How to see the planet & save it at the same time
To protect the oceans and stop marine plastic pollution, follow these golden rules on how to travel as sustainably as possible
WHEN YOU FLY
If you must take a flight, explore ways to offset the carbon footprint of your journey. Pack light, and use electronic ticketing whenever possible.
Take a reusable water bottle and fill it up after you go through security, before you get on the plane – the rules don’t say that you can’t carry an empty bottle through. And bring bamboo utensils for meals on the go — they’re also lighter and more security-friendly than metal.
Take the same approach with meals and snacks; airlines generated 5.2 million tonnes of waste in 2016, most of which went to landfill or incineration. This includes huge volumes of disposable, single-use packaging such as lunch trays, mini wine bottles and individually wrapped cutlery.
Bring your own toothbrush in your carry-on bag, preferably one that’s made from a biodegradable material like bamboo.
WHEN YOU PACK
Check the labels of your personal-care products for harmful chemicals and hidden sources of microplastics and microbeads e.g. Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and Nylon (PA). Glitter in makeup is also a deceptive form of microplastic pollution. You can find more information about microbeads here.
Decant your trusted, eco-friendly toiletries into reusable bottles and opt for reef-friendly sunscreen: many sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which contribute to coral bleaching and cause deformities in ancient, fragile reefs. Between 4,000 and 6,000 tonnes of sunscreen washes off swimmers in the sea every year, while 75 per cent of the world’s coral reefs are in imminent danger of collapse due to human activity.
AT THE HOTEL
Ask your hotel about their recycling procedures and make sure you follow them. If they don’t recycle, then ask them why not – bowing to consumer demand is a huge driver for change.
Proactively refuse plastic drink straws when ordering beverages; talk to the hotel management and local restaurants about switching to paper straws, or skipping them altogether. They might not have thought of their straw impact – or may not realize that their clientele care.
Wherever you visit, educate yourself on the local environment as well as current threats, and be mindful of these realities in every decision you make. For example, if you’re a guest in a region facing water scarcity, limit your showers and avoid unnecessary laundry.
Add your voice and actions to PORTER and Parley’s marine plastic pollution campaign by making a pledge to give up using one unnecessary item of plastic, such as straws, takeaway cartons, disposable coffee cups, carrier bags or plastic-containing tea bags, and share it on social media to spread the word and inspire others to do the same. Tag us at @portermagazine and @parley.tv so that we can support you and share your pledges.