003: opt for active / shared transport

Every choice we make has a demand on the planet and our ecosystem. Embrace simple changes to mobile habits that help diminish that demand.

“Travel light” and “Leave no trace” are travel gospel - applicable to any destination or daily ritual.

When we reduce our individual CO2 emissions, we reduce our worldwide dependence on oil—a dependence that contributes to massive humanitarian and environmental crises globally.

Travel can necessitates a more minimalist lifestyle. It may reduce daily depletion of habitually consumed resources caused by commutes, traffic, heating/cooling/maintaining full-time dwellings and fueling modern consumption cycles in your host country. Be mindful not to spend the consumption savings in your next destination, which compounds the resources depleted during aviation - often an unavoidable reality of modern, nomadic life.

We can collectively help reduce the demands on our environment by opting for shared forms of transportation that employ locals and improve congestion and air quality. Depending on weight, buses only need to carry between 4-8 people to break even with a sedan sized car on CO2 emissions. Taxis and peer to peer transport providers also provide ride sharing options, often at a more affordable rate.

When public transport isn’t an option, opt for active transport. Consider walking, riding a bike, taking a pedi-cab, or using people powered or wind powered vessels, whenever possible. We contend that pedal power is the richest way to experience the dynamism and nuances of local culture. While electric and hybrid vehicles are promising alternatives to petrol power, 65% of the world’s electricity is generated by fossil fuels.

Depending on where your feet and spirit lead you, some cultures may also promote animal powered transport. While animals may have their place in rural life, agriculture, and cultural ritual, they can also be exploited for novelty or sport in traveler dense areas. Want to respect and support local ritual? In the presence of other alternatives, consider offering a donation in exchange for a rest period for a transport animal.

When booking airline flights, consider opting-in when carbon-offset fees are offered. Reflect on your personal responsibility by calculating your emissions for each trip, then consider donating the cost to climate protection projects. While doing so does not give us permission to overlook the environmental impact of aviation, climate protection projects often invest in researching and promoting alternatives to fossil fuel based energy.

| kincaid photo: mackenzie leek |