How can I be more sustainable in my daily life and while traveling?
Blog HomeHow can I be more sustainable in my daily life and while traveling?
February 01, 2024
Becoming more sustainable and reducing our emissions starts by looking at our everyday actions, and then adapting or changing our habits. This can of course be challenging at the beginning, but once you start a sustainability journey it becomes easier, and best of all rewarding knowing that we are helping to create a future to be proud of.
Sustainable Practices
Reduce your carbon footprint: Minimize your greenhouse gas emissions by conserving energy at home, switching off lights more often and using energy-efficient appliances, insulating your home, and then rethinking your travel habits, like using public transportation or carpooling more often.
Conserve water: Be mindful of your water usage by fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, and watering plants efficiently. Water treatment and distribution require energy, so conserving water indirectly reduces carbon emissions.
Adopt sustainable practices: Change your purchasing habits, try to buy less ‘stuff’, recycle and compost to reduce waste, choose reusable products over disposable ones, and opt for environmentally friendly alternatives such as cloth bags instead of plastic bags.
Support renewable energy: Transition to renewable energy sources like solar or wind power for your home. If feasible, invest in solar panels or consider supporting renewable energy initiatives in your area.
Eat a sustainable diet: Reduce your meat consumption, particularly beef and lamb, as livestock agriculture contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet and support local, organic, and sustainably sourced food options. Don’t buy bottled water if tap water is safe to drink in your area.
Plant trees and support reforestation efforts: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and help mitigate climate change. Participate in tree-planting initiatives or support organizations working on reforestation projects. Trees4Travel does a great job at this!
Stay informed and spread awareness: Educate yourself about climate change and its impacts. Share your knowledge with others, engage in discussions, and encourage sustainable practices in your community.
Advocate for policy changes: Support political leaders and organizations that prioritize climate action. Contact your elected representatives to express your concerns and support policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices.
Remember, individual actions, when combined with collective efforts, can lead to meaningful change. By taking steps to reduce your impact and inspiring others to do the same, you can contribute to the broader movement toward reversing climate change.
How to Reduce Emissions While Travelling
Choose eco-friendly accommodations: Look for hotels and accommodations that have sustainability initiatives in place, such as energy-efficient practices, waste reduction, and water conservation measures.
Pack light: The more weight you carry, the more fuel is consumed during transportation. Only pack essentials and opt for multi-purpose items to reduce overall luggage weight.
Use public transportation or walk: Whenever possible, use public transportation like buses, trains, or trams to get around. If the distance is manageable, consider walking or cycling instead.
Avoid single-use plastics: Take toiletries in reusable bottles so that they can be brought home again, plus bring a reusable water bottle, coffee cup, and shopping bag. It’s much better to refill a water bottle (as long as the water is safe to drink in the holiday destination) instead of buying plastic bottles. Say no to plastic straws and utensils that are offered on your trip.
Support local businesses: When you can, opt for locally-owned accommodations, restaurants, and shops. Try to only purchase locally made gifts and pay a fair price. This helps the local economy and reduces the carbon footprint associated with imported goods.
Respect the local environment and culture: Be mindful of the local customs, traditions, and the natural environment. Avoid activities that harm wildlife or damage fragile ecosystems - do not buy wildlife products such as ivory, tortoiseshells, coral, and shells, and ditch chemical sunscreens for reef-safe options.
Conserve water and energy: Be conscious of water and energy usage. Turn off lights and air conditioning when leaving a hotel room, and reuse towels and linens.
Go digital: If you can, avoid printing out travel documents and make use of digital alternatives.
Compensate carbon emissions: Anderson Vacations has partnered with Trees4Travel to plant 1 tree for every traveler. Trees4Travel translates a whole trip into trees and then backs up every tree with a share of investment into United Nations Renewable Energy (CER) Carbon Credits, a great way to give back to the planet and people.
This is a reminder that even small actions can make a significant difference and help minimize your environmental footprint!
Learn more about our partnership with Trees4Travel and how we are working to contribute to the well-being of our planet and its communities.
*The style our travellers have enjoyed for over 20 years,
these tours feature inclusive itineraries to popular
destinations including the 'must see' sites and attractions.
