Localeur’s Guide to Sustainability
Let’s face facts: Living eco-consciously can be hard work. As plastic bag bans, compost bins, and Meatless Mondays become more and more commonplace, it’s impossible to ignore how virtually every facet of our lives is woefully in need of an eco overhaul. And while traveling may seem like a cardinal sin as far as sustainability is concerned, we’re here to show you a few tips, tricks, and destinations to make all you jet-setters feel free to roam – without sacrificing your commitment to waste reduction.
If the thought of planning a vacation in 2021 makes you feel hopelessly overwhelmed, don’t fret. At Localeur, it’s our mission to take the guesswork out of authentic, rewarding, life-changing travel. Subscribe today for a custom itinerary that can help you do right by Mother Earth – and the CDC – as you explore our 200 global destinations.
How to Shrink Your Carbon Footprint
Fly Intentionally
Did you know that some airlines invest in carbon offsets to reduce their impact on the environment? A bit of simple research can help you pick a carrier that’s eco-conscious and will take you where you want to go. When it’s time to book, opt for nonstop flights – takeoff and landing are both big gas guzzlers.
Rethink the Road Trip
A road trip is the perfect getaway option for many, including those of us who prefer to travel sans plan. It might also seem like a sustainable alternative to flying, but the math can go awry; essentially, if you’re traveling solo, you may not be any greener for driving than you would be flying. For instance, experts say flying from London to Madrid is better for the environment than driving if the plane is full versus if the car is carrying one person.
Go Off the (IG) Grid
Millennials ruin everything! Not really – but our frequent geotags have contributed to the degradation of some of the world’s most beautiful natural spots. You might think that your online audience is as eco-conscious as you are, but geotags lead to more litter, irresponsible animal interaction, and damage to the habitat’s equilibrium. Keep your tags vague – or frame content around “leave no trace” best practices to help spread the good word.
Stay a While
We just checked, and it looks like you’re due for an extra-long getaway. Not only do extended vacations help you relax and unwind; they can help reduce your environmental impact compared to quick trips. It’s also better to explore just one or two destinations on a trip than taking a multi-stop tour of epic proportions.
Spend Wisely
While terms like “LEED certified” plainly connote a hotel’s clean-building practices, many hotels without this stamp of approval are committed to the environment. Before you book a room, check online or call to find out whether the hotel offers things like in-room recycling, compost restaurants’ food waste, and reuse gray water. It may not always feel like it, but you have power as a consumer! Wield it wisely by only supporting eco-conscious businesses.
Buy Your Way Better
If you’re privileged to the extent that traveling is a frequent pastime, consider using your financial fortitude to help give back. NGOs like carbonfund.org make it easy to purchase carbon offsets tailored to a litany of habits, from air travel to water usage, driving, and even flat-rate options to offset an entire year’s – or lifetime’s – worth of ecological impact.
All Local, All the Time
We’re obviously big fans of #experiencelocal when we travel – not just for the experiences, but for the environment. Restaurants that focus on local ingredients and shops that only stock regional products are always your best bets (browse our website for tons of homegrown recs).
Take the Toiletries
What happens to the complimentary soap and shampoo bottles you leave behind in your hotel? They get tossed in a landfill. Better alternatives: take unused products home with you to reduce waste (and recycle the containers); avoid them altogether by packing your own; or stay at a hotel that sends its leftover soaps and plastic bottles to be recycled and administered to global communities with limited access to these toiletries.
Ditch the Rental
Seeing a city on two feet – or two wheels, or three rails – is always going to be more sustainable than getting around via car, and it’s also our preferred method of getting to know a place on a more intimate, granular level. If you do require a car, pick the green one! Most rental companies offer hybrid vehicles; companies like Green Motion also have diesel, low CO2, and all-electric cars in their fleet.
FREA
Berlin, Germany
Gone are the days when eating clean was limited to fledgling raw-food restaurants and wheatgrass bars – Berlin’s FREA proves there’s no need to sacrifice style or flavor for the sake of the planet. It’s the first plant-based, zero-waste restaurant in Berlin, and the only thing they throw out is the food you don’t finish. Stop by for an IG-worthy a la carte spread, or go big and opt for the three-course chef’s tasting menu. Whatever you do, don’t overlook the house-made bread with olive oil.
Freewheel Midtown Bike Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Part bike shop, part service center, and part cafe, Freewheel Midtown Bike Center is the quintessential stop on the Midtown Greenway. It’s also one of the few businesses that opens up directly on the 5.5-mile rail trail (there's actually no street-level entrance), so there's no need to exit the path and deal with car traffic. Even better, the Coaster Brake Cafe inside the center offers coffee, snacks, and a good excuse to take a break and rest your legs. The bike shop has a great selection of gear – and they can lend a hand if have bike trouble or get a flat while cruising around.
La Campana National Park
Santiago, Chile
For a heaping dose of rarefied air, try out one of the incredible hiking trails through La Campana National Park. It’s chock-full of nicely maintained trails, Chilean palm trees, unique wildlife, and unbelievable landscapes. The Chilean palms lend a certain prehistoric effect to your surrounds; it may even call to mind the live-action film version of The Flintstones from the depths of your childhood memory. To truly immerse yourself in the splendor of La Campana, bring your camping gear and stay the night – visiting via bicycle can help lighten your load. If rock climbing is your thing, there’s plenty of that here, too.
