This year, many folks are spending the summer holiday within driving distance of our home. And what a good thing that’s.
Hitting the open road and exploring the region’s scenery and wonders will bring you memories and laughs for years to return.
There are many things you should consider when going on a road trip such as what food to bring, getting the phone number of road assistance like towing San Jose in case of emergencies, and other necessities on the trip. But the most neglected thing in being on a road trip is leaving traces of junk that is harmful to the environment.
We put together a listing of 5 ways to create your trip not only memorable but more environmentally friendly.
1. Leave it better with a trash hike
Besides ensuring to not litter, we are able to do cleanup hikes, where we bring trash bags to our hiking routes and obtain the trash we discover along the way, leaving nature in a very better state than we found it.
The #Trashtag challenge that went viral in 2019 showed us people doing impressive cleanups all around the world. By keeping a pair of trash bags in your daypack, you’re always set to relinquish nature a high-five (as a bonus, you’ll be able to use the empty bags for sitting on, if it’s been raining).
Remember to bring gloves or tissue for selecting up trash!
2. Bring your reusables
Single-use plastics put lots of strain on the environment, and there’s no need for it. When planning your trip, remember to pack your zero-waste accessories, sort of a reusable mug, a bottle, food containers, and utensils.
It’s easy, and you get to bring your favorite mug on your journey.
ALSO READ: 7 Harmful Effects of Second-Hand Cars on the Environment
3. Download playlists onto your phone, rather than streaming them
Road trips wouldn’t be identical without music, and while we would have different ideas of what an ideal road trip playlist looks like, a vacation drive just isn’t identical without some tunes. Using streaming services for music is extremely convenient, and allows us to possess everything at our fingertips (that is, if we will remember the title), but it does leave a trace.
Every cloud solution involves servers in need of power, and thus they leave a carbon footprint. But, if you download your playlist before you are taking off, you employ less energy and, therefore, have a rather smaller carbon footprint.
4. Stay in your lane – go slow
The traffic lane isn’t’ only for caravans and horse boxes. By sticking with proper traffic etiquette and keeping within the speed limits, you’re also significantly lowering your fuel consumption.
For instance, driving 120 km per hour, a car uses around 20% more fuel than if it’s driving 100 km per hour. That’s neither fast, nor furious, and wouldn’t you rather use those 2 minutes being attentive to great music anyway?
5. Recognize your footprint and account for it
Part of the answer is recognizing that almost all of our actions leave a mark. we will take steps to form that mark as little as possible and do our part to depart the planet better. the globe is here to be enjoyed, but let’s protect our beautiful playground while we do so.
By driving responsibly, and lowering fuel, energy, and resource consumption the maximum amount as we are able to, we are able to account for the carbon footprint we leave behind with offsetting.
Conclusion
It takes only a few steps to cruise consciously, and once you’ve made the choice to travel with awareness of your footprints, the open road feels a bit more beautiful and precious.