Traveling is also an opportunity for us to interact with nature. The more places we visit the more we have respect and admire for the surrounding nature. It’s amazing how the world was beautifully created. Unfortunately, I often get the impression that people forget to be part of this ecosystem. Meanwhile, even a small gesture has a huge impact on the environment. Ecotourism, or otherwise responsible tourism is getting more and more popular. For many years, ecology has been discussed, and many companies are implementing environmental policies, including Yves Rocher, that inspired me to write this article.
So far, we have loved Yves Rocher cosmetics due to its natural ingredients and beautiful fragrances. On the occasion of the release of “Act Beautiful” magazine, I learned that the company has been very active in nature since the beginning of the 50’s and is trying to introduce innovative solutions that reduce the emission of harmful substances to the atmosphere and soil. They promote the art of life ‘slow life’ and in harmony with nature.
For this purpose the company, among others in 199 established the Yves Rocher Foundation, which aims to support biodiversity worldwide through four large-scale programs. In my opinion, the international action of planting trees is of particular importance. The idea was born in 2007 in Kenya, where Jacques Rocher, son of the brand founder and president of the Foundation, met Wangari Maathai, the first African to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. So far almost 70 million trees have been planted . To keep on going!
Do you think that being ecological is difficult and expensive? It’s the opposite. The point is to minimize our impact on the environment we came to as tourists. It should be not only fashion but our natural need to be a responsible traveler. Just change your habits, habits or just start saving. Meet our 10 ways to travel ecologically.
1. CHOOSE THE MOST ECOLOGICAL TRANSPORT
It is well known that the most convenient and quickest way to most places is by car. However it is worth considering then hitchhiking or carpooling, as form of traveling together. The driver makes available free space in his car to other people with whom he has shared travel expenses. My daughter visited this way. Mexico and Canary Islands. In addition to the economic benefits, we also contribute to the reduction of exhaust gas.
Most often we try to choose other means of transport. If only we can do this, it is very nice to have cycling trips. You can take a day trip to the beautiful island of Formentera or Ibiza (read here).
Our favorite means of transport is a train which is not only fast, but primarily does not emit harmful substances to the environment. When traveling on a particular route, it carries the most passengers and does not emit exhaust fumes.
We also often use public transport, so we can better understand the local community. However, sometimes we have to choose the air route. Travel by plane is generally considered to be the least ecological due to the heavy fuel consumption and noise. However, it may happen that a plane trip can give you a better environmental balance than driving a car. Then it is of importance to us whether a carrier is trying to minimize the impact of harmful factors arising from its activities.
We appreciate in this regard, among others. Irish Ryanair lines, which include thanks to the systematic exchange of fleets and the increased number of passengers per flight, they reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. In addition, paid drinks, newspapers, etc. on the board of cheap airlines on the one hand can be a nightmare, but on the other hand they reduce the amount of waste compared to traditional lines. Meanwhile, Lufthansa and British Airways are extensively offering the possibility of paying for tickets for the CO2 emissions generated during the flight. In this way, money is supplied to the Climate Care organization.
2. BE MINIMALIST IN CASE OF BAGGAGE
As a rule, we try to travel only with hand luggage. Thanks to that we can move quickly and efficiently. If we travel by plane, we do something good for the environment, as well because the lighter the airplane is, the less it consumes gas and produces harmful carbon dioxide.
Contrary to appearances in a small suitcase or backpack can be quietly packaged for 2 weeks. How to make it we write here. However, you need to approach rationally and take only those things that are really necessary. The smaller the amount of clothes taken away, the smaller the laundry on return, and thus the water savings.
3. SAVE WATER
Ecological tourists try to choose accommodation in agritourist farms or hotels that use renewable sources. However, it is known that such places there is less than traditional resorts. Regardless of the place, however, we can apply several rules related to the economical use of water.
Bubble bath is cool, but most often we decide on a quick shower. We remember to twist water, for example, when we apply shampoo or when we brush our teeth. We also try to use one set of towels and bed sheets during the stay, so they do not have to be washed daily. It means e.g. we do not throw towels on the floor, because in this way we signal the need to exchange them. At home we exchange towels and bed linen every 2-3 weeks. So why would we have to act differently on holidays?
4. DO NOT BE THE SIEGE
Every day we try to segregate garbage and instead of using plastic bags we use recycled paper. We do the same thing during travelling. Many shops, among others e.g. in Belgium or Denmark offer small money in the case of return of glass and plastic bottles. We also pay attention to the packaging of purchased products and try to choose those that are recycled. Yves Rocher has for years proven that it is also possible in the cosmetic industry. Their flasks not only contain less plastic, but also recycled materials to reduce the consumption of renewable resources.
In addition, we bring with us canvas bags with which we can go shopping or beach. In many places there is tap water. Consequently, we carry a reusable bottle with us instead of buying a new one every time. In Spain for filling can be practically requested at any bar or restaurant. No litter does not justify littering. After all, nothing will happen as we bear a few things in our backpack.
