The environment matters wherever you go! Below is a list of tips and tricks to help promote sustainable travel. Sustainable travel is about adopting sustainable practices to lessen the negative environmental effects that accompany travel.
Incorporate U-M’s general Sustainability Tips into your daily life during travel
The waste reduction, energy and food tips can be applied to general life!
Global Road Warrior is a database accessible through U-M libraries that gives you general information on the country you will be traveling to.
this can help you brainstorm ways to sustainably travel within your country i.e. transportation options and general environmental issues to pay attention to
STAY LOCAL
10 Big Ten Academic Alliance Universities’ study abroad offices are working together to promote carbon-conscious travel practices.
Take the pledge to make a personal commitment to make conscientious choices about your travel activities and stay local during the Big Impact Small Footprint weekends.
STAY LOCAL WEEKENDS: February 16-18, 2024; April 19-21, 2024
When you get to your destination, be sure to look into areas near you with filtered water systems like drinking fountains to refill your water bottle!
Some areas do not have clean drinking water. If that is the case, look into buying water purification tablets or filtering straws to reduce the amount of plastic bottles you’re using
Reusable Bag
Always be sure to have a reusable bag such as a tote or reusable grocery bag on hand when traveling in case you need to do any type of shopping!
Rethink your toiletries
When packing toiletries think about ways to reduce your plastic use:
Refrain from using small disposable shampoo and conditioner in hotels
Bring a soap bar instead of body wash, reusable razor heads, and refillable shampoo and conditioner bottles
Look online to find sustainable travel-sized essentials i.e. deodorant
Solar Powered Electronics
Consider bringing solar-powered portable chargers
Consider bringing versatile clothing items to reduce the amount of items you need to pack and new clothes you need to buy
Bring clothes that can easily be washed by hand! (for a reduction in washing and ease if you do not have access to laundry machines)
Bring a drain stop to collect water in the sink to wash clothes
Use bio-degradable soap to handwash
When staying at a hotel, request to have your room cleaned post check out, not during, to reduce the amount of energy and water consumed
Unplug all electronics
Opt for a homestay with a vetted host family – these tend to be more environmentally conscious compared to large hotels and allow you to immerse yourself in local culture!
Before booking, try to do research beforehand on sustainable and eco-friendly accommodation options
Try to bike and walk when safe and reasonable to do so!
If your destination is further than a walk or bike, opt for safe, reliable forms of public transportation (i.e. take a bus or train whenever possible)
Before traveling, research the most cost-effective way to access public transport passes
As a UMICH student, you have access to a website calledGlobal Road Warrior which can give you tips and tricks on all travel to that country including transportation!
Try to minimize the amount of intracontinental travel and research fun activities within the city you are studying in!
BIG 10 Stay Local Weekends February 16-18, 2024; April 19-21, 2024 (for more info check out campus resources)
Fly Non-Stop- avoiding layovers and pit stops can greatly reduce your carbon emissions
Choose e-tickets rather than paper tickets
When driving, opt for e-vehicles/hybrid vehicles or ride-shares
Offset Carbon Emissions
Research airlines that have offset carbon emissions options
