Sustainable Living on Vacation: Enjoying Mother Nature Responsibly

Vacations are the perfect time to relax, recharge, and explore new places. However, as responsible global citizens, it's crucial that we continue to prioritize sustainable living even while on vacation. By making conscious choices, we can reduce our ecological footprint and ensure a more sustainable future for the planet. In this blog, we will discuss some simple and practical ways to embrace sustainable living while enjoying your well-deserved vacation.

Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodation:

When planning your vacation, opt for eco-friendly accommodations that prioritize sustainability. Look for hotels, resorts, or eco-lodges that are certified with environmental labels, such as LEED or Green Globe. These accommodations often employ sustainable practices like energy-efficient lighting, water conservation measures, waste management, and locally sourced food. To help you get started here are five options in Colorado!

Conserve Energy and Water:

Once you arrive at your accommodation, be mindful of your energy and water usage. Turn off lights and air conditioning when you leave the room and hang your towels to dry for reuse instead of requesting new ones daily. Limit your shower time and try to use water sparingly. Small changes like these can make a significant difference in reducing energy consumption and water waste.

Practice Sustainable Transportation:

Consider sustainable transportation options during your vacation. Instead of renting a car, explore the local area by walking, cycling, or using public transportation. If driving is necessary, consider renting an electric or hybrid vehicle. Carpooling is also an excellent option to minimize carbon emissions and save money while exploring with other vacationers. Recently, one of our friends rented e-bikes to get around. She had a blast!

Support Local Economy:

This is my favorite tip in this blog! It is supporting the local economy. Eat at locally owned restaurants that serve organic and locally sourced produce, helping to reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transportation. Purchase souvenirs and crafts made by local artisans, as this supports the community's economy while promoting traditional crafts and skills. Plus, it just adds so much joy when I know where the food is coming from and the artist who made the jewelry I just purchased.

Respect Wildlife and Natural Habitats:

While enjoying nature on your vacation, it is crucial to respect wildlife and natural habitats. Living in Estes Park I see this first hand. People respecting the wildlife and people having no clue about how they are stressing the wildlife trying to get as close as possible. Please, avoid disturbing or feeding wildlife, as this can disrupt their natural behavior and ecosystems. Stick to marked trails and designated areas to protect fragile habitats and prevent erosion. Additionally, say no to activities that exploit animals, such as elephant rides or shows, as they often involve cruelty and mistreatment.

Reduce Plastic Waste:

Plastic pollution is one of the biggest threats to our environment. Take small steps to minimize plastic waste while on vacation. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it instead of buying bottled water. Bring your reusable shopping bags for souvenirs and groceries. (In fact, this will save you money since here in Colorado stores are charging for single use plastic bags.) Say no to plastic straws and opt for reusable alternatives like bamboo or stainless steel. These small actions can collectively have a significant impact on reducing plastic pollution.

Support Ecotourism Initiatives:

When planning your activities, consider supporting eco-tourism initiatives that promote environmental conservation and local communities. Look for activities such as nature hikes, wildlife conservation tours, or volunteering programs that contribute to protecting the environment. These initiatives not only provide unique and educational experiences but also ensure that your vacation contributes positively to the destination you visit.

By integrating sustainable practices like these into our vacations, we can enjoy the beauty of new places while minimizing our impact on the environment.

Remember, sustainable living is not just a mindset, but a lifestyle that we should strive to embrace, even while on vacation.

So, let's make our next getaway a chance to not only unwind but also protect and preserve the planet we call home.