Led by an expert Tour Leader, you will enjoy comfortable
accommodation, and coach transport throughout the journey.
TOURS OF DISTINCTION
Expert Tour Leader
Maximum 18 passengers
Variety of 'off the beaten path' experiences
Stays at Unique Inns and Boutique Hotel (when available)
Mini Coach and Comfortable Local Transportation
Breakfast Included Daily
Lunch or Dinner Included Daily
Unique Local Restaurant Experiences
Most Gratuities Included
*These tours are defined by their incomparably unique
itineraries, featuring 'off the beaten path' destinations and
immersive experiences. An intimate group size allows us to
stay in smaller, centrally located, unique and boutique style inns,
lodges and hotels, utilize traditional local transportation and
dive deep into each destination's local culture and traditions.
INDEPENDENT TRAVEL
Private trip on a date of your choice
Incorporates all modes of travel (coach, RV, car, VIA Rail, Rocky Mountaineer train)
All Attractions, Activities and Events are Customizable
Offers levels of accommodation from budget 3-star hotels, boutique lodges, to luxury properties
Itineraries available in all 10 Canadian Provinces and the 3 Northern Territories and Alaska
Itineraries also available in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific
Itineraries cover all seasons and all travel styles
Detailed crafted itineraries designed to agent/client specifications for content and budget
*These travel experiences are fully customizable to better fit your needs.
Every itinerary is created based on your comfort level, accommodation choices, and personal interests.
Whether you are looking for a rail adventure, self drive holiday, unique experiences,
or a short city stay our team will work with you on combining accommodation, transportation,
and activities based on your preferences to create the perfect itinerary for you.
CUSTOM GROUPS
Option for Expert Tour Leader to lead group at destination
All Attractions, Activities, and Events are Customizable
Offers levels of accomodation from budget 3-star hotels, boutique lodges, to luxury properties
Itineraries available in all 10 Canadian Provinces and the 3 Northern Territories and Alaska
Itineraries also available in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific
Itineraries cover all seasons and all travel styles
Detailed crafted itineraries designed to agent/client specifications for content and budget
Daily breakfasts included
*These travel experiences are fully customizable to better fit your needs.
Every itinerary is created based on your comfort level, accommodation choices, and personal interests.
Whether you are looking for a rail adventure, self drive holiday, unique experiences,
or a short city stay our team will work with you on combining accommodation, transportation,
and activities based on your preferences to create the perfect itinerary for you.
CLASSIC TOURS
The style our travellers have enjoyed for over 20 years,
these tours feature inclusive itineraries to popular
destinations including the 'must see' sites and attractions.
Led by an expert Tour Leader, you will enjoy comfortable
accommodation, and coach transport throughout the journey.
Click Icon to Read More.
TOURS OF DISTINCTION
These tours are defined by their incomparably unique
itineraries, featuring 'off the beaten path' destinations and
immersive experiences. An intimate group size allows us to
stay in smaller, centrally located, unique and boutique style inns,
lodges and hotels, utilize traditional local transportation and
dive deep into each destination's local culture and traditions.
Click Icon to Read More.
INDEPENDENT TRAVEL
These travel experiences are fully customizable to better fit your needs.
Every itinerary is created based on your comfort level, accommodation choices, and personal interests.
Whether you are looking for a rail adventure, self drive holiday, unique experiences,
or a short city stay our team will work with you on combining accommodation, transportation,
and activities based on your preferences to create the perfect itinerary for you.
Click Icon to Read More.
INDEPENDENT TRIPS
These travel experiences are fully customizable to better fit your needs.
Every itinerary is created based on your comfort level, accommodation choices, and personal interests.
Whether you are looking for a rail adventure, self drive holiday, unique experiences,
or a short city stay our team will work with you on combining accommodation, transportation,
and activities based on your preferences to create the perfect itinerary for you.
Click Icon to Read More.
Anderson Vacations is thrilled to announce that we are celebrating 30 years with a beautiful new digital Destination Planner & 30 Day Anniversary promotion!
From Jan 30 to Feb 28, enjoy a reduced deposit requirement for just $300 per booking (or $150 per person) on all 2023 packages and tours*.
*Additional deposit may be required for bookings that have third party supplier deposit requirements.