Tourism now accounts for nearly one of every eleven tons of global greenhouse gases, but thoughtful travel habits, from flying economy to choosing local foods, can significantly lighten your environmental impact this summer.
- Flying direct and economy seats reduces air travel emissions
- Using refillable bottles avoids plastic waste on the go
- Choosing reef-safe sunscreens protects ocean ecosystems
What happened
Tourism has become a major contributor to global carbon emissions, responsible for roughly 8.8% of the world's greenhouse gases, producing around 5.7 billion U.S. tons in 2019. From 2009 to 2019, this sector's emissions grew at a rate twice as high as the global economy, fueled by increasing numbers of travelers, with 1.52 billion international arrivals recorded in 2025.
Significantly, a large part of the footprint is driven by travel methods, especially air travel and ground transportation, making traveler choices critical. Beyond travel, plastic consumption and harmful sunscreen chemicals also add to environmental strain during trips, particularly in popular natural areas and coral reefs.
Why it feels good
Making eco-friendly travel choices empowers travelers to reduce emissions and plastic waste while supporting local communities. Opting for direct flights and economy seating decreases the most fuel-intensive parts of a flight. Choosing bikes, walking, or public transit after arrival further cuts carbon output and helps you connect more deeply with your destination.
Using reusable water bottles avoids contributing to the estimated million plastic bottles used each minute worldwide, many of which end up as landfill or pollution. Selecting mineral-based, reef-safe sunscreens protects fragile marine ecosystems from toxic chemical damage, reinforcing the positive impact of responsible travel.
What to enjoy or watch next
Look for refill stations in airports or bring bottles with built-in filters to stay hydrated sustainably. When choosing sunscreen, seek products with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and avoid oxybenzone and octinoxate, especially if swimming near reefs or in regulated areas like Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Support local economies by dining at farmers' markets and neighborhood eateries, which also provides a chance to explore authentic regional flavors. While local food has a smaller transport emission impact than production type, avoiding air-freighted perishables can reduce your overall travel footprint. Enjoying seasonal, locally sourced produce complements an eco-conscious trip perfectly.