How to be a responsible tourist with the environment?

There is not discussion about world wide tourism growth. Number of passegers increases every year.

The governments and the tourism industry should provide adequate mechanisms for maintaining ecological balance, but travelers are required to acquire a proactive attitude with the environment.

I am a passenger, what can I do to minimize impacts where I travel?

#1 RRR principles: Recycle, Reuse, Reduce.

• Limit energy use: This includes your use of air-conditioning and hot water. Turn off all lights and taps when You leave hotel rooms.

• Conserve water: Take showers rather than baths; use a refillable water container, sterilizing water rather than necessary when buying bottled water. 

• Minimize your use of personal care products and detergents to wash linen, and reuse your towels and bed linen hotel.

• Recycle and reduced. Recycle newspapers, magazines and your beverage containers (many can be returned for refunds), and reduces the number of bags, napkins and disposable cups You use when you eat fast food.

• Dispose of sanitary waste properly: Do not flush cotton buds, condoms, tampons down the toilet and plastics.

United Nation, - 2014 Energy and Water report. #infographic

#2 WBR principles: Walk, Bike, ride.

Choose environmentally friendly transport. 
Rather than hiring a car, choose other ways to get around like taxis, trains or buses. In many places you can rent bikes also. 
And do not forget your feet!.

#3 Travel with a local and travel like a local. Don´t be a tourist.
Choose reputable, conservation-minded tour operators and suppliers. 
Ecotravel & Ecotours Directory
Responsible Travel Destinations

#4 Respect the environment locally: 
Do not buy souvenirs made ​​from animal parts or take any live animal home with you as a keepsake.
Stay on trails and public footpaths; do not remove plants or feed animals; and never litter. 
Ask your Tour Operator or inquire at the centers before visiting if they have conservation projets and / or active educational programs, this being what responsible organizations offer.

FAADA 
Responsible Tourism with Animals - Directory. 112 Countries

#5 Recreation: Avoid damaging recreational activities. Avoid which sports have any available significant harmful impact on the environment, or choose more progressive establishments (ex. golf courses which recycle water).

#6 Delivering small donations to local NGOs: Tries to contribute small donations to local organizations. 

https://www.globedrop.org/nda

Many destinations allow you to be part of sustentainability or solidary projects.
For  travel donations:  Create Charity Profile in GlobeDrop.


Travelers - How to Use GlobeDrop from Charlie on Vimeo.

Enjoy a responsible travel!

Àlex Fernández García 


Sources:
Plos Biology journals.plos.org/plosbiology
Environment Resources - Green Directory ecobusinesslinks.com
US Environment Protection Agency - Eco Atlas www.epa.gov
Globedrop ORG - Travel donations around the world www.globedrop.org
International Ecotourism Society www.ecotourism.org
Responsible Travel - Travel with a local www.responsibletravel.com
United Nations www.un.org
World  Wildlife Found WWF wwf.panda.org
Responsible Tourism Responsible Tourism with Animals - Directory. 112 countries