How to Save Money & the Planet While Traveling
Traveling with an eco-friendly mindset doesn’t need to cost you more. In fact, green travel can actually save you money. Even if you’re leaving for a week, you can reduce, reuse, and recycle your way into saving even more money. Find out how to save green while traveling green wherever you go:
Before Leaving Home:
Unplug unused appliances
Make sure to unplug any unused appliances like the microwave or television. Although not in use, these appliances still suck phantom energy. These household ghosts can cost you a hundred dollars or more over time. The few minutes it takes to unplug unused appliances are worth the environmental and monetary savings.
Turn down the thermostat
You don’t need to heat a house if no one is there. Even by turning down your thermostat by 3 degrees, you can save 10% on your next bill. An exception would be if you’re leaving behind furry friends during the winter, which they have fur to stay warmer than you think.
Reuse travel-sized bottles
Most department stores have an entire section dedicated to travel-sized shampoos, conditioners, and the like. Instead of wasting money on cheap brands you’ll likely throw away once you’re home, invest in a few empty travel-sized bottles to fill with products you actually like. This will save you money and reduce plastic waste, as you’ll likely use them again.
Bring a reusable water bottle
People waste a million plastic bottles every minute, and 91% of plastic isn’t even recycled. Most bottles end up polluting the ocean and typically take over 400 years to decompose. With water bottles costing up to $5 each, it only makes sense to invest in a reusable water bottle.
Don’t like the taste of tap? You could always invest in a filtered water bottle. This would come in handy, especially if you’re traveling somewhere with questionable water quality. If you contend for bottled water because it’s “healthier” or “tastes better,” check out the research that debunks these myths.
All things considered, traveling with a reusable water bottle is a simple way to make an incredible, positive impact on the planet and your wallet.
During Your Stay:
Book with Airbnb
Airbnb provides unique housing experiences in millions of homes around the world. Booking with Airbnb can cut costs without sacrificing comfort, especially if you’re traveling in a group. Since 88% if its hosts incorporate green practices with their custom lodging, you can rest knowing you landed a great deal while still endorsing green travel.
Shop locally
You can incorporate the “Buy Local” fad wherever you go. Compared to popular retailers, local stores reduce product costs by eliminating “the middleman” and import taxes, making products more affordable to shoppers. Not only is it a fun cultural experience to browse local markets, but it’s also cost-effective and supportive of local communities.
Reuse shopping bags
If you have cloth totes at home, you should pack a few in your suitcase. Rather than wasting a plastic bag with every purchase you make, you can use your cute tote to carry around purchases. Although this doesn’t necessarily save you money, it could save you on having to buy a tote at your destination. Plus, the plastic conservation makes it well worth it.
Walk or bike where you can
Car rentals are expensive. They also produce a ton of harmful, carbon emissions–especially if you don’t rent a fuel-efficient hybrid. Bike rentals are cheaper with the option of hourly and daily rental prices, so you only pay for what you use. If you only need to travel short distances, walking is definitely the best option. It costs nothing and produces zero carbon emissions. (You just might want to invest in a comfy pair of travel shoes.)
Going green during your travels is simple and can actually save you money. Who knew you could have the best of both worlds?
What’s your opinion on green travel? In what ways have you discovered going green can actually save you money? Let us know in the comments, on Facebook, or Twitter.
