The Art of Ethical Travel

Carbon emissions by airlines are harmful to the environment. Be smart and select greener airlines to reduce this impact. Emirates invests in the most modern, eco-efficient technology available meaning they have one of the youngest fleets in the industry. Emirates Flight catering also installed solar panels to power meal cooking and laundry and cut carbon emissions from electrical consumption by 3 million kilograms every year. Find out other projects they’re working on to keep their impact low.

More tips for being a responsible flyer:

• Book direct flights where possible to reduce flying time, and once cruising at altitude, lower the window shades; it keeps the aircraft a few degrees cooler, which saves on energy.
• Bring your own in-flight gear such as a headset and blanket, all those things are wrapped in plastic.
• Pack less junk in the trunk – the more weight on the plane, the more fuel is needed.
• Rent a smaller, fuel-efficient car or hybrid once you reach your destination, or better yet,  explore all the landmarks by bike or on foot; it’s more fun and decreases your carbon footprint!
• Offset your carbon footprint by planting a tree or supporting local projects that lean towards sustainability. Find ethical, sustainable initiatives to get involved in here.
• Buy carbon credits for your trip (sometimes offered on airlines), or use a carbon footprint calculator to determine how much you’d need to do to offset your footprint.

Chat to your travel agent about lesser-known, eco-friendly destinations. Look to going out of season when the rates are better, and you won’t be contributing to the impact of over-tourism on popular destinations. Find family-run establishments on AirBnb with a strong eco feel where economic and social values are being upheld, or stay in eco-friendly hotels – look for Green-star buildings or other eco-credentials. Places like Green Destinations and Kind Traveller are leaders in conscious tourism and help you find destinations that inspire you to do good.  

Eat like a local, in turn supporting resident farmers and fishermen and creating job opportunities for the community, while getting a real taste of the homegrown cuisine. Support Fairtrade, ethically sourced products wherever possible. Little steps like reusing your towels, taking short showers, keeping your linen for 2–3 days and switching off the TV, lights and aircon when you go out, all make a difference.

The good news is that most hotels are realising their contribution of single-use plastic waste to landfill so those tiny bottles will soon be a thing of the past. The InterContinental Hotels Group has vowed to swap out bathroom miniatures for bulk-size, refillable amenities by 2021. This will eliminate an average of 200 million non-reusable tiny toiletries.

Carry a reusable shopping bag and your own water bottle that you can refill as you go. Take your litter with you and recycle or dispose of it responsibly. Don’t buy unnecessary cheap plastic souvenirs; opt for the real thing made locally and ideally with a story that inspires telling. Local markets, especially in the open air, can be an amazing cultural experience in itself.

As you explore new places, opt for recreational activities that don't pollute or use energy, such as kayaking, biking or hiking. Not only will you create zero carbon emissions, you'll likely discover unique sights and experiences off the beaten path.

Gone are the days when elephant-back riding or petting lion cubs were acceptable. Attractions to avoid in the name of responsible tourism include visiting circuses with large animals, bullfighting, walking with lions or other big cats, petting cubs, ostrich riding, swimming with dolphins, Orca shows, dancing bears and performing monkeys. Humans need to adjust their attitudes and accept that animals belong in the wild and should not be exploited. Educate yourself about the torture most of the animals in tourism undergo and be aware of what you purchase.

Some products, such as snake wine, tortoiseshell accessories, shells and coral jewellery, ivory, or furs are made from protected plants or endangered species can be illegal to export or import. They can also be the products of poaching. Ask: What is the item made of? Where did it come from? By making informed choices — or just saying no — you could help reduce the market demand for trafficked, at-risk species. For a list of items to avoid, check out WWF's Buyer Beware Guide.

The Latin America Travel Company created a Travel Morality Index that ranks destinations based on a review of the country’s human and animal rights’ legislation, gender equality rates and employee working conditions. Among the leaders were Germany, Iceland, Canada, Finland, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic.

Closer to home, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, Samara Private Game Reserve, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park all subscribe to excellent eco-tourism practices, with the Green Mountain Trail, Pafuri and Mthimkhulu Wilderness Trails excellent examples of off-the-grid experiences with strong conservation and community involvement.

“Ethical travel is all about leaving a positive impact not only on the environment but the people who have welcomed you to their countries. The result being a more authentic, exciting and culturally immersive experience for them too. So, first explore respectfully,” says Feroz Koor, Woolworths’ Head of Sustainability.

It’s a mindset, a philosophy, a way of treading gently on the world as we select the destinations we’d most like to visit.