How to Practice Sustainability as a Backpacker

4 December 2024

We all love traveling, right? There’s something about the thrill of discovering a new place, the excitement of getting lost in a foreign land, and that unbeatable sense of freedom. But here's the catch: as much as we adore the nomadic lifestyle, our travels can sometimes leave a not-so-pretty footprint on the environment. Now, the good news is that you don’t have to stop hopping from one scenic spot to another. Instead, the answer lies in making small, conscious choices—yes, we’re talking about sustainable backpacking!

In this article, we're diving into how to practice sustainability as a backpacker. So, grab your reusable water bottle, tighten the straps on your eco-friendly backpack, and let's hit the road sustainably!

What Is Sustainable Backpacking?

Before we delve into the how, let’s quickly cover the what. Sustainable backpacking is all about reducing your environmental and social impact while traveling. Think of it as traveling consciously, leaving a lighter footprint on the earth, and ensuring that your adventure supports local communities, instead of just taking from them.

It’s not all about switching your plastic bottles to metal ones (although that's definitely a great start); it involves changing your mindset about travel and making deliberate choices that benefit both the planet and the people.

Sounds good? Alright, let’s jump into the ways you can make your adventures more sustainable.

1. Choose Eco-Friendly Gear

Invest in Sustainable Gear

First things first: the gear you use can make a huge difference. When buying your backpack, sleeping bag, and other items, look for brands with a clear commitment to sustainability. There are many companies out there creating high-quality products made from recycled or environmentally friendly materials. For example, backpacks made from repurposed plastic bottles. Cool, right?

Go for Durability

Another point to consider is durability. Avoid the throwaway culture of fast fashion and instead, invest in gear that's built to last. Think of it like this: buying a cheap backpack that lasts a year or two might seem like a bargain at first, but if you keep replacing it every couple of years, not only does it hurt your wallet, but it also adds unnecessary waste to the environment.

2. Pack Light (Seriously, Less Is More!)

I get it—when you're packing for a long trip, it’s tempting to stuff everything in your bag “just in case.” However, packing light isn’t just good for your back, it's also good for the environment. How? Well, the more weight you're carrying, the heavier the transportation burden, especially if you’re flying. More weight equals more fuel, and we don’t need to remind you about how much pollution comes from air travel, right?

By packing only what you need, you’re minimizing your travel footprint. Plus, trust me, less stuff equals more freedom. Do you really need five pairs of shoes for a backpacking trip?

3. Be Mindful of Transportation Choices

Walk or Cycle When You Can

When it comes to sustainable travel, it’s not rocket science: the less fuel-burning transportation you use, the better. Ditch the taxis and buses whenever possible and opt for walking or cycling. Not only is this better for the environment, but it's also an awesome way to immerse yourself in your surroundings. You’ll see more, connect more, and feel more. Plus, you’ll work up a sweat, so no need to hit the gym afterward!

Consider Public Transport and Carpools

When long distances are inevitable, try to use public transportation or carpooling services. Trains and buses generally have a much lower carbon footprint than flying or driving solo in a rental car. Apps like BlaBlaCar make it easy to find rideshares, so don’t hesitate to hop in a car with others heading in the same direction. Sharing is caring!

Avoid Flights When Possible

We know flying can sometimes be the only practical option, especially if you're traveling across continents. But whenever it's feasible—take a train, bus, or even a boat. Overland travel lets you save on emissions while experiencing the journey a bit slower and often more authentically.

4. Stay in Eco-Friendly Accommodations

Support Eco-Lodges and Campsites

Not all accommodation is created equal. Many hostels, hotels, and guesthouses have started to offer eco-friendly options, whether it’s through energy-efficient design, waste reduction, or community-focused initiatives. When booking your stay, look for places with certifications such as LEED, Green Globe, or EarthCheck. Alternatively, try staying at eco-lodges or campgrounds which are often immersed in nature and run with sustainable practices at their core.

Think About Homestays

Even better, consider staying with locals! Homestays are a fantastic way to support local communities and directly contribute to their livelihood. Plus, it’s often a more culturally enriching experience—like having a personal tour guide right in your living space. Airbnb also has sustainable travel options if you filter for eco-friendly stays.

5. Minimize Waste

Reduce Single-Use Plastics

By now, we've all heard about how damaging single-use plastics are, right? When backpacking, it can be tempting to grab that bottled water, but there's a better way. Carry a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter (Lifestraw, anyone?). This way, you can fill up from streams or taps, even in places where the water isn’t safe to drink directly. As a bonus, you'll save money and reduce waste at the same time. Win-win!

Use a Reusable Shopping Bag

In many countries, stores will offer plastic bags for your purchases. Don’t fall into that trap! Instead, carry a lightweight, foldable shopping bag in your backpack. They take up almost zero space and are a lifesaver when grabbing groceries or souvenirs.

Say No to Straws and Utensils

Whether you're sipping on a coconut in Thailand or enjoying street food in Mexico, say "no thanks" to disposable straws, cups, and utensils. Opt for reusable bamboo or metal straws, and pack a set of portable utensils made of materials like bamboo or stainless steel.

6. Be a Smart Camper

Respect Nature and Wildlife

If you’re hiking or camping, it's especially important to practice the "leave no trace" principle. This means packing out all your trash, avoiding disturbing wildlife, and sticking to designated trails to prevent damage to the ecosystem.

While it's tempting to get up close and personal with wildlife for the perfect Instagram shot, keep your distance. Remember, we're visitors to these places. Respect their home as you would your own.

Choose Biodegradable Products

If you're likely to shower outside or wash dishes while camping, make sure you're using eco-friendly, biodegradable soap. Regular soaps and shampoos can pollute freshwater sources, harming animals and plants. Brands like Dr. Bronner’s offer great all-purpose soaps that won’t harm the environment.

7. Eat and Shop Locally

Support Local Businesses

One of the most significant impacts you can have as a sustainable traveler is through the purchases you make. Instead of opting for multinational chains, support restaurants, stores, and markets run by locals. Not only does this boost the economy, but it also cuts down on the carbon footprint associated with shipping goods globally.

Try Plant-Based Meals

I know, I know, this can be a tough one, especially for the meat lovers out there. But hear me out—reducing your meat consumption while traveling, even just a bit, can make a huge difference. The meat industry is one of the major contributors to greenhouse gases, deforestation, and water consumption. By opting for plant-based meals when you can, you're showing some serious love to the planet. And guess what? In many parts of the world, plant-based food is insanely delicious and a big part of the local culture. So, you're really just expanding your palate, not limiting it!

8. Offset Your Carbon Footprint

Lastly, while it's nearly impossible to travel without any environmental impact, you can take steps to offset it. Many companies and organizations offer carbon offset programs where you can contribute to environmental projects that help reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere—think reforestation efforts or renewable energy projects. While this shouldn't replace direct efforts to reduce emissions, it's a great way to “balance the scales” when you do have to take a flight or use carbon-heavy transportation methods.

Conclusion

Backpacking sustainably might sound like a tall order at first, especially when you're caught up in the excitement of exploring new places. But, as we've covered, it’s actually quite simple when you break it down. From choosing eco-friendly gear to being mindful about where you stay, what you eat, and how you get around, there's a lot you can do to make your adventures kinder to the planet.

Traveling is as much about the journey as it is about the destination, and as backpackers, we have the unique opportunity to respect both the land and its people as we explore. So, let’s make sure that the only thing we leave behind is a trail of good vibes and fond memories.

Happy (sustainable) travels!