Planet-Friendly Adventures For 2023
As we are getting into the warmer seasons of 2023, the mood for planning outdoor adventures is slowly increasing. Although it is great to live in a global world with everything at the tip of our fingers, it can also be important to consider how we can make our adventures more planet-friendly.
Travel and outdoor activities can have a significant impact on the environment, but there are many ways to reduce our carbon footprint while still enjoying all that nature has to offer. In this blog post, we'll explore some planet-friendly adventures you can plan for 2023.
Hiking and Camping
Hiking and camping are classic outdoor activities that can be done in a planet-friendly way. When we decide to spend our holiday out hiking, rather than traveling with cars, trains, or flights or staying in hotels or houses, the individual carbon footprint emission drops significantly—yay, hiking! Not only is this a great way to go on an adventure as you can discover magical places in nature - it also has great benefits for your health. When it is time to set up camp, you can opt for a campsite that's designated for low-impact camping, and follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment. You can bring reusable water bottles and utensils to reduce waste and choose eco-friendly camping gear made from sustainable and durable materials.
Cycling
Cycling is a fun and eco-friendly way to explore new places, but you can get so much further than on foot. Traveling on a bicycle is just fast enough to feel like you are getting somewhere, but slow enough for you to really take in everything you are seeing. Wherever you want to go you can rent a bike or bring your own, and explore local trails and bike paths. Like this you get to spend every day in the fresh air, you can explore many new places in a short period of time and you can camp and cook by yourself for total independence from anyone. Choose destinations that are bike-friendly, and consider combining the trip with a backpacking journey for a longer adventure.
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing is a great way to connect with nature and learn about local ecosystems. It can also be an adventure, like nature's own scavenger hunt where the treasure is the secrets of the wildlife in nature. It is unpredictable, unexpected, and truly inspiring. Choosing to go wildlife viewing is a unique adventure that will allow for a deeper understanding of the inhabitants of nature and everything that happens in the deep forest.
You can either book a tour with a reputable tour company that follows ethical and sustainable practices and opt for tours that don't disturb the animals or their habitats.
If you are feeling a bit more adventurous you can plan your own wildlife viewing trip. This will require quite a bit of research and preparation as you need to make sure you choose the right season, the right location, and the right type of nature for the sort of wildlife you are hoping to discover. Make sure to always keep a safe distance and follow guidelines for responsible wildlife viewing.
Volunteer Trips
If you are passionate about eco volunteering or climate change you could consider going for a volunteer trip. Volunteer trips are a great way to give back while also exploring new places. For example, you can look for organizations that focus on conservation and environmental restoration, and choose trips that align with your interests and skills. You can find trips where you will have the opportunity to support jungle or rainforest conservation, be a part of environmental education, organic farming or tree planting.
Whatever you choose to do, volunteering can enhance community cohesion and improve society while also giving you experiences and memories for life. It will put you outside of your comfort zone and place you in situations you'd never see yourself in normally. Volunteering can be a rewarding way to connect with local communities and make a positive impact on the environment.
Eco-Friendly Accommodations
Whatever adventure you plan to go on in 2023, you most often need to figure out a place to sleep. To take better care of the planet, this is when you can opt for eco-friendly accommodations. These could be options such as hotels and lodges that prioritize sustainability and conservation. Look for properties that use renewable energy, reduce water consumption, and minimize waste. Some properties also offer educational programs and activities focused on environmental conservation.
Booking a stay at an eco-friendly accommodation might take a bit of time, work, and research. You might need to think a little outside the box, as not many accommodation pages have a filter for 'eco-friendly hotels'. Instead you can check if the place you are considering booking your stay at has a sustainability section on their webpage. They might mention specifics such as using renewables, compostable single-use items, or offering water in glasses rather than plastic bottles. Keep in mind that some accommodations might be eco-friendly without being certified. If you opt for smaller and communal boarding such as cabins, wilderness huts, a glamping set up or even house swapping or sitting you are choosing the environmentally friendly options.