Top tips for greener and more sustainable travel in the Arctic:
The UK Government has committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions to “net zero” by 2050. This ambitious target, the first set by a major nation, means that CO2 emissions will have to be reduced significantly or offset completely over the next few years. Travel is a big contributor to CO2 emissions so will it still be possible to enjoy Sustainable travel to the Arctic as these reductions come into effect?
We have been arranging trips to the Arctic for the last 15 years, and we are passionate about preserving this amazing place, sustainable travel is hugely important to us. The more people who are aware of the unique culture, animals and plant life in the Arctic, the more support there will be for campaigns to protect it and the more incentive for the suppliers we work with to invest in better practices. We certainly don’t want people to stop visiting the Arctic but we do need to look at ways of making those journeys more sustainable.
Sustainable Travel – here are our top tips for greener travel:
- Flights – reducing the amount of weight carried by the aircraft reduces the amount of fuel required and therefore the quantity of carbon emitted. So, pack light by taking hand-luggage only and hire thermal outer suits and boots from the resort rather than taking your own. We can make sure this is included in your package – Your flights may be cheaper without paying for hold luggage and, if this is a once in a lifetime trip, you’ll also save money by not having to buy specialist gear you won’t use again.
- Offsetting – consider offsetting your flight. Visit www.atmosfair.de/en/ to calculate the amount of carbon your flights will emit. There are several schemes where you can offset your flights by donating to tree planting initiatives either in the UK or in the country you are visiting.
- Transfers – it’s great to have a private transfer to whisk you straight to your resort, but a shared transfer will mean fewer fuel emissions. Most of our resorts use minivans or shuttlebuses depending on the numbers of people travelling – the transfer may take slightly longer but it’s a more eco-friendly option. Or you could book an emission-free husky sled! Just ask for details. You could also use public transport to get to the airport in the UK.
- Snowmobiling – we are thrilled to be able to offer the world’s only electric snowmobile safaris through one of our suppliers in Finland. As well as emitting less pollution, the snowmobiles are much quieter so you’ll enjoy the peace and quiet of the beautiful Arctic nature and hopefully be able to get closer to wildlife than if you were using a standard snowmobile.
- Clothing – consider eBay or your local charity shop for some of your specialist clothing if you’re not planning to travel to the Arctic again – or why not borrow from friends who go skiing? It’s amazing what you can find – especially for children.
- Water – take a reusable bottle with you and fill it from the taps (the water in the Arctic is some of the purest in the world). Save water by having shorter showers and not leaving taps running. If you have a sauna before your shower, you’ll get more dirt out in less time!
- Bio-degradable toiletries – consider switching to greener cosmetics and toiletries for your trip. Not only will this mean less plastic packaging you will also not be flushing unwelcome chemicals down the drains. Check with us what toiletries are provided in your resort – you may not need to take much with you at all.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer the world’s only electric snowmobile safaris through one of our suppliers in Finland”
- Recycling – all our resorts will recycle as much as possible. Just ask for details of what can be recycled and where the bins are when you arrive.
- Cinderella toilets – did you know that some of our resorts such as Treehotel in Sweden have installed special toilets in their cabins. These eco-friendly incineration toilets burn waste to leave only ash behind.
- Sustainable development – many of our resort are built on sustainable principles. ICEHOTEL in Sweden became carbon neutral in 2008, for example. Their warm buildings are heated using only renewable sources and all waste-water from the ice storage cooling system is re-used.
- Rechargeable batteries – the cold can drain your batteries faster than normal so make sure you are prepared. Choose rechargeable batteries for cameras/torches where you can.
- Buy local – buying locally made souvenirs and crafts rather than something plastic that has been manufactured in huge quantities and shipped halfway across the world will have a real impact on emissions as well as supporting local jobs.
- Culture – find out more about local culture by booking an excursion to find out more about how Arctic communities work in harmony with their surroundings. Not only does this bring more money into the local economy it also helps to preserve traditional skills.
- Switch off – we hope you will relax and unwind on your holiday but you can also do your bit for the environment by switching off lights and electrical items when not in use.
- Food choices – by eating food like locally-caught fish, moose and reindeer you will have less of an impact on the environment. Reindeer is one of the most eco-friendly foods you can eat, every part of the animal is used and they are farmed sustainably.
- Animal welfare – many of our Arctic activities involve working with animals or viewing wildlife in its native environment. We have a commitment to the highest standards and will not work with any supplier whose practices do not meet our requirements.
For more information have a look at Make Holidays Greener. This is an annual campaign run by ABTA (the Association of British Travel Agents – of which Travelbee/Arctic Direct is a member). This year’s theme is Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – which covers everything from carrying reusable water bottles and bags to choosing local goods and services.
To find out more about some of the amazing sustainable resorts we work with and how we can help to make your holiday as green as possible there are plenty of ways to get in touch! Call us on 01793 939035, email [email protected], use the contact form or speak with our Live Chat team.
