5 Ways to make your holiday more environmentally responsible

Packing for holidays can be tricky, especially when you’re going away for long enough that you know you’ll need to wash your hair, but not long enough to need to take the whole bottle of shampoo… And once we’re away, it’s so easy to get caught up in the single-use world, where we grab a coffee to go, or choose to take away so we can have dinner by the beach, instead of dining in. We only have one world, so we should try and take care of it the best we can!

Here are our top 5 tips on how to help make your holiday adventures more eco-friendly.

1. Look to the locals for your fresh produce and foodie needs.

By seeking out produce from local farmers markets and family owned and operated small businesses, you are helping put money back into the local economy and supporting members of the community. By shopping local, you can rest easy knowing that you have supported a business with a smaller carbon footprint, rather than buying from somewhere ‘bigger’ that ships goods from over east, or overseas!

You can also look to dine at places that hero local growers by using seasonal menus to incorporate the produce grown in the area all year round. By shopping and eating locally, you can feel good, do good and enjoy exquisite meals!

2. Go slow and get active.

When popping down to the shops, or ducking out to get the groceries, why not walk or cycle? If you are able to, take the opportunity to get some fresh air on your errands! Bike hire is readily available in many towns down south, and is a great alternative to driving. Or if you’re going coastal, why not try kayaking instead of a motorised boat?

By adapting your travel methods, you can not only make the most of the gorgeous weather, and get some endorphins flowing, you can also rest easy knowing that you’ve had a lighter environmental footprint during your time away.

3. Enjoy eco activities while you’re away.

Did you know that the Shire of Augusta Margaret River has been certified as an ECO Destination – the first in WA and one of only four in Australia?! This is an amazing achievement and a credit to the local community and businesses in this region. So on your next trip south, why not book an experience with an Eco Accredited company, such as Cape to Cape Explorer Tours, Margaret River Surf School, Forest Adventures South West, Naturaliste Charters, or one of many more wonderful local businesses?

Booking activities with an Eco Accredited company means that you will enjoy a premium nature-based experience, run by locals who are truly committed to the environment, and it will make your holiday even more rewarding.

4. Tread lightly when you are exploring.

Our South West is globally known for being a biodiversity hotspot, thriving with more natural flora and fauna than we can count! With this in mind, we ask that travellers please respect the local animals by allowing them space, and driving carefully, especially during dawn and dusk. If you are venturing off-road, be cautious to not wander too far off the tracks. Whether you are exploring on foot, or in your vehicle, it’s important to keep the natural habitat intact by ensuring it doesn’t get crushed by boot or tyre treads. This is a massive part of what helps make the South West so beautiful and so biodiverse.

We encourage careful exploring and leaving nothing but gentle footprints behind on your travels.

5. Make space for your reusables.

Finding space to include all the beloved items you need for your holiday can be tricky, but we are sure you could find space to squeeze in your reusable items! All you need is a keep cup, water bottle, and some reusable shopping bags – then you’re good to go.

Packing a keep cup means you can still have coffee on the go, but won’t have to waste a single-use paper cup! Shopping bags are just lifesavers in general and they look great when they’re packed with colourful fruit and veg from local farmer’s markets. Even leave a few spares in the car – they’ll come in handy when you least expect it. Water bottles are a must have for hydration on the go and you won’t have to spend extra cash on a plastic bottle that is overpriced and will likely end up in landfill! Making these small changes to your holidaying habits can make a world of difference in the long run.

By making small adjustments to your travelling habits, you can help reduce your environmental footprint without having to make any unrealistic changes to the way you holiday. We hope to see you down south soon, relaxing in a local cafe, enjoying the fresh air that floats through our South West!