The earth is gradually moving towards cleaner energy sources and more sustainable ways of living. The dependence on fossil fuels has been widely recognized to be a major contributing factor to global warming, and the impact of this phenomenon is already being felt locally. People are shifting towards more eco-friendly vehicles and fuel-efficient appliances, and this is having a significant effect on the way we travel. Here are some of the ways that solar energy is changing the way we travel.
Eco-Friendly
Solar energy is completely renewable, clean energy, which means it does not contribute to climate change. This is important to consider as we are slowly moving towards a world where our energy needs will be met by sustainable resources. The switch to more sustainable vehicles and appliances will dramatically reduce your car and appliance care costs in the long run, as well as improve the environment. Going green can never be a bad idea, and it’s certainly helping in the fight against climate change!
It’s not just in vehicles that we are seeing this trend; solar powered street lamps are replacing traditional ones, and solar cookers are popping up in developing communities around the world. There are even entire eco-villages completely powered by solar energy!
Traveling while being eco-friendly reduces your impact on the environment, and it’s something that everyone can practice without thinking too much about. Airlines have started caring for the environment as well, implementing policies like paperless e-tickets to reduce their eco-footprint. Traveling on an eco-friendly flight is better for the environment than taking a traditional one, and it’s something everyone can do to make a difference.
Sustainable
The goal of a sustainable vacation is to have a positive impact on the destination you visit and leave no negative behind. One way of having a positive impact is by reducing your energy consumption. If you visit a place that relies heavily on fossil fuels, like Australia, you’ll notice that the economy there almost exclusively relies on mining. While this may be a major source of income, it has a seriously negative impact on the environment. The amount of land required to grow enough food for the entire population is staggering, and it’s a major contributor to global warming. That’s one of the reasons why many vacationers in Australia are choosing to go green – it’s the only way they can have a sustainable travel experience.
You don’t have to choose Australia if you want to travel sustainably, but you should know that a lot of effort needs to be made in order to leave a positive impact behind. Going green usually involves trying to reduce your personal impact as much as possible. There are resources available to help you reduce the amount of stuff you bring with you on your travels – check Lonely Planet’s website for suggestions on how to travel smarter and avoid overconsumption.
Efficient
Saving fuel is one of the essentials of a green traveler. If you are driving a fuel-efficient vehicle, you’ll be enjoying the road more and reducing your fuel consumption considerably. It’s estimated that if every person on Earth reduced their fuel consumption by just 10%, it would save enough energy to provide electricity to everyone on the planet. While we’re unlikely to see that kind of change anytime soon, everyone can take a step and choose more fuel-efficient vehicles or appliances to reduce their carbon footprint. When you are choosing an appliance, make sure that it’s energy-efficient and has a low carbon footprint – that’s one of the essentials for a sustainable vacation.
Eco-travel is becoming a popular choice amongst travelers, who want to enjoy their travels but also want to be responsible and aware of their impact on the environment. Many people are choosing to go green and that’s a trend that will continue to grow as the environment’s impact is becoming more apparent every day. It’s time to go green on your next vacation – it’s the responsible thing to do!