Sustainable Travel
Sustainability has become a hugely influential factor in our consumer behaviour. We are all keen to make choices that are kinder to the environment and less wasteful. While we are getting better at bringing reusable bags for our weekly shop, and by bringing our own water bottle in our packed lunch, are we as conscious of our choices when we travel? A starting point involves just a bit of planning and forethought when we are getting packed.
Reduce single use waste. Bring a refillable water bottle. There’s a water fountain at Belfast City airport and all the food outlets at BFS will fill a water bottle at no charge.
Choose cartons not plastic. If you haven’t brought your own water bottle, you can still reduce plastic waste by buying cartons of water, instead of plastic. Cartons of Just Water are available in airport retailers.
Bring your own coffee cup. It’s a great way to cut down on your waste and there are lots of gorgeous options for reusable cups, made of stainless steel, bamboo, glass and even recycled coffee mugs. Some outlets charge less for their coffee when you bring your own – and it always tastes better in a proper cup!
Bring your own bag. It sounds so simple, but it’s an easy one to forget. A good tote bag for travel is a must-have and they have come such a long way from your granny’s string bag version!
Pack less. A plane’s fuel consumption is greater if the weight it’s carrying is heavier. Check the weather ahead of travel and only take what you need. The lighter your suitcase, the lighter the load of your plane and the less fuel it will burn.
Toiletries. If you are coming home for the holidays, trust us – your mum has everything you need! If you travel regularly for work or business, buy a set of reusable bottles and containers for moisturizer, cleanser, toner, shampoo and conditioner. You can save money by using your own and you’ll weigh less by only carrying the amount you need.
Use an e-ticket. Most airports now use QR codes to check-in and most airlines have an app that you can download. On Airporter, we ask only for your name when you check in, so there is no need to print your Airporter ticket, and you can book online at www.airporter.co.uk