The 5 R's of Sustainable Travel: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot
Are you craving the excitement of travel, but find yourself plagued with a sense of guilt about its impact on the planet?
We hear you.
In a world increasingly aware of the environmental consequences of our actions, it's natural to feel conflicted about indulging in wanderlust. As a sustainable travel business, we believe in leaving a positive footprint as we globetrot and while at home dreaming about our next big adventure.
There is so much information online about how to travel sustainably, but how much of it is actually helpful?
Today, we’ll unveil the secret to guilt-free wanderlust through the 5 R's: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot. By following these simple yet powerful principles, you can embark on unforgettable adventures while minimizing your ecological footprint. So pack your bags and join us on a journey towards sustainable exploration!
Refuse: Lightening the Load of Unnecessary Waste
A truly eco-luxe journey flexes the power of "no" and the idea of “less is more.”
As a hard-working professional, constantly striving for more and better while aiming to optimize systems at work and in your daily life for easy efficiency, it's important to extend that mindset to your vacation experiences as well.
At Authenteco Travel, we understand the value you place on experiences and memories, recognizing that they hold greater significance than material possessions.
That's why we encourage you to embrace the concept of "less" during your vacations. By focusing on quality over quantity, and embracing simplicity and authenticity, you can create meaningful and fulfilling travel experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime.
We dedicate your vacation to enjoying the simple “less” in life… less stress, less worry, and less stuff.
By refusing unwanted freebies, excessive packaging, or unneeded plastic straws, you will take a significant step toward reducing waste.
Why cram your suitcase with ten plastic keychains when a single memorable experience and a picture on your phone could bring you more joy for years to come?
When you refuse what you don't need, you create a ripple effect of positive change that can not only influence other people but a greater movement toward a cleaner and greener future.
We also encourage you to use the power of “no” to your advantage on your vacation. Is there an activity on your schedule, but you’d prefer a slow morning? Skip the activity and enjoy your well-deserved rest. We don’t judge!
Everything we (humans) do produces waste—even the most minute thing, like making tea or washing your face in the morning. Let’s ensure the things and experiences we collect are worth the inevitable waste produced.
The Science: The fashion industry alone contributes 10% of global carbon emissions. In comparison, the global hotel industry contributes 1% of carbon emissions. By reducing the number of clothes we buy, we can reduce our impact on the environment.
Reduce: Less is Luxe
Plastic is everywhere. Yet, it’s not a luxurious, beautiful material.
The Authenteco team loves plastic-free products, not only because they look more elegant, but they also travel more easily!
With many plastic-free products, you don’t have to deal with airport liquid restrictions, they take up less room in your suitcase, and are better for the environment!
No more wasting money (and plastic!) on travel-sized products, running out of your favorite product while traveling, or digging out your toiletries bag at airport security.
Additionally, plastic products often contain harmful chemicals, such as BPA, that can leach into food and beverages. By using plastic-free alternatives, you avoid potential health risks associated with these chemicals.
Here are a few of our favorite plastic-free beauty products to reduce your plastic waste while traveling:
Shampoo bar
Conditioner bar
Shaving cream bar
Lotion bar or in a glass jar
Face wash bar
Body wash bar
Deodorant bar in paper tubes or deodorant cream in a glass jar
Safety razor
The Science: According to a study by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, by 2050, there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish. Reducing your plastic consumption can help keep our seas plastic-free!
Reuse: It’s Cool to Reuse
Break free from the disposable mindset and embrace a world of reusability. Instead of relying on single-use items, make a conscious choice to invest in durable alternatives that will serve you well on your journey.
Imagine sipping your morning coffee from a sleek, eco-friendly cup or carrying your essentials in a stylish tote bag that reduces waste.
By opting for reusable items like a durable water bottle, a trusty coffee cup, and a fashionable tote bag, you not only save money in the long run, but you also play a pivotal role in minimizing the environmental impact caused by disposable alternatives.
All of these practices can be used both in your day-to-day life, but also while traveling, meaning you can have a more significant impact on the world and encourage others around the world to adopt your practices too.
Reusing is like finding a hidden gem in a vintage store – it's sustainable, stylish, and makes you feel like a winner!
We encourage all travelers to bring their favorite reusable water bottle, coffee mug, and tote bag with them while they travel. We also incorporate this mindset into how we put together the signature travel boxes for our travelers.
The Science: The average person uses 167 disposable water bottles per year. By switching to a reusable bottle, you can save over 1,000 plastic bottles in your lifetime.
Recycle: Bin It Right
Recycling is not the hero of sustainability. However, when you can't refuse, reduce, or reuse, recycling comes to the rescue.
Our travel magazines offer waste disposal tips to familiarize you with local waste disposal guidelines in the destinations you are visiting, but we encourage all of our travelers to learn more about recycling in their hometown so they can continue these practices at home.
