On holidays:
Tourism is the biggest industry
in the world, with massive impacts on people and nature. WWF is striving for
responsible tourism - tourism that is beneficial to tourists and local people
without harming the environment. You can help. Plan your holiday carefully
- Go on holiday during the off-peak
period to prevent over straining resources - you'll also avoid the crowds
- Find out about your destination
before you go on holiday - it may be an environmentally sensitive area.
Doing this will also ensure you are informed of what to see and any local
customs
- Don't travel by air if you can
avoid it - air travel uses up large amounts of fossil fuels and creates
greenhouse gases
- If you travel by air, make a
donation to Climate Care based on the length of your flight. This organisation
supports the development of renewable and clean energy projects that reduce
carbon dioxide emissions. Visit www.climatecare.org for more information
- Avoid taking things on holiday
that you will throw away
Dispose of any rubbish responsibly - it can be hazardous to wildlife
Ask your travel agent or tour operator what they are doing to be environmentally
responsible
- Be responsible in your accommodation…
- Turn off all lights, taps and
air conditioning when you leave hotel rooms
- Re-use towels and participate
in any green schemes run by hotels
- Dispose of sanitary waste properly.
Don't flush cotton buds, condoms, tampons and plastics down the toilet -
or you might just find them on the beach next time you visit
- …and when you are out and
about
Use public transport, cycle or walk instead of using a car
- Use facilities and trips run
by local people whenever possible
- Don't participate in hunting
or fishing unless it can be shown to be part of an effective management
plan
- Don't be tempted to touch wildlife
and disturb habitats whether on land, at the coast or under water
- When on holiday let the local
people know that you appreciate pristine nature being there, so that they
see its economic value
- Don't eat shark's fin soup or
any dishes you suspect of containing endangered species
- Be careful what you choose to
bring home as a holiday souvenir. Many species from coral and conch shells
to elephants and alligators are endangered because they are killed for curios
or souvenirs. It is illegal to import over 800 species into the UK and over
25,000 more require a special licence
- Take all rubbish home from the
beach - turtles are often killed by plastic bags they've mistaken for jellyfish
and many items take years to degrade as well as being dangerous
- Boats and jet-skis create noise
and chemical pollution which is disturbing to wildlife - don't keep the
engine running unnecessarily
- If you are sailing, surfing
or windsurfing keep a distance of at least 100m from seal resting and bird
nesting sites to avoid disturbing them
- When you get home
If you are concerned about anywhere you have been to on holiday, tell ABTA
or contact WWF
