Walking the Green Path

Envisage a greener future as a traveller, where picturesque surroundings and experiences remain unspoilt by human intervention. By making mindful choices during our travels, we can significantly reduce our ecological footprint and preserve the beauty of our destinations for generations to come. Allow immersive experiences to leave a lasting impact with lesser carbon imprint. Visit unexplored, offbeat destinations. After all, travel is not just an incredible experience, but also the best school of learning with its inherent capacity to generate responsiveness and sensitivity towards the environment.

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AN EFFORT TOWARDS ZERO-WASTE

In today's environmentally conscious world, travellers are increasingly seeking ways to make positive contributions to the planet and striving to adopt 'zero-waste' travel. Recycling plays a vital role in the eco-friendly ethos. For many committed hotels and resorts in India, it extends beyond mere rhetoric. Conscious travel, regenerative methods and sustainability, for instance, are the ethos of Rare India initiative, dedicated to planet-sensitive tourism. The Lodge at Wah in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, is a 100 per cent eco-friendly property from the collection, which exemplifies this with the use of reclaimed wood sourced from the dismantled Palampur Court House. From glass and copper bottles for water storage to locally crafted ceramic dispensers for toiletries, they consciously opt for sustainable alternatives.

UPCYCLING AND CONSCIOUS LUXURY

If luxurious travel is your lifestyle, opt for those with green initiatives. Hotel chains such as The Leela have taken some significant measures to reduce their carbon footprint, focusing on the holistic wellness of guests. Their in-room amenities have been replaced with bamboo-based biodegradable ones, avoiding single-use plastic. In their commitment to a circular economy, they've partnered with Phool to upcycle the flowers used at their hotels into charcoal-free incense sticks and cones that are infused with their signature fragrance. Each of these exquisite floral incense sticks is handcrafted by women entrepreneurs from marginalised communities, providing livelihood opportunities while upcycling floral waste.

ECO-FRIENDLY CAMPS

A camping experience is typically about processes that involve little or no carbon emissions. Carpooling, biking or availing public transport to reach the camp, and minimal water usage — as camps do not have tubs or showers that cause colossal wastage of water — are some of the measures, says Yashowardhan Singh, managing partner at Jaisalmer's Oasis India Camps. They organise camps in scenic locations with minimal impact on the environment, making visitors appreciate the delicate balance between humans and nature. Mindful vacationers prefer fossil fuel-free activities and experiences, says Singh. Exploring sand dunes while hiking or on camelback, trekking, bird watching and forest bathing are valued much more for relaxation and thrill than sight-seeing from motorised vehicles.

HOMESTAYS

Eco-accommodations and homestays offer pocket-sized and localised attractions. With just a handful of dwellings, they cater to smaller guest numbers, reducing the overall carbon footprint. Eco-conscious properties like Svanir Wilderness Ecostay in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, ensured most of the pre-existing trees were unharmed during its construction and were incorporated into the design. Meanwhile, its co-founder Indrani Chakraborty encourages the use of reusable shopping bags, and practises grey water harvesting, composting as well as recycling. Despite the focus on recycling, comfort of guests is not compromised with. Take one look at Svanir and you will see spacious cottages, well-equipped with comfortable beds, clean linens, and other amenities. Delicious, home-cooked meals are also part of the experience, which are made using fresh and locally sourced organic ingredients to minimise food miles and support sustainable practices.

Hotels and resorts have dedicated serious efforts towards reducing carbon footprint, and replacing single-use plastic with biodegradable materials

RECYCLING PLASTIC WASTE

Many hotels are also taking a bold step towards eliminating plastic pollution by phasing out conventional garbage bags in favour of pull-out tin liners tailored to fit each bin precisely. According to Upasana Todi, founder of The Lodge at Wah, this innovation not only streamlines waste management but also mitigates the proliferation of toxic materials. EcoKaari, a Pune-based social enterprise, upcycles waste plastic into handwoven fabrics and products. Going a step further, its founder, Nandan Bhatt also engages women and youth belonging to humble origins to provide a source of income to them. From audio/ video cassettes to wafer packets, any single-use plastic is spun into useful travel items like handbags, backpacks, bottle holders, fashion accessories and stationery products by means of charkhas (spindles) and handlooms.

