by locals. We went trekking and river rafting. Everything was so mesmerising. The local guides were environmentally sensitive and made a conscious effort to ensure there wasn’t any litter during our treks,” she said.

Prasad gradually became more knowledgeable about eco travel and incorporated more of it into her trips.

She started Ecoplore to make ecotourism more accessible to travellers.

“We want to promote sustainable ways to travel and show guests how small eco-friendly changes can make a difference to their journey,” she pointed out.

Though there are misconceptions about eco travel, Prasad advises individuals to plan their own before making assumptions.

“Taste the flavour of sustainable travel once, and I assure you would not want to return to conventional travel,” she added.

Costas Christ, the brand leader of Beyond Green and president of Beyond Green Travel, said travellers need to question how they could make sustainability the new normal during their trips.

“The question is no longer whether we can transform travel based upon sustainable tourism principles and practices, which can be a powerful force for saving nature, regenerating ecosystems, and providing tangible social and economic benefits to local people. Rather, the most important question is how travellers can help make sustainability the new normal around the world while also having a great vacation. The answer is when we travel the sustainable way, we can have a positive impact right now on the places we visit," he said.

How to eco travel

For those who want to plan an eco travel trip, the director for incentives and travel for Green Route Africa, Kerry Roos, said travellers need to start by choosing a green destination.

“Many countries are choosing to go green, including Sweden and Denmark. Travellers should look at places that practice Earth-friendly policies and those that have campaigns to promote sustainable travel. Research is your friend,” she said.

Once travellers have chosen their green destination, they need to look out for eco-friendly accommodation. Roos encouraged travellers to ask questions about the sustainable initiatives adopted at the hotel.

“Find out whether they operate with solar power, have any recycling drives and if there is a plastic ban. Find out how their business helps the community and other eco-friendly practices,” she said.

Roos said travellers also need to be mindful when booking activities.

“Look to support local and ensure that all activities are sustainable before you book,” she said.

She also said travellers should use public transport, ride a bike or walk over other modes of transportation as it reduces carbon emissions.

The food you eat is equally important. According to Roos, eating locally positively impacts the country.

“Travellers can partake in a meal with the locals or choose to dine at local restaurants that have the farmto-table ethos. You can also prepare your own meals using local produce and products,” she added.

Finally, she encourages travellers to reduce their use of plastic.

“One of the biggest issues in the world is the use of plastic. Since straws and plastic are everywhere, travellers have to find practical ways of dealing with them. If you do find yourself using plastic, keep it with you until you find a place to dispose of it,” she added.

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2021-09-19T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-09-19T07:00:00.0000000Z

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