5 tips for a low-impact mobility.
When we plan a trip there are many aspects to take into account: distances, quality, price… If on top of this we consider the sustainability of our trip, we will have to review our purchases with a different perspective, adding a filter of environmental and social awareness that will lead us to seek greener paths in order to minimize the impact of our activity. In this sense, the carbon footprint of the trip plays an important role: by taking it into account, we will be able to review our consumption in order to opt for local products, renewable energies, minimize water consumption, minimize waste, and the topic that concerns us today: sustainable mobility.
According to a recent report by Global Ecoforum, transportation accounts for 25% of greenhouse gases in the European Union. Therefore, not paying attention to how we move during our travels can truly be the factor that raises our carbon footprint as tourists. For this reason, and in order to promote sustainable mobility in the tourism sector, we present some tips to reduce this negative impact:
1. The journey begins in our mind:it is clear that one of the first choices of the trip is where we are going and the second is how do we get there. Choosing a destination nearer or farther away or one means of transport or another is a choice that will undoubtedly determine the most important part of our carbon footprint. As far as transportation is concerned, the most carbon intensive option is short-haul flights and the best option would be the ferry or train.
2. Harness your own energy: while traveling we have numerous options for sightseeing while exercising and at the same time contributing to reducing emissions at the destination. In many cities it is especially convenient to cycle around, and in most European cities there are plenty of bike rental options and countless kilometers of cycle paths. However, even in intercity travel, the bicycle can be an attractive option for our leisure trip: in Spain we have initiatives such as the network of Vies Verdes and, of course, the Camino de Santiago, which can be covered on foot or by bicycle. When visiting a city, we have options that combine sustainable mobility and exercise as attractive as the Paris Navigating Gym or the Green Kayak in Copenhagen.
3. Choose public transport: apart from moving on foot or by bike, the most sustainable option when visiting a city is to use its public transport network. There are green initiatives in cities such as Seville, which is committed to offsetting the carbon footprint of the subway. A good idea is to purchase a tourist-specific transport ticket, that way we will probably also be able to enjoy some benefits such as discounts at the main attractions.
4. Move even in your sleep: an option to make long trips in a sustainable way, but without wasting time is to take use of the nighttime to travel: we move while we sleep and so we wake up already at the destination. Around the world we will find a large number of night transportation options for all tastes and budgets. Many ferries offer cabins with beds to make the trip more comfortable, such as the Greek company Blue Star or the Italian Grimaldi. Undoubtedly one of the most picturesque experiences are the journeys on night trains, in France there is currently the collective Oui Au Train De Nuit that advocates for a rail transport network that allows travel at night. However, the most economical option is usually the bus: from routes around Europe, night buses in Vietnam, or the famous Greyhound buses that travel around the United States. All we have to worry about is getting comfy and sleep tight!.
5. Go for electric mobility: whether we choose to travel by car because of its convenience or whether it’s a necessity, it is preferable to opt for the electric car. If we move around the city, we can request an electric cab through multiple apps. If we do rent a car, most rental companies make it possible to choose an electric car, we will only have to plan carefully where we stop in order to find recharging points.
From Pax#, we do our bit to promote sustainable mobility with these five tips, which we hope you will take into account when planning your next vacation. Have a great trip!.
