1. Bring Your Own Water Bottle

50 billion plastic water bottles were purchased in the USA alone last year and only about 23% were recycled. We can do better. Bring your own reusable water bottle from now on. 

2. Support Local

Most of the money spent on tourism (sometimes up to 90%) leak out of the actual travel destination. Instead, they make their way back to big global, corporate tourism operators.

(TIP: Use your Online Welcome Book to guide you to the best local surroundings)

3. Support Eco Friendly Tour Companies

• Check out Intrepid Travel. They were the first tour company to become completely carbon neutral. They arrange small group travel, local accommodation, and hire locals.
• Sustaining Tourism has a long list of sustainable tour operators around the world.

4. Stay With The Right People

Research before you book a hotel or furnished apartment. Does this company have sustainability standards themselves? Start building relationships with suppliers that have aligning values when it comes to bettering the environment. Here are some sustainability measures we have at Compass: 

• • Solar panels in our Quincy office
  • NEST energy conscious thermostats in our apartments
  • Biodegradable cleaning products
  • Recycling bins in all apartments and offices
  • Donating old furniture to those in need 
  • Hybrid Compass Vehicles 
  • Online Welcome Books (no more wasteful print outs)

6. Carbon Offset Programs

Take advantage of a carbon offset program. They give airline passengers the option to invest in carbon reduction projects to help reduce their carbon footprint caused by travel. Take a look at Atmosfair and CarboTax.org for more information.

7. Remember Your Earphones (+ Water Bottles)

If 1.2 billion people travel each year (many of which are flying), that means there's countless of those poor quality, plastic airplane earphones and drinking cups that end up getting thrown in the trash and then dumped into our oceans. Remember to bring your headphones and water bottles when you fly!

8. Fly With Renewable Biofuel Airlines

If you've never heard of Biofuels, I definitely recommend you check it out. Biofuels are produced using renewable feedstock such as plant oils, agricultural waste and wood chips. Using this type of fuel instead of fossil fuels can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80%. Airlines that invest in and use renewable biofuels today include Jet Blue and American Airlines.

9. Remember Your Multi-Purpose Plug

You know those multi-purpose plugs that fit in just about every local socket in the world? Get one of those and always keep it in your suitcase. This will avoid having to purchase different ones for each trip – a massive time, money and plastic saver. 

10. Check Sustainability Certifications

Ask providers for their green certification and check whether that certifier has been approved by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). The GSTC provides a set of minimum requirements in order to be approved.  Some examples being: 

• • protecting and sustaining natural and cultural resources
  • maximizing social and economic benefits for the local community
  • encouraging cultural heritage 

We have the ability to make a powerful difference in the world. Hopefully Mother Earth's transformation during our isolation period acted as a positive lesson for future sustainability practices. If all of us can implement small, eco-friendly habits into our normal routines, we'll not only be able to maintain a thriving environment for future generations, but we, ourselves, will be able to live longer, healthier, more enjoyable lives.