If you have questions, feel free to reach out to Authenteco’s concierge team or your local on-ground support team, such as hotel and restaurant staff. Everyone is happy to help demystify the different waste disposal systems around the world (because they can be incredibly confusing).
It’s extremely important to separate your recyclables properly for several reasons:
Facilitates Proper Sorting: Different materials require different recycling processes. Separating recyclables into specific categories, such as plastics, paper, glass, and metals, makes it easier for recycling facilities to sort and process the materials efficiently. When recyclables are mixed together, it becomes more challenging and costly to extract and recycle each material effectively.
Prevents Contamination: Mixing non-recyclable items or soiled materials with recyclables can contaminate the entire batch, rendering it unrecyclable. For example, a single greasy pizza box in a bin of paper products can contaminate the entire batch of paper recycling. By separating recyclables, we can ensure that clean and uncontaminated materials have a higher chance of being recycled.
Quality Control: Separating recycling helps maintain the quality and purity of recycled materials. When different materials are mixed together, it can lead to lower-quality recycled products. By separating recyclables, we can produce higher-grade recycled materials that can be used in a wider range of applications.
Supports Circular Economy: The separation of recycling plays a vital role in creating a circular economy, where materials are reused and recycled to reduce reliance on finite resources. By properly separating recyclables, we enable the recycling industry to function efficiently and contribute to the sustainable use of resources.
Remember, recycling isn’t a magic wand. Materials are only considered recycled once they have turned into a new product, not when it’s tossed into a bin!
The Science: Only 9% of the world's plastic waste has been recycled, while 12% has been incinerated, and a staggering 79% has accumulated in landfills or the natural environment. Proper recycling practices can help divert waste, but we must focus on reducing consumption and embracing the other R's.
Did you know? Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to power a television for three hours. Imagine the impact if we all recycled our cans!
Rot: Composting for a Greener World
Let's explore the magic of composting. Turning organic waste into nutrient-rich soil is a fantastic way to reduce landfill waste and cultivate sustainable practices.
Consider composting food scraps, coffee grounds, and yard waste at home or abroad.
Some destinations specialize in composting and provide innovative solutions for travelers to participate actively. We share composting information in your travel magazines when applicable.
Is throwing food waste into the woods considered composting?
Yes and no.
Although food waste can biodegrade in the wilderness, it can take several months to transform into soil.
That’s because biodegradation relies on many factors such as temperature, humidity, and the presence of microorganisms. The environment you toss food waste into may not allow it to decompose swiftly, therefore turning the food waste into litter. This could then attract animals and cause other issues.
Why should I compost instead of throwing food waste away?
In a landfill, the decomposition of food waste is significantly slowed down.
Landfills lack the oxygen and sunlight necessary for food waste to break down. This anaerobic environment inhibits the activity of decomposing organisms, leading to slower decomposition rates.
In fact, anaerobic decomposition produces methane gas a byproduct. Methane is an even more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide and contributes significantly to climate change.
Composting reduces methane emissions from landfills and creates beautiful, nutrient-rich soil. It’s every gardener’s dream!
Composting is truly a fairytale transformation – from food scraps to nourishing soil, it's a compostalicious journey!
Want to learn more about composting? Here is a comprehensive guide!
The Science: Food waste contributes to approximately 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Composting not only reduces methane emissions but also enriches the soil and minimizes the need for chemical fertilizers.
Destinations that Embrace the 5 R's
Bali, Indonesia: Bali's zero-waste movement promotes refusing single-use plastics, reducing waste through recycling initiatives, reusing materials creatively, and embracing composting in local communities.
Paris, France: Paris has free public fountains to reduce plastic waste and is wildly reducing their impact by becoming a ‘15-minute city’, essentially promoting the idea that the basic essentials – public transport, shops, schools, etc. – are all within 15 minutes from a Parisian home to reduce carbon emissions.
Germany: Germany has a deposit scheme for plastic to encourage recycling. They also have municipal composting.
Copenhagen, Denmark: Known for its sustainable mindset, Copenhagen encourages travelers to reduce their carbon footprint by opting for eco-friendly transportation, reusing items, and composting organic waste. They also put an emphasis on clean, fresh produce locally-grown.
Costa Rica: With its abundant wildlife and lush rainforests, Costa Rica has made significant strides in sustainable tourism. The country emphasizes eco-friendly practices, such as renewable energy sources, wildlife conservation efforts, and responsible waste management.
Zermatt, Switzerland: Zermatt, a popular mountain destination, is committed to sustainable tourism practices. The town has implemented strict waste management systems, promotes renewable energy sources, and encourages visitors to embrace eco-friendly activities such as hiking and skiing.
As eco-luxury adventurers, we have the power to transform the way we travel and leave a positive impact on the planet.
By embracing the 5 R's – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot – we can travel and enjoy unforgettable experiences, without negatively impacting the destinations we love.
