A Guide to Travelling Responsibly

Travelling allows us to experience different natural ecosystems, cultures, and historical areas while taking a break from our everyday routines. Greenhouse gas emissions generated from people travelling contribute to climate change and additional human pressures can impact the environment. But travel also inspires people to protect and conserve nature and biodiversity, it allows ways for people to actively collect information to monitor ecosystems and wildlife through citizen science, creates ambassadors, supports community outcomes and provides funding for conservation efforts. There are many positive impacts that travellers and operators can have on the climate and the environment. Operators who educate on environmental issues uplift understanding, many drive development of emissions reductions and work with their suppliers to influence change.

Here are some tips for ways you can contribute and travel sustainably:

Research local recycling protocols so you can put waste in the correct place
Travel with a reusable water bottle, reusable shopping bag, and travel coffee cup to reduce waste and single use plastics
Be mindful of your souvenir choices – choose local, genuine and ethically sourced souvenirs and do not purchase merchandise derived from rare or threatened species, heritage artefacts or items of significant cultural value
Research local culture and practices to inform considerations and minimise your impact on the local community and lifestyle
Choose lower emissions transport options such as using local public transport, taking a Greyhound bus between cities or for your road trip, hiring an electric vehicle (EV), or booking a ‘green/EV’ rideshare
Plan efficient travel routes so you don’t cover the same ground twice
Tour with others – shared transport and tours reduce individual footprint
Choose certified or sustainable tours and accommodation – look for the Ecotourism certified logo to select operators with responsible practices
Use a carbon footprint calculator to identify the biggest emissions sources and offset your hard to abate travel such as flights
Avoid use of any substances that may be harmful to the local environment such as certain sunscreens, insect repellents and toiletries
Avoid transferring potential pests, seeds and invasive species with you as you travel around
Follow local rules and signs for protected or sensitive conservation areas
Maintain safe distances from wildlife to avoid disturbing them
Book with local accommodation, eateries and guides
Look for tours offering positive nature contributions & regeneration activities

You can find more information about travelling sustainably here.

Ways You Can Help During Your Tour

You can help have a positive impact through your actions when joining a tour with us by following these tips.

Minimise your environmental impact:

Use public transport, walk or use a group pick up where available to reach your tour starting point – Translink fares are a flat 50cents rate!
Follow your guide’s instructions and signage for correct use of bins/recycling, water saving features, and wildlife interactions
Make sure you don’t lose any rubbish or belongings into the environment
Use reef-friendly sunscreen, insect repellent and toiletries
Follow the Green Fins Code of conduct including respecting marine life and avoiding disturbance
Bring a water bottle to refill
Be mindful of water use
Return your brochure so we can keep it in circulation longer

Get involved with conservation:

Join Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef
Listen to guide talks and learn about the reef and threats
Help with collection of monitoring data for marine debris surveys & eye on the reef when available
Collect litter or debris

Show cultural sensitivity for respectful visits:

Learn about local customs and protocols

Ways You Can Help Before and After Your Tour

Reduce waste:

Swap to reusable alternatives to single-use plastics
Set up recycling and compost bins
Choose items with no packaging or packaging that is recyclable

Change your cooking and eating habits:

Grow your own veggies, salad and herbs
Reduce food wastage by planning meals, eating up leftovers and storing food correctly
Choose seasonal and locally sourced food
Add more plant-based meals into your diet, these typically have lower associated emissions

Reduce your energy use:

Avoid using unnecessary energy by turning things off at the wall or using smart outlets to avoid ‘standby’ power use
Make sure living spaces are insulated and draught-free
Keep doors closed when using air-conditioning or heating

Become a conscious consumer:

Make sure you need something before purchasing
Reuse and repurpose items to give a second life
Pass on items to friends, family or a charity shop when you’re done with them
Use ecolabels to guide purchasing decisions
Shop and eat local

Change your cleaning products:

Use eco-friendly cleaning products and toiletries that come in refillable options and are free from harmful contaminants
Swap your synthetic cleaning products such as sponges, cloths and scrubbers for natural fibre ones to reduce microplastics going to the ocean

Change your laundry habits:

Hang clothes out to dry instead of using a dryer
Use a cold wash to reduce energy use and micro-fibres going to the ocean
Wash full loads

Other small changes:

Support local conservation and community initiatives
Walk, cycle, scoot, use public transport or lower emissions vehicles
Conserve water and collect rainwater for plants or cleaning where possible
Pick up litter – carry a bag and collect rubbish to prevent it from going down the drain to the ocean
You can calculate your carbon footprint and learn more about how to reduce or offset it through this carbon positive Australia calculator.

A Guide to Travelling Responsibly