With pandemic restrictions easing, you may be starting to make travel plans. While it’s exciting to discover faraway places, the environmental impact of travel is something to be concerned about. Today’s post has green travel tips to keep in mind when planning your next getaway, and a checklist of items to pack to reduce waste and lessen your impact during your trip.

This post was originally published in September, 2019 as Eco-Friendly Travel Packing Checklist.

It’s hard to believe it has been over two years since I’ve been on a plane. In normal years, I take several work-related trips, and usually one personal trip. Now that things are returning to normal in many parts of the world, and governments are loosening travel restrictions, we can start to make plans again.

Ways to reduce the impact of your travel

It’s no surprise that air travel generates a lot of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In Canada, airline emissions make up around 3% of total emissions according to the David Suzuki Foundation. Globally, the Air Transport Action Group reports that number sits at 2.1%.

Before you hop on your favourite travel site and book a flight, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Consider alternatives to flying

Obviously, the lowest-carbon forms of transportation are walking and cycling but that wouldn’t make for a very exciting vacation.

Depending on where you live and where you’re going, taking the train may be a lower-carbon alternative. In Europe, for example, the GHG emissions from train travel are much lower than air travel according to this BBC report. In Canada, CBC news reports that taking the train in the highly-travelled Windsor to Quebec City corridor, is a better alternative than flying. For longer trips within Canada, though, emissions from train travel are much higher than flying.

You might also be tempted to drive instead of flying. Again, the GHG emissions depend on how far you’re travelling, the type of vehicle you’re driving, and how many passengers are travelling in the vehicle. The International Council on Clean Transportation reports that, for shorter distances, driving may be preferable to flying if you’re carrying more than one person in the vehicle. For longer distances, flying has an edge.

There’s no straightforward answer but let’s face it—for most of us, going on vacation involves getting on a plane. So, if we’re going to fly, how can we reduce the impact?

Fly economy

For most of us, this isn’t a consideration but, first class or business class seats result in more GHG emissions than economy. More passengers on the plane reduces the GHG emissions per passenger per kilometre.

Fly non-stop if possible

Takeoffs and landings account for up to 50% of a flight’s fuel consumption. While it may be tempting to save some money by booking a connecting flight, a non-stop flight carries a lower carbon footprint than multiple flights.

Research your airline

All airlines are not equal in terms of their environmental impact. If possible, book with an airline that flies newer, smaller aircraft. Newer aircraft are more fuel efficient, and many airlines are making the move to smaller planes they can fill rather than flying bigger planes half-empty. Check atmosfair.de for a ranking of the carbon efficiency of 200 of the world’s largest airlines.

Purchase carbon offsets

Although they don’t eliminate GHG emissions, carbon offset programs allow individuals to neutralize their environmental impact by investing in green projects, like solar or wind power.

There are many carbon offset programs. Investopedia’s Best Carbon Offset Programs provides details on  six of the best programs.   

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So, with transportation booked, it’s time to turn your attention to packing.

Eco-friendly travel packing checklist

Travel can create a lot of waste, but packing a few extra items can go a long way to reducing the need for single-use items—especially the three big enemies: bottled water, hotel toiletries and takeout food.

Here’s a list of a few extra items to pack in your carry-on to reduce the impact.

1. Refillable water bottle – It’s important to stay hydrated when travelling, especially in summer. Pack a water bottle to fill at the airport after you’ve cleared security.
2. Soap, shampoo and conditioner bars – Bar toiletries are the best for travel. They don’t take up a lot of space, and you never have to worry about them leaking all over your luggage.
3. Cutlery – Pack a set of sturdy, reusable plastic or bamboo cutlery so you can say no to single-use cutlery.
4. A metal or silicone straw is a must in case you get a craving for a smoothie or a fancy cocktail while you’re away away.
5. Don’t forget a travel mug for your morning coffee or tea.
6. Snacks in bulk containers – Say no to packaged airline pretzels and cookies which, to be honest, aren’t all that great anyway. Stock up on trail mix, and other snacks at your local bulk food store, or make some homemade snacks.
7. A packable reusable shopping bag will come in handy for those quick shopping trips.
8. Lotion in a refillable silicone bottle or a lotion bar.

I had started travelling with these items before the pandemic. They didn’t take up a lot of space in my carry-on, and definitely reduced the amount of waste I produced.

As with other things we do, we need to be aware of the impact of our travel and make smart choices. After being grounded for over two years, just the idea of getting away is so exciting. If you’re planning a trip, bon voyage!

How do you reduce the environmental impact of your travel? Tell us your green travel tips below.