Five Ways to Embrace Sustainable Travel During Winter
Travelling in winter can be a magical experience, whether you’re seeking cozy retreats or escaping to somewhere more balmy (hello Brisbane!). No matter the season, it’s essential to keep sustainability in mind, and find ways to reduce your environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future. Here are five simple and effective ways to be a more sustainable traveller during the winter months. Let’s dive in!
1. Pack Light and Travel Smart
Packing light not only saves you from unnecessary hassle but also reduces fuel consumption and carbon emissions. When travelling in winter, choose versatile clothing items that can be layered, allowing you to adapt to different temperatures. Opt for eco-friendly and sustainable fabrics, such as organic cotton, wool, or recycled materials.
2. Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodation
When planning your winter getaway, try to stay somewhere with eco-friendly accommodation or book a hotel that genuinely prioritises sustainability. At Ovolo Hotels, we know that doing good feels good, which is why we’ve implemented our Green Perk, planting a tree for every direct booking, as well as offering our conscious cuisine program, Plant’d, across all Ovolo Hotels. And not to toot our own horn too much, but just this month we won the Sustainability, Social Impact and Governance Award at the AustCham Hong Kong 35 Years Community Awards!
3. Reduce Plastic Waste
Plastic pollution is a significant global issue and one we can all combat every day. While travelling, carry a reusable water bottle to avoid single-use plastic bottles (Ovolo has a hydration station in every hotel for you to fill up). You can also bring a travel-sized cutlery set and reusable containers to minimise the need for disposable utensils and packaging. And of course, in winter we find ourselves reaching for a few extra cups of coffee during the day, so always pack a keep-cup for your adventures.
4. Use Sustainable Transportation and Eat Sustainable Food
Transportation is one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions during travel. Whenever possible, choose eco-friendly modes of transportation, such as trains or buses, which have lower carbon footprints compared to flying or driving alone. If flying is unavoidable, consider purchasing carbon offsets to compensate for your emissions.
5. Support Local and Sustainable Cuisine
Food is an integral part of any travel experience. Embrace sustainability by seeking out local, organic, and seasonal food options. Visit farmers’ markets or local food co-ops to support regional agriculture and reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transportation. As part of the Plant’d program at Ovolo, we served nearly 250,000 plant-based meals across the group in 2021, and are committed to delivering a more natural wine-list for all restaurants as well.
Winter is one of the most beautiful times for travel in Australia, and by adopting sustainable practices, you can enhance your experience while minimising your environmental impact. By packing light, choosing eco-friendly accommodation, reducing plastic waste, using sustainable transportation, and choosing more sustainable food and beverage options, you are doing a bit of good for the world, and trust us, it feels great when you do!