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]]>Stay Somewhere Sustainable
Like we said, the more people opt for eco-friendly accommodations, the greater the demand for such places becomes. New sustainable establishments begin to open up, and existing businesses take note of this shift and may switch to more responsible practices. When planning your trip, choose accommodations that use energy-efficient technologies, manage waste responsibly, and support local conservation efforts. If it falls within your budget, consider staying in a small, locally-owned B&B, as they tend to have a lower environmental impact than large chain hotels.
Use Responsible Transportation
Transportation is one of the greatest contributors to carbon emissions within the travel industry. To minimize your impact, try to get around using public transportation, biking, or walking whenever you can. For trips that require a flight, stick with economy seating on airlines that invest in sustainable practices like incorporating more fuel-efficient planes into their fleets.
(@pmdp_photos)Reduce, Reuse, & Recycle
In terms of pollution, it’s been said that plastic is the new coal, and single-use plastics in particular are a major problem in many popular tourist destinations. Ditch the disposables and prioritize reusable alternatives by carrying a refillable water bottle, reusable shopping bag, and eco-friendly utensils. If you do need to use plastic, follow local recycling practices as much as possible.
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]]>The post How Copenhagen Became One of the Most Sustainable Cities in the World appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Bike Infrastructure
One of the most significant investments Copenhagen made to become a more sustainable city was the extensive system of bike paths that were built. The infrastructure has made biking so accessible that it quickly became the most frequent method of transportation for everyday travel. This drastically reduces carbon emissions because there are less cars on the road.
Energy Efficient Heating and Cooling
You might be surprised at how much the heating and cooling system a city uses has an impact on its carbon footprint. It reduces the amount of energy lost in transportation by altering the city’s heating and cooling system to be more localized and energy efficient.
Urban Development
Copenhagen has also learned the importance of conserving green space within the city. Other than aesthetics, keeping green spaces in a city helps with regulating city temperatures.
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]]>One key aspect to keep in mind is the sustainability of your destination, and there are plenty of beautiful and unique locations around the world where environmentally-conscious practices are an integral part of daily life. Read on to learn more about some of the most sustainable cities.
Stockholm, Sweden
With a goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2040, Stockholm has invested heavily in renewable energy and has a well-established public transportation system. The city also encourages cycling with plenty of bike-friendly infrastructure, while green spaces like the Royal National City Park provide an oasis for visitors looking to connect with nature.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen aims to become a carbon-neutral city by 2025 and currently receives much of its electricity and heat from a local waste-to-energy plant. Visitors can explore the city using its vast public transportation system or on over 200 miles of dedicated bike lanes. We recommend checking out Banegaarden, a “Green Oasis” located on a reclaimed railway station.
Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver is a global leader in sustainability and its green initiatives such as a comprehensive recycling program contribute its emissions being among the lowest in North America. Eco-conscious visitors can spend time exploring the city’s green spaces, including Stanley Park, which is home to an estimated half-million trees.
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]]>Well, you don’t have to swear off travel entirely. As with everything, making your best effort to minimize your negative impact is all we can really do. So here are some ways you can travel more kindly.
Leave No Trace
In the outdoors, there’s the concept of leaving no trace, or not leaving behind any trash or damaging the environment that you’re visiting. The same concept can be applied to the places you travel, but even stronger. While you’re at your destination, consider volunteering or picking up trash as a way to actually make a positive impact on the places you visit.
Celebrate Local Culture
One way you can benefit the places you visit is by supporting the local culture and economy. While you’re there, try to eat at local restaurants, buy local crafts, and participate in activities that support members of the community and not international corporations.
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]]>The post Become a Green Suitcase Traveler with the Help of Misty Foster appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>One wonderful resource you should know about is the Green Suitcase Traveler—an online platform where a collection of influencers and innovators come together with a like-minded passion: to redefine the way we travel.
Sustainability 
(@greensuitcasetravel)Run by founder and travel consultant Misty Foster, the website offers the tools to travel more responsibly.
According to the Green Suitcase Traveler, sustainable travel is more than making “eco-friendly” choices. It’s a big part of what we do, and it’s not the whole story.
“It’s about preserving the culture, people, and resources of a place; for present and future generations,” reads the website. “Having the most authentic experience you can, while also being mindful in the way you move through the world.”
Sometimes that means making small choices—like carrying a water bottle vs. buying one. Other times, it’s about selecting tour operators who are protecting the wildlife vs. harming it.
They explain that a GST traveler is someone who enjoys handcrafted experiences and approaches their travels from a place of adventure, curiosity, and a desire to better understand themselves and the world. They are conscious that their interactions can influence their environment and the people they connect with.
Whether you are skydiving, thrill seeker or a museum junkie, Green Suitcase Travel will help you select activities that suit your personality and leave a lasting impression. The website also offers pre-planned itineraries with room for self-guided exploration. In other words, Green Suitcase Travel is here to take the stress out of figuring these things out for yourself.
All aboard!
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]]>The post This Eco-museum is the Perfect Mix Of Nature and Architecture appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>The main idea behind this building was to show how architecture can be combined with nature. Big focus was put on sustainability. The main materials that were used in construction were cement and local organic Bejuco wood, which creates a flowy pattern, alternating with segments of cement that look like waves.
The entire gallery is elevated above ground, resembling a giant tree-house. This was done to ensure that the local wildlife is not disrupted in any way. In addition to this, no trees were cut to in the process of construction.
The roof is made out of branches that let natural light come through and illuminate the entire space, creating a forest-like atmosphere. More light floods in through circular windows of varying shapes and sizes, which puncture the walls. There is also a raised walkway that leads around the gallery. These natural materials give a fresh and unique look to the structure.
Visitors must take off their shoes before stepping in, since connecting with nature is a huge part of the entire experience. They are invited to wander around and interact with the architecture and walk barefoot on the curvy floor, minding their every step.
The gallery is dedicated to exploring new ways of experiencing and creating art. It has hosted many exhibitions of some of the world’s finest visual artists, as well as multiple art programs for local children, and a multidisciplinary residency for aspiring artists, fashion designers, chefs, musicians, etc.
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