Embracing Imperfection: Navigating the Flawed Journey Towards Sustainable Travel
6 Practical Tips to Improve Your Impact on Your Trips + permission to take it easy on yourself
Written by: Katy
In a world where sustainability is increasingly recognized as both a pressing concern and an overused buzz word, it's important to acknowledge that nobody is perfect when it comes to eco-friendly practices.
At Good Trips, we embrace imperfection and understand that attaining 100% sustainability is an unattainable goal. Instead, we prioritize intent and continuous improvement, empowering travelers to make positive changes and create a more positive impact on the communities they visit and the planet as a whole.
The Journey of Imperfection
A pair of slippers served as the inspiration for this writing—comfy, disposable hotel slippers that I couldn't resist jumping into as soon as saw them.
However, they also reminded me of how much further we all have to go on our sustainable travel journey, even for someone like me who writes and coaches on the topic every day.
Imperfection is a natural part of the journey when it comes to traveling responsibly. None of us are immune to the occasional (frequent) slip-up(s) or guilty pleasure(s) that may (will) not be so eco-friendly. However, what truly matters is the conscious effort we make to improve and embrace sustainable choices whenever possible. How can we cultivate mindfulness and meaning in our journey towards a more sustainable lifestyle? And how can we make this path enjoyable and fulfilling?
This realization was one of the driving factors behind the creation of Good Trips: our desire to share the incredible beauty and enriched experiences that responsible travel can offer.
Our goal is to show everyone that sustainable travel can be both awe-inspiring and enjoyable, making it the preferred way to get out and see the world. We understand that for significant change to take place, sustainability needs to be appealing and convenient. That's why we're dedicated to making sustainable travel accessible and exciting for everyone.
It's also important to remember that fixating on perfection can often lead to overwhelm and a sense of paralysis, hindering our progress towards sustainable travel, so you have to take it easy on yourself as well (if you’re driven to perfectionism like so many of us are).
Embracing Imperfection
At Good Trips, we don't pass judgment on those guilty pleasures or non-eco-friendly vices. Instead, we want to talk about it! And provide a supportive platform where travelers can share their indulgences. By embracing our imperfections, we create a space to explore sustainable alternatives and inspire positive change collectively. Hoorah!
In the spirit of imperfection, let's take a moment to reflect on our own guilty pleasures when it comes to travel. For instance, my weakness is for the aforementioned hotel slippers. That's just one of mine. What are some of yours?
Striving to be Better
Acknowledging our eco-non-friendly vices is the first step towards positive change. By discussing and understanding our indulgences, we can explore alternative options and seek out sustainable choices that benefit not only ourselves but also the communities we visit and our planet.
The next step involves replacing some of those not-so-eco-friendly habits with better alternatives. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to improve our travel footprint, especially if you're just starting out on your sustainability journey. These beginner-friendly tips not only make it easier for you to make a positive impact but also enhance your overall travel experience. So, let's dive into these simple yet effective swaps that will make your trip a better one.
6 simple Tips To Travel More Sustainably
Pack Zero Waste Toiletries
Opt for solid shampoo and conditioner bars––they can also be used as soap if you prefer not to use the (hopefully) refillable soap provided at your accommodation, reusable silicone travel bottles for liquids if you need them, and non-spillable versions of sunscreen, deo, and toothpaste, etc.. These choices help reduce plastic waste, prevent messy spills in your luggage, lighten your load, and ensure you have quality personal care products. For those of you in The Netherlands, I love Plastic Free Amsterdam.
Carry Your Own Food and Containers
Do you know how much waste is produced from in-transit meals? Brace…it's scary. According to the IATA, around 1.3 billion tonnes of food, which is approximately a third of all available food, is wasted each year. Additionally, there's the issue of plastic wrappers, trays, and cutlery adding to the waste. And we haven't even mentioned the waste from purchased food in the airport. To minimize your environmental impact and have more control over your food choices, bring your own snacks and meals in reusable containers. This not only reduces waste but also allows you to enjoy delish homemade food while others settle for less appealing options. See some of our favorite options HERE.
Avoid Single-Use Products at Hotels and on the Plane
Rather than relying on the extras provided on the plane, like earbuds, pillows, and blankets, bring your own! Everyone has headphones. If you don't, check out this sustainable brand. Bring a shawl, towel, or scarf that can double as a blanket on the plane or for a picnic. This is my favorite! If your hotel offers single-use toiletries (although most GT hotels do not), use the ones you brought with you instead. By refraining from unwrapping or using the provided items, you can prevent unnecessary waste. Additionally, make a conscious effort to avoid disposable items like to-go cups (sit and enjoy that coffee…you're on vacation!), plastic cutlery, and straws wherever you go.
Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
Make it a habit to carry a durable and refillable water bottle to avoid purchasing single-use plastic bottles. I know most of you don't need to hear this, but I'm still surprised by how few people I see doing it and it adds up immensely. It's still not the norm, so we'll say it over and over again. Bring your own water bottle. No Excuses! Most airports, hotels, and tourist destinations have water refill stations or filtered water available, making it easy to stay hydrated sustainably. Check out some of functional and beautiful options HERE.
Choose LOWER IMPACT Transportation
Opt for eco-friendly transportation options whenever possible. Consider taking public transportation, cycling, or walking to explore your destination. If you need to rent a vehicle, choose a fuel-efficient or electric car. By reducing your carbon footprint during transportation, you contribute to a more sustainable, healthful, enjoyable, and immersive travel experience! And most importantly…
Stay in Sustainable Accommodations
Helping travelers find the perfect accommodation is not only a passion of ours but also a fundamental aspect of our business. We strongly believe that it is one of the most impactful contributions you can make during your travels. Not only does it enhance your overall experience, but it also ensures that your money stays within the local community, your hosts prioritize culture at the destination, and the environmental impact is kept to a minimum. By choosing the right accommodation, you can make a meaningful difference while enjoying a most memorable and sustainable travel experience.
If you incorporate even one of these tips into your travel routine, you will make a significant difference in promoting greener practices. But I'll encourage you to aim for a few because each one is just going to make your trip that much better.
Bringing it Home
Sustainability, especially when it comes to travel, is not about being flawless; it's about the intent and effort to do better.
By embracing our imperfections and supporting one another, we can strive for greener travel and leave a positive impact wherever we go.
Incorporating practices such as using zero waste toiletries, carrying our own food and containers, avoiding single-use products, carrying a reusable water bottle, and choosing sustainable transportation and lodging can make a significant difference. Simply put, just think about the choices that you make and what the impact of those decisions are. That's the ethos behind the thoughtful traveler.
So, let's celebrate our imperfect journey towards sustainability and inspire others to join us. Together, is the only way we'll make a real difference for a greener travel future.
Katy Hoogerwerf
Katy, a New Orleans native, was deeply influenced by the art, design, music, and renowned cuisine that her hometown is celebrated for. Her expertise and passion revolve around curating design-led conscious businesses catered to travelers. She currently resides in Holland with her Mexican husband and their two spirited boys.
