How to be a eco traveller

Would you like to know how to be a eco traveller? Imagine sitting in a wooden chalet, no humming of air conditioned or fans, just the rustle of trees, the cool breeze and trickling spring water in the background. Does this sound appealing to you? This is one of the factors of eco tourism and eco travelling.

Eco tourism is about being sensitive to the ecological environment, conservation, and respect on cultural differences, and promote used of sustainable energy resources. Nowadays, with the effect of global warming and climate change, eco travelling has become an integral part of tourism.

Though travelling any form of travel transportation will inevitably contribute CO2 to the atmosphere, travelling need not halt as long as the traveler practice certain form of responsible travel.

To travel responsibly begins from the moment you plan your holiday. Consider the following factors before you make your travel plans:

1. To be a eco traveller, you have to be conscious of your travelling habits. Habits such as reducing your carbon footprint. A eco traveler is always conscious about global warming and carbon emission. Try to reduce flying time as much as possible, take train or other form of public transport for interstate travel. Plan your route in advance to reduce unnecessary travelling. Practice recycling and reusing of things while travelling. 
2. Eco tourism comes in many form, it could be volunteering in an animal sanctuary, living with the local community, participating in activities that does not spoil the natural ecology such as bird watching and hiking. 
3. When looking for an eco destination, research on travel operators that promote eco travel and destinations. Read about their environmental and staffing policies, whether they hire local people and are they involved in any local community projects. 
4. When booking your hotels, check with the operators on how the hotel handles their environmental responsibility. Environment policy such as energy consumption, conservation of water and recycling policy. Find out if they support and used only local produce, employ locals in their establishment and what do they do about conservation around them. 
5. Be mindful of companies who market themselves behind the ‘Eco’ label but aren’t actually promoting responsible eco travelling. Check for green certification and awards.Read about their environmental and staffing policies, whether they hire local people and are they involved in any local community projects. 
6. Eco travel promotes positive interaction and makes us more accepting and respectful of other people’s cultural heritage, religion social behavior and properties. Dress appropriately especially in religious ground and be sensitive to the custom of the local people. Learn some basic local language such as greetings, respect the local's privacy, ask permission when taking photographs or entering their home and do not cause damage to their properties. 
7. One main ethos on eco travel is making a conscious effort to support the local community in your holiday destination. Supporting local community such as buying locally made products, consuming local produce and visit the place where local products. You not only show your appreciation for their skills and effort, you are also empowering the local community economically. 
8. Practice recycling when you are travelling such as reusing plastic bags or even better; bring your own carrier bag. Follow the International Leave No Trace Rules, resist littering and leaving your personal things behind. 
9. Eco travel is also about visiting local conservation projects like forest conservation, animal sanctuary and learning about what people do to preserve their environment. There are eco holidays where you can stay and participate in the conservation projects like forestry, wild life conservation and protection. 
10. Conservation is also about keeping the environment clean, not wasting water especially in places where water is scarce and not wasting food. 

Eco travelling is responsible travelling. When you practice responsible travelling, you encourage the good practice of tolerance and respect. When you take an interest in conservation projects and wildlife, you help sustain the livelihood of the local people and indirectly help build their community.