Also, we usually carry solar chargers for cameras and manual charging torches. We also make sure that in the forest, we keep noise pollution to the minimal, never antagonise the wildlife and even pick up wrappers or other litter that one finds. If you plan to drive, consider renting a fuel-efficient vehicle. However, its impact on the environment depends on factors such as route, fuel type and passenger load."Also, we were served food that was home-cooked in a nearby village.For green traveller Kanika Pal, "Green travel is not a passing trend but a portable lifestyle choice. Choose products from a company that donates some of its proceeds to a local conservation group or charity."It’s not that hardMukul says that being greener on vacation doesn’t take a lot of effort or mean sacrificing pleasure. It’s the same during treks or forest safaris.There has never been a better time to be more environmentally conscious when travelling, says Sharat Shall, COO B2C, Yatra.". There have been cases when friends have inadvertently littered from the car and we have stopped to pick it up. It was as natural an arrangement as it can get. And to reduce her carbon foot print, Akansha always chooses the greenest modes of transport."Check-inWhile selecting a hotel, ask about their environmental practices, Kanika suggests. No, no we don’t wish to dampen your vacation spirits. "Even on a day-to-day basis, if I am in a car with anyone, they don’t litter the road. "I, by default, end up tracking the environmental practices of different organisations. Leave the place better than you found it — that is the prime thing. Pack light and bring a refillable water bottle and snacks from home. But planes spew carbon emissions, hotels guzzle gallons of water to launder sheets and towels, and we as thirsty travellers chug-a-lug plastic bottles of water. There’s "green travel" to the rescue. I was blown away during my trip to Finland as the country itself operated like a sustainable corporation."Smart shoppingAkansha says that Earth-friendly options are plenty if you fear green travelling will restrict your travel adventure. Book the itinerary with the fewest number of connections because takeoffs and landings guzzle fuel. And pass on first-class: the extra leg and elbowroom are a waste of space and fuel. "And as for shopping, "Visit a crafts or food market, and don’t forget to bring a reusable bag for purchases. While at treks, we ensure that there is absolutely no littering. I feel that one needs to support a way of travel that supports nature and local businesses, and it isn’t too hard to find properties that are doing it right. Even while washing our face in the streams, we avoid chemical face washes and only use natural home packs, and minimise waste usage during the stay as much as possible.Keeping it greenTalking about the whole idea, she says, "I go for treks every year, and also multiple trips to forest safaris — so as a choice I retreat back to nature. From having a reverse osmosis plant instead of a plastic bottle, using elements that require recycling, carrying a reusable shopping bag to avoid contributing to plastic bag pollution, are great environment-friendly options."Green rideOn the other hand, Akansha Katyal, a marketing head with a leading firm, says that she travels less but stays longer to do her bit for the green movement.

Peer pressure works great. He adds, "It’s not hard at all."Another avid green traveller, Mukul Bhatia, an award-winning photographer and blogger who is also a textile designer and a modern-day nomad, says, "Sustainable travel is all about creating a positive effect on the communities you visit.The summer vacation is upon us. So make sure you do your research in advance. One just needs to do a bit more research and choose right. At night, we were using solar lamps, the water was heated on wood-fired stoves and there was no room service." Kanika, who is an award-winning CSR and Sustainability professional, who quit her job to start Solutions for Clean and Healthy Environment Foundation (SoCHE) to drive environmental sustainability in marginalised communities, feels that going "green" is a matter of choice, a value, and not just a passing trend. "You can sail, snorkel, scuba dive, hike, paddleboat, paddleboard, kayak, bike, swim, bird-watch and play I-spy-a-monkey in a tree," she laughs."While you are on the roadThe problem with doing responsible travel trips is that it does take a little bit of work. She says, "Among land transport, trains are generally environment-friendly. During international travels, while booking hotels, we like it when a hotel is an ecotel. It’s all about the conscious smart choices."She adds, "During my trip to Umred Karhandla Wildlife sanctuary, my husband and I chose to stay in the forest guest house without any power. So it isn’t just exploiting a culture but actually China acrylic lotion bottle living, seeing, and existing in a sustained environment."She adds, "Or else, select a full flight on a large plane in a fuel-efficient fleet. I try and travel light, and personally, I am interested in supporting local businesses and cultures. So how does one manage especially when in a group? "Peer pressure works like magic," Kanika laughs. We speak to some such travellers who have been early adapters of such eco-friendly travel practices, and they offer a litany of suggestions to shrink your carbon footprint.

The hotel rooms had dual bins for waste segregation.com, who shares that green travelling is still at its nascent stage in India, however, with a growing consumer and industry concern in ecotourism, hotels, tour operators and outfitters integrating responsible practices, travellers are highly encouraged to plan low-impact getaways. According to a TripAdvisor survey, nearly two-thirds of travellers are planning (green travel) to make more environmentally sound choices this year

Hide Comments | Add Comment