Small steps to greener travels

At the end of November we had a recycling day with our volunteers and went through piles of garbage collected at Spicy Villa over the month. We sorted through cans, bottles, wrapping, and other items, and prepared it for recycling so that we could have a positive impact on the environment and not harm our area. This is what we always strive to do at Spicy Villa and through all our tours and activities, so we thought that this would be a good time to write some advice for our future guests. We strongly encourage all guests and friends to be active members in our programs to protect the environment and the following pointers can be used to minimize the strain on environment.

While we think it is important to be a responsible traveller and have a positive impact on places you visit, you can also apply our tips while at home for conservation of our planet as a whole.

1.) Soap and shampoo

Try to buy and use biodegradable soap and shampoo bars instead of liquid and gel. On one hand they cause less pollution and on the other they don’t require plastic packaging.

2.) Sprays

Opt for natural and organic deodorants, insect repellents and sunscreens. Try to always avoid aerosol cans and look for cream, powder, stick and roll on options with natural ingredients.

3.) Batteries

Where you can, use wind-up or solar torches and other products and eliminate the need for batteries. If you do use batteries, use rechargeable ones.

4.) Recycling

Recycle as much as you can even when you travel. Use recycled paper for postcards and letters.

5.) Endangered species

Before travelling (and even while at home) read about endangered species in the area and never eat food from them or buy any souvenirs, clothes and other products made from endangered species.

6.) Arts and crafts

Try to buy arts and crafts products that are made from renewable sources and avoid buying those that require any animal species to be killed to make them. Don’t buy authentic archaeological artefacts.

7.) Food

Try to buy locally grown and processed food whenever you can.

8.) Medicine

Keep your medicine kit well protected, and don’t throw any medicine in trash or on the ground.

11.) Use of energy and water

Never use more energy and water than what is necessary, turn the lights off when you don’t need them, turn the tap off when you brush your teeth or wash your hair, and always turn everything off when you leave your room.

12.) Wrapping

Avoid plastic bags and unnecessary wrapping. Use a reusable bag instead. Use recyclable plastic bottles and try to refill them instead of throwing them away.

9.) In nature

During nature walks and at other times avoid collecting local insects and other flora and fauna but leave them for those who come after you to enjoy as well. Always walk with a knowledgeable local guide and stay close to him and keep quiet as to not disturb local fauna. Do not feed or touch wild animals. Do not wear strong perfume or other scents.

10.) Travelling with children

Teach your child about local environmental issues, show them good practices, and point out bad ones if you see them. Give your child local fruit for snack instead of sweets in inorganic wrappers. If you are travelling with a baby, use biodegradable diapers.

 

We hope these tips help you to be a greener traveller and we would love to hear more advice from you, so go ahead and write your own pointers in the comments.

Below is photo gallery of our recycling day to inspire your greener travels.