ENERGY CONSERVATION

Amid rising pollution levels, the travel industry has also directed many of its initiatives to reducing CO2 emissions and conserving energy, often focussing on environment-friendly alternatives. The Leela operates windmill and solar plants in Bengaluru, Chennai, Jaipur and Udaipur, to reduce carbon emissions without compromising on guest comfort. The Leela Palace also operates electric boats on Lake Pichola in Udaipur. The installation of EV charging points across their properties further support the adoption of sustainable transportation.

EDUCATING GUESTS

While responsible tourism is picking up, there's still a long way to go. Discerning property owners are taking significant measures to educate guests, especially the younger ones, on the importance of waste reduction and encourage them to participate in recycling efforts. Among them, Svanir reinforces sustainable practices through information boards and discussions. Activities such as nature walks, meditation under a tree and birdwatching are made available. They have also introduced an initiative called "Trees Are Us", in which guests are requested to take a one-hour walk around the premises with the staff in the morning, to learn about the tree varieties and their specialty. And the impact is seen through guest reviews that suggest a high level of environmental consciousness among many visitors.

GREEN FUTURE

As per a recent Sustainable Travel Report, nearly 76 per cent of people globally want to travel more sustainably. And around 67 per cent of travellers had adopted habits such as turning off the air conditioner at their accommodation in their absence.

Some sustainable properties are taking significant measures to instill awareness about waste reduction among people, including children, and encourage them to participate in recycling activities

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ZERO-WASTE TRAVEL TIPS

• Collaborate with sustainable and environment-conscious accommodations and conveyance providers. Opt for stays with a strict sustainable focus. You can also go on organised group trips.
• Slow travelling is eco-friendly as it allows you to align with a destination and embrace sustainable modes of transport like exploring sites on foot or cycling.
• For road trips, pack your food, and use reusable packaging and cutlery and plastic-free food storage containers. Bamboo toothbrush, toiletries in refillable containers, steel straw and coffee mug, reusable cloth napkins, towels, masks, and upcycled travel bags are some of the supportable items.
• Settle for locally made souvenirs. Follow regenerative tourism, involve local artisans, artists, products and ingredients.
• Curate tours with zero-waste amenities and experiences. Book with tour operators who offer carbon offset initiatives for travellers.
• Do not waste food. Take only as much food from a buffet as you can finish. While ordering a la carte, indulge in tasting portions. Opt for farm-to-table experiences that are being offered at many places now.
• Switch off lights, TV, and other appliances in your hotel room, while going out. Avoid using a bath tub.

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PETTING ZOO AND MORE

For all those who longed to have pets in the house but were unable to – the eco-friendly, sustainable Forest Hills at Tala, in Maharashtra, goes beyond luxury and greenery. They house horses, pigs, goats, and birds like emus, black roosters, chickens, ducks, and turkeys. With the help of local experts, guests can spend some time cuddling and petting their favourite animal. It is a sanctuary encompassing different types of trees, activities like pluck and plate your own food, cycling, camping or walk the farm trail.

WASTE-FREE GASTRONOMY

Zero-waste dining is a growing trend among conscious travellers, with some eateries adopting the root-to-shoot approach. Silo in London is deemed one of the world's first zero-waste restaurants, where the menu is an expression of natural farming.

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ECO-FRIENDLY TRIP FOR INFANTS

Travelling with tiny-tots warrants eco wipes and diapers. Tapping into the cause, companies have come up with wipes that contribute to a low carbon footprint. Tapasya Sharma, global marketing & digital head, Terra, says they make baby wipes with compostable materials, which break down quickly and minimise environmental impact.

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