Nubian Hueman
Baltimore, Maryland
The Baltimore outpost of this DC treasure doesn’t disappoint when it comes to its interiors, curated goods, or in-store events. And spending your money here means you won’t simply be shopping small-batch, sustainably created clothing and lifestyle products; you’ll be directly supporting BIPOC independent designers around the world. The recently renovated three-story building features an equally well appointed bed and breakfast upstairs, should you want to fully immerse yourself in the goodness on offer by Nubian Hueman.
Renegade Urban Winery
London, England
The eco-friendlier version of a day spent in wine country? Bringing wine country to the city, of course. In London, it can be tough to find watering holes with quirk; places that feel authentic and resist the temptation to present an overly polished facade. Renegade breaks the mold by proffering sustainably made natural wines, an offbeat vibe, and genuinely friendly staff. Just remember, you’ll neither find nor stumble upon this place without a map – it’s located in a nondescript alley off Bethnal Green.
&Jacob
Mexico City, Mexico
Anyone dedicated to the art of home design knows there’s immeasurable value in “forever” products, or hand-crafted items meant to last (they don’t come cheap, but they always make a splash). Mexico City’s &Jacob sells a host of unique home goods handmade with local materials, like Mexican volcanic rock and sustainably sourced wood. With unusual shapes and an emphasis on functionality, there’s something to complement virtually every aesthetic here – and online; international shipping is available.
Naked & Sated
Madrid, Spain
This somewhat new cafe serves as a reminder to Madrileños that sustainable living is just as much about your health as it is the health of our planet – that’s why you won’t find hydrogenated oils, unnecessary additives, or refined sugars and flours on the menu. There is, however, plenty of variety, with New American dishes like pizza, salad, and burgers alongside creations like Spanish tortilla waffles served with avocado and salmon and “naked” tacos made with quinoa, stuffed chicken, tomato, and avocado. Our suggestion? Order with abandon. Fortune favors the bold at Naked & Sated.
Abito Allora
Zurich, Switzerland
To give your shopping habit an eco-friendly makeover without sacrificing your affinity for luxury, vintage is the obvious answer – and the vintage on display at Abito Allora is so finely curated you could practically weep. While secondhand shops are everywhere in Zurich, this boutique earns top marks for both its inventory and its price point. If there are a million reasons you feel you want but can’t have a Birkin bag – made with leather or ostrich; impossible to find; crazy expensive – a trip to Abito Allora just might offer the perfect solution.
The Plant Cafe
San Francisco, California
You’ll love The Plant; everyone does. This sustainable mainstay of the Bay Area is a cafe with a juice and smoothie bar on the side – and while the juices are commendable, the fresh food is fantastic. The Plant’s veggie burger is considered one of the best in the city, but eco-conscious carnivores may reasonably prefer the chicken pesto sandwich. Stop here for a lunch that peps you up rather than weighs you down – and check out the Embarcadero location that overlooks the water and is perfect for a healthy weekend brunch.
Fresh Cuts
Dublin, Ireland
For local shopping in Dublin that focuses on simple, sustainable clothing, it has to be Fresh Cuts. With an emphasis on slow fashion and sleek design, expect everyday basics as well as limited editions in the form of T-shirts, jeans, silk scarves, dresses, shoes, and backpacks. Whether you’re in Dublin or simply shopping online, it’s always a good idea to check their current inventory on the web – it’s helpful to peep the merchandise here ahead of time to come out with the best of what’s in store.
Burmasan
Seoul, South Korea
More than just an urban sprawl, Seoul is inimitable in the natural-beauty department – and its splendor is on full display from the summit of this underrated hike. Rove through lush forests to a picture-perfect view that’s a spectacular fusion of nature and the city skyline, and relish the relative quietude you’ll experience compared to other trails in Seoul. It’s also a great spot to catch a sunrise without being too physically demanding – to really do it right, bring a camp stove with you to make hot chocolate or coffee at the top.
Abington Square Greenmarket
New York, New York
If it's a simple, locally sourced apple you're after, head to Abingdon Square for the Saturday Greenmarket that's smaller (and decidedly more quaint) than the big farmers market in Union Square. Here, you'll find a miniature version of that market, but you can still get everything from homemade granola and breads to fresh-cut flowers and incredible, seasonal, local produce. What’s more the presentation is typically lovely and makes you want to buy everything – and the vendors are helpful and personable, too.
More of Our Eco-Friendly Favorites
Nebaleno
Prague, Czech Republic
Kampinos National Park
Warsaw, Poland
Silvermine
Cape Town, South Africa
MIES
Buenos Aires, Argentina
303 By the Sea
Adelaide, Australia
Enoteca Naturale
Milan, Italy
Mama Tierra
Athens, Greece
Baishawan Beach
Taipei, Taiwan
Rottnest Island
Perth, Australia
Vino Underground
Tbilisi, Georgia
Nynäshamn
Stockholm, Sweden
Fonqueta Iglesia La Valvanera
Bogota, Colombia
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