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Here Is How You Can Be Green On Your Travels

Small steps can ensure that you travel without harming the environment Photo Credit: Shutterstock

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India heads to eliminate single use plastic from October 2, 2019. Here's how you can contribute to the cause which travelling

Simrran Gill
October 02 , 2019

10 Min Read

According to a report by the United Nations Environment Programme, “Since the 1950s, the production of plastic has outpaced that of almost every other material. Much of the plastic we produce is designed to be thrown away after being used only once. As a result, plastic packaging accounts for about half of the plastic waste in the world.”

Additionally the report also states, “Only nine per cent of the nine billion tonnes of plastic the world has ever produced has been recycled. Most ends up in landfills, dumps or in the environment. If current consumption patterns and waste management practices continue, then by 2050 there will be around 12 billion tonnes of plastic litter in landfills and the environment. By this time, if the growth in plastic production continues at its current rate, then the plastics industry may account for 20 per cent of the world’s total oil consumption.”

As India gets ready to say goodbye to single use plastic beginning October 2, 2019 or Gandhi Jayanti, we bring you ways how you can eliminate single use plastic while travelling and contribute towards making the world greener:

AVOID PLASTIC CUTLERY

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A post shared by EcoRoots (@ecoroots) on Aug 20, 2019 at 8:49am PDT

If you are planning a take-away from a restaurant, don't take plastic cutlery. Instead, ask the hotel where you are staying at to provide you some. In case you are at a camping site you can also carry your own metal cutlery. Generally most of the cutlery that is provided is single use plastic thereby contributing to further environmental damage. A 2015 report said 36 per cent of plastic production is designed for immediate disposal.

AVOID SHOWER CAPS AND ASK FOR REFILLS

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While you enjoy your hotel vacay, make sure you don’t leave single use plastic behind for the environment to deal with. When you check into a hotel, avoid grabbing that disposable bottle of water. Instead ask the property to put a refillable water container that can be used while you stay there. If it is possible, avoid shower caps too. They are made from plastic and are thrown away moments after you check out. Also try and use dispensers for soap/shampoo and moisturizers instead of the tiny bottles in the bathroom.

AVOID BUYING WATER/SOFT DRINKS

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We absolutely understand dehydration while travelling. Instead of buying water or fizzy drinks at all stops you take, opt for a portable water filter. Easy to carry and also light weighted, this filter will save you the hassle of carrying bulky water bottles. Apart from that one can also avoid buying soft/fizzy drinks. Not only will you step towards a healthier vacation but also a greener one. Instead of choosing soft/fizzy drinks you can resort to healthier, natural options like coconut water. However, if you do wish to go ahead with a soft/fizzy drink buy the glass bottles that are available.

Read | How To Be A Responsible Traveller To The Hills

Additionally, you can also switch to the following for a (single use) plastic free vacay:

METAL STRAWS

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A post shared by The Metal Straw Co (@themetalstrawcouk) on Aug 20, 2019 at 8:21am PDT

Most environment conscious restaurants and hotels have opted out of plastic straws altogether and have switched to either paper or metal ones. However, it is always advisable that you carry your own metal straws. Personalised and reusable, these straws are easy to carry and use. They just require a simple water clean up after use.

BIODEGRADABLE BAGS/WIPES

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A post shared by OnyaðÂÂÂB Corp Cert.ðÂÂÂWE SHIP ðÂÂÂðÂÂÂðÂÂÂ (@onyalife) on Jul 18, 2019 at 11:13pm PDT

Instead of our regular plastic bags one can switch to biodegradable ones. Extremely light weighted and compact, biodegradable bags make your vacation equally easier on the environment as it is for you. Apart from that, you should also opt for biodegradable wipes. As relaxing as the wipes will be for you, they’ll also be the same for the environment.

SEPARATE YOUR WASTE

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One of the easiest things to do is keep your biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste separately. You can dispose off the biodegradable waste easily but carry back the non biodegradable bits and make sure you dispose that off properly. Segregating your waste will also make it easier for you to make environment conscious choices.

So while you take a vacation that’s supposed to be relaxing, make sure you travel in a way that it does not put a pressure on the existing environmental conditions too. Have a clean-er and green-er vacation.

Also Read | How To Save Water While Travelling