How to calculate your carbon footprint for your next trip
With the news of fires in Australia, Russia and Brazil, huge amounts of carbon are being released into the atmosphere. This is especially bad, knowing that the damage done to the environment is becoming worse with each passing day. Instead of being silent observers of this deterioration, we can all take some action to make the world a better place.
If you aren’t quite sure where you can begin, but you’re determined to make a difference, you can start by lowering your carbon footprint. Do that during your very next trip and start giving your contribution to the planet immediately. There are tons of different ways in which you can calculate your carbon footprint, and today, we will take a deeper look on this fascinating topic. Let’s begin!
Use one of many online calculators
By just typing this query into Google, you will get dozens of results which point to online carbon footprint calculators. In this article, we will not point you to any specific one, as they all have their set of pros and cons, but we will try to explain the factors that play a huge role in it.
The algorithms look at all sorts of important parameters, including the distance you’re about to cover, the type of vehicle you will be using during your trip, the resources you will spend in your accommodation, and all sorts of different things. Calculate your carbon footprint first, and then apply the steps we will mention below to lower it significantly. You will be amazed with the results.
Avoid flying, try the train instead!
Airplanes are every nomad’s best friend. It seems like it is always possible to find a cheap flight that takes us to our next adventure. Unfortunately, airplanes are also known contributors of air pollution, destroying a piece of our atmosphere with each flight. Naturally, this destruction is tiny when looking at the global scale, but these things add up fast.
No matter the costs, it seems like it’s practically impossible to avoid the use of this transportation device. Or is it? Around the globe, many initiatives are undertaken in order to move the travelers back to the traditional form of transport. Trains have, for example undergone a long way since their humble beginnings.
Nowadays, travelers can pick and choose between the bullet trains, luxury trains, or ultra-cheap everyday options. Most importantly, by using this form of transport, the carbon footprint gets significantly lower. That is not the only advantage either. Europe is famous for their trains that take people on tours around this wonderful continent. It’s a similar story in USA as well, as is in Japan. Either way, for your next trip, try giving the trains a chance, you might like them more than you could’ve imagined.
Recycle and avoid using plastic whenever you can
It is a well-known fact that plastic is all around us, polluting our oceans and the supplies of drinking water. While it is convenient to use it, there are ways in which you can make a difference. For instance, instead of drinking water from disposable plastic bottles, acquire one made from glass, or some other green material.
Furthermore, avoid using straws or food containers built from plastic, as these things are usually good for one use only, after which they need to be disposed of. If you happen to carry your own shampoo bottles during your trips, try to reuse them for one of your next travel adventures.
When you finally arrive at your destination, don’t be afraid of hiking
Hiking or bicycle riding is not only great for your health, it is also a tremendous way to lower your carbon footprint. Besides, you will never get a chance to truly integrate with local life if you stay in public transport all day long. Going outdoors is also a tremendous way to relieve the built-up stress and clear your head after a hard day of work. It is a fantastic activity that practically has no downside, and we should all apply it as often as we can.
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