7/31/2019 Telesure Md Thomas Creamer Green Holiday

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LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS WHEN YOU TRAVEL

With the Easter holidays soon approaching, most South Africans have their sights firmly seton a well deserved break. If you are planning a holiday in April consider making it agreen one.

Travelling in a more environmentally friendly fashion no longer means having to sleep in atree house in a remote part of India, nor having to rough it in the jungle in South America.Nearly one billion tourists visit every corner of the world each year, and it has thereforebecome extremely important for travellers to impact the earth's natural and cultural treasuresas little as possible, says Telesure MD, Thomas Creamer.

Green travel, so named because the term promotes the conservation of plants and wildlife,respecting local cultures and ways of life, and contributing positively to local communities,offers all the creature comforts travellers have come to expect when traversing the world.

According to Thomas Creamer, you can visit big cities or small villages, and stay in small

eco-lodges or luxury hotels. The common denominator is that you, as a green traveller, mustmake an effort to preserve and protect the environment of the place you visit.

The good news is that this is simpler and easier than you might think.

Creamer points out a number of ways to ensure that your travel plans are as good for theenvironment as possible:

Opt for a green hotel: A little bit of internet investigation will lead you to environmentallyfriendly hotels, B&Bs and lodges around the world, which are locally owned and operated, orat least staffed by local people. Find out if the hotel offers energy-efficient lighting, low-flowtoilets and showers, and alternative energy sources such as solar or wind power.

Getting around: Whenever possible, walk, cycle or use public transportation instead of ataxis and or rental cars. Take a train instead of flying - this is easy in certain countries wherethe trains are frequent and fast. If you have to rent a vehicle, choose the smallest caravailable or, if possible, rent a hybrid one.

During your stay: Ensure that showers are short, and switch off the air conditioning, lightsand electric gadgets when you leave the room. Reuse sheets and towels - leave a note forthe housekeeping staff not to change these. Use your own toiletries rather than thoseprovided. Remember that while you are away, its a good idea to switch off your geyser andappliances at home to save electricity.

Sightseeing: Travel with a tour operator that's environmentally responsible. And ensure thattours are led by locals. When hiking, always stay on marked trails and maintain a safedistance from any animals you encounter. When snorkelling, do not touch the coral as thiscan damage the reef. Buy local products whenever possible as this supports the localeconomy. Finally, remember the mantra: take nothing but photos, leave nothing butfootprints.

The options for environmentally friendly tourism have increased exponentially over the pastfew years, and there has never been a better time to see the world while negativelyimpacting it as little as possible, concludes Creamer.