Planning a getaway this summer? Don’t let your sustainable habits slip! We’ve compiled a list of ways to maintain a sustainable lifestyle while traveling locally and abroad.

Travel lightly
Don’t overpack! Traveling with only your necessities minimizes waste, saves space, and uses less fuel than traveling with an overstuffed bag. As a bonus, you save money on avoiding extra baggage fees when flying!
Bring your own shampoo and conditioner
Skip the mini shampoo and conditioner bottles that are usually complimentary with your hotel stay and pack your own in refillable containers. This helps to keep waste out of landfills.
Bring your reusable water bottle
Avoid single-use plastics by always having your reusable bottle on hand.
Practice the same habits you have at home!
Turning off the faucet when brushing your teeth and taking shorter showers are easy water-saving habits that you can continue when traveling.
Reuse your towels
Most hotels have a policy where they will collect towels that are left on the floor and replace them with clean towels. Leaving your towels hanging is a signal to housekeeping that your towels will be reused. Using your towel for more than one day helps to cut down on water usage from washing additional loads of laundry.
Turn up the thermostat
Just like you would at home, if the temperatures outside are high, turn up the temperature on the thermostat to conserve energy.
Turn off the lights and TV
Always be mindful of turning off the lights and television when leaving the room on your excursions.
Hang your “Do Not Disturb” sign
This tells housekeeping that you won’t need their services during your stay, which reduces water consumption from washing sheets, saves energy from vacuuming, and reduces the use of chemical cleaners.
Research your stay
Some hotels have green certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) which means the building was constructed with energy- and water-efficiency in mind. Staying at hotels that prioritize sustainability helps you reduce waste and conserve water and energy during your stay.
Take a direct flight
You can minimize your carbon footprint by taking the most direct flight possible. Direct flights mean fewer miles traveled and more fuel efficiency.
Use clean modes of transportation
Rather than taking ride-share services or taxis around town, take public transportation, walk, or bike. If you need to travel greater distances, consider taking a train. Not only is it more fuel efficient than taking a car, but you can also enjoy the scenic views from the window.
Be intentional with purchases
Avoid overconsumption by being intentional with what you buy. You may want to pick up a little trinket to commemorate your trip, but first, take the time to ask if you really need it. Will you use or enjoy this item once you’re back home? Would a photo be more meaningful or memorable? Is this an impulse purchase?
If you do want a physical item to bring back with you, focus on quality over quantity. Spend your hard-earned money on high quality items that are well-made and built to last.
Shop local, small businesses
By shopping at local and small businesses, you’re supporting the local economy and the people that live there. Stop by the local market and grab some locally-grown food.
Support ecotourism
Ecotourism is a type of sustainable tourism that focuses on protecting the environment and preserving local cultures. Some ecotourism activities could include hiking, wildlife watching, kayaking, stargazing, and other nature-oriented activities that have minimal impact on the environment.
Leave No Trace
If you plan to get out in nature and explore the wilderness, make sure you follow the seven principles of Leave No Trace. This includes staying on durable surfaces like designated paths, disposing of waste properly, and leaving anything you find where you found it. You may be tempted to pick a flower or keep a cool rock, but remember, local bugs and wildlife need those for food and shelter so be respectful of their homes.
Don’t leave sustainability behind while you’re on vacation, bring your eco-friendly habits along with you! Whether it’s as simple as bringing your reusable water bottle or as elaborate as prioritizing environmentally responsible activities, there are steps everyone can take to make their holiday a little greener. For more tips on how to have an eco-conscious vacation in the Lone Star State, read this blog.