5. BUY SOUVENIRS RATIONALLY
From every trip like everyone we like bring a lot of souvenirs especially handicrafts. However, we try to consciously buy local products and choose those whose production does not contribute to environmental degradation. So definitely we resign from buying items from Ivory, snake skin or coral. Remember that these types of products are illegal, and by buying them, you support poaching and destroying local nature. We also try to bypass the large shops and shopping centers. For shopping we usually choose small local shops or street markets. In this way, we support the local community and industry.
6. HOW FUN AND FEEL HOW AS LOCAL
Before each trip we read about the customs of the people we are going to visit and the local cuisine. We later try to consciously buy local products and services that are environmentally friendly. This rule applies also in bars and restaurants. Instead of the imported beer, we choose it produced on the spot and try to cost local delicacies. If possible, try to stay in small family resorts instead of in hotel chains.
It happens, however, that not always the local thing is more ecological. Often, large hotel chains have a specific policy of taking care of the environment as opposed to, for example, the host, who trashes into the forest and drains to the ground. When choosing, so it is good to show common sense.
7. USE NATURAL PRODUCTS AND MULTIPLE USE
For trips we always try to take cosmetics transferred to small reusable containers. In this way we save the environment by reducing waste. Sometimes, however, we use hotel toiletries. We then remember to take home-made toiletries unused. Otherwise they go to the trash. At home we consume them to the end or reuse them while traveling. Their additional advantage is that they occupy little space in their luggage and generally have such small capacity that they can be taken aboard low cost airline aircraft. If the packaging is disposable, then we try to use up to the maximum.
In addition, we buy, if possible, products of natural origin and without parabens. Both have a very sensitive skin and our daughter is allergic. Very rarely do we decide on cosmetics produced by large cosmetic companies. The exception is for us. Yves Rocher products. The company, as the only one in the cosmetic industry, is fully in control of all aspects of its business to reduce the impact on the environment at all stages of the product life cycle. Thanks to that, since 2010, they have reduced their CO2 emissions in their plants by 10% on a yearly basis and water consumption by as much as 21%.
We recently loved their novelty in the form of concentrated shower gel. I particularly like the smell of mango & coriander. Thanks to the innovative (patented patent) method, you can fit a volume of 100 ml in a 100 ml pack enough to use. One serving after contact with water is transformed and increases its volume. It really works! The gel is 100% based on plant ingredients. What surprised us was that the use of concentrated gels reduced greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50% compared to the conventional 400 ml gel. In my opinion, it is the perfect cosmetic for every trip, especially if we are limited by hand baggage. In addition, we support the environment because the gel like other Yves Rocher products contain easily biodegradable formulas and the plastic bottle is recycled.
8. PROMOTE LOCAL CULTURE AND RULES OF PROCEDURE
Respect for the environment and conscious contact with nature are essential elements of our journey. As a general rule we assume that in a given city or country we are guests and as a cultural person, we should respect the rules of the host. As a result, we never go out of our designated paths, break flowers, feed animals, or question the rules.
To the indigenous population we try to be respectful and do not try to impose our beliefs. We also support the protection of the local environment, ie we do not agree that, for our convenience, the nature protection rules are violated. This also applies to our purchases. It is worth noting the label not only in terms of composition but also the origin of ingredients. Until now, I did not know that, for example, Yves Rocher did not use the threatened extinction of Arnica montana. Instead, cultivate the variety Arnica chamissonis.
9. SAVE ENERGY
Environmental management is also related to the rational use of energy. At home we do not smoke all the lights at the same time nor leave the TV on all day. Although for example, we do not pay bills in the hotel, we apply similar rules. Therefore, before leaving the room we extinguish all lights, turn off the TV and air conditioning. We also remove all the plugs from the sockets. The amount of electricity and heat consumed is directly proportional to the degree of air pollution. It is worth remembering.
Pamiętając o tych kilku prostych czynnościach, wpływamy na poprawę jakości i czystości powietrza. Również używanie power banków wpływa na wydajniejsze używanie energii oraz zapewnia nam komfort zawsze naładowanego telefonu czy aparatu. Warto, więc zaopatrzyć się w jedną sztukę przed wyjazdem.
10. SAVE PAPER AND BE AN ELECTRONIC PROJECT
Once there was no smartphone. Currently there is not always a need to print tickets. If we can show them on the phone display. We save paper and consequently trees. Instead of buying maps and guides, we use materials offered in Tourist Information or rent them from the library or from friends. In addition, we know from experience that instead of exploring the map, we prefer to ask the local people for directions and discover new places unknown.
Yves Rocher has long since changed her habits. In their packaging you will not find leaflets: additional product information is printed on the inside of the carton. They use wood from controlled crops to prevent the destruction of forests. I have to admit that I like it a lot.
As you can see, being a responsible and eco-friendly tourist is not at all difficult. In fact, good enough will be enough. Of course, the ways we can take care of the environment are much more. We have presented only a few rules that accompany our journeys. And what are your ways to take care of the environment? Please share with us. You may also be interested in taking part in Europe’s largest “PHOTOGRAPHY, PEOPLE & NATURA” photography festival under the auspices of Yves Rocher in La Gaci outdoor. The topic is devoted to people and nature. So far, there have been a total of 2 million visitors and 200 international photographers.
<ARTICLE CREATED IN COOPERATION WITH YVES ROCHER>
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