Duniya Gol Hai Blog

Modern technology
Owes ecology
An apology.
~Alan M. Eddison 

Planning The Trip:

• Look for hotel accommodations and tours that carry environmental friendly certifications or memberships in green industry associations. Several organizations have developed standards to measure the environmental initiatives of hotels and tours. [Eco-tourism]Standards vary depending on the organization; however, green hotels and tours include reducing energy consumption through fluorescent lighting, instituting recycling programs, conserving water either through installation of energy star products or by asking patrons to reuse towels and by purchasing local organic foods. When hotels and tours meet these standards, they are certified as "green."
• Select a hotel close to public transportation or near the places you are going to visit during your stay.
• When flying, book electronic tickets. It reduces paper waste and you are less likely to lose your ticket.

Before Departure:

• Pull the plug on any unnecessary appliances .They  can still use energy in their off mode.
• {For those on whom applicable ]Set your thermostat and water heater at low settings so that energy isn't wasted while you are gone.
• Stop your newspaper or donate the paper to a school while you are gone.
• Arrange for someone to take care and water the plants if you have any.

On Arrival:

• If the hotel has an environmental program, participate as much as possible. If you have any questions about how, simply ask when you check in.
• Save electricity. Lights, fans, TVs, radios, computers - if you are not using it - turn it off! Lower the thermostat when you leave the room for long periods of time.
• Use bottles that can be refilled.
• Leave unopened shampoo, soap, and other items in the hotel unless you are taking it home to use.
• Use water sparingly. In some places this is a very scarce resource.
• Never buy items made from endangered species.
• Grab only the maps and brochures that you will actually use. If in a large group, share brochures whenever possible.
• Take pictures and leave the location as you found it. Never remove wildlife from it's natural environment including shells, flowers and coral.
• Buy and eat locally grown and locally processed foods wherever possible, rather than food products shipped from long distances, which use more energy (fossil fuels for transport and generally more packaging)
• If you shop in a local market take your own bag or have them place everything in one large plastic bag instead of numerous small ones.
• Try to use re chargeable batteries.
• Please remember to recycle whatever you can in the country you are traveling. However, some products that can not be recycled in the host country can be recycled in your home countries, so please take them home if possible.
• Avoid buying souvenirs that are made with endangered species or species that have to be killed to be made into a craft, support crafts made from renewable resources.
• Use public rather than private transport (e.g. bus instead of rental car) where possible to reduce fossil fuel use. Share rental cars and taxis with others.
• As much as possible, walk or use a bicycle. It not only helps the planet, but it keeps you in shape as well!
• Try and find out what are the important environmental issues in the country.
• Many countries have interesting volunteer opportunities with environmentally-oriented organization. If you have time and interest, support these efforts by volunteering.

For adventure travelers: 

• When hiking or camping, stay only in marked areas to avoid destroying vegetation.
• If no toilets exist, bury human waste in a hole 20cms deep. Human waste should be buried at least 50 m from water sources.
• Use biodegradable soaps / detergents if possible
• Don't wash shampoo and detergent off directly in rivers, but as far away as you can (4 m minimum).
• Avoid making fires.
• Use a T-shirt when snorkeling as sunscreen is harmful to the marine life.

Those traveling with children  :

• Try and teach your child about the local environmental issues. Point out good and bad practices.
• Encourage your child to snack on fruit rather than sweets, explain that fruit has a biodegradable wrapper!

Enjoy your travels but respect nature :)