Travelling is not just about having fun. It gives you more responsibility not only to the local but also to the environment. Well, it can be said that you have responsibility to yourself, your family, and the world. Through travelling, it can be seen whether or not one’s keeping their responsibility. One of the main purpose is to make memories. However, many people doing it while leaving their footprints. It means they leave traces that can be damaging for the locals and the environment.
Responsible travel to leave no footprints
Tourism can be a great way to promote the economy of the local but it can be damaging if it’s not done properly. It is worse when travelers act irresponsibly. To travel without leaving any footprints has been promoted especially for eco-tourism. However, it is actually applied to any kind of travel because there is no excuse to travel irresponsibly and potentially damage the host destination.
You can travel with responsibility and without leaving footprints in so many ways. If you are going to sign up a tour with a company or travel agent, make sure to research them beforehand. It is to see if they conduct their business with the right ethical and environmental conscious manner. During your visit, it is highly recommended to keep the environment by taking public transportation or walk. If you don’t want to deal with the traffic, take subway or train to get around the places in your destination.
Go reusables
Travel without leaving footprints can be done by not adding the trash unnecessarily. To avoid this, you can pack travel-sized toiletries you can out in your carry-on easily. It is also recommended to bring your own reusable water bottle that you can refill anytime you need it. It can help reduce the use of plastic water bottle.
Selective souvenir picking
Be careful when buying souvenirs. Some of them are made from non-eco-friendly materials, animal skin and bone, endangered materials, etc. Do not get easily tempted by ‘exotic’ souvenirs mentioned by the seller. You can buy meaningful souvenirs from the local artists or craft makers. It help improve their economic as well.
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Bring your own bottle
If you like enjoying coffee even during travel, bring your own reusable insulated coffee bottle. Thus, you don’t need to use paper, foam, or plastic coffee cups. You can use your own bottle when purchasing your favorite coffee. It helps reduce the trash and preserve the nature. It is not a secret that plastic and other trashes are often found in the ocean in concerning amount.
Don’t go to zoos
If you like interacting with the wildlife, be more selective in choosing the animal institution or zoos to ensure that they behave ethically toward the animals. Make sure that the place you are going to visit are active in conservation, education, and preservation. If the animal institutions or zoos are there just to exhibit animals without protecting them or treating them right, don’t visit them. Always look for a place that is accredited by organizations that support wildlife preservation.