At Element Escapes, we believe that exploring our beautiful world—whether it's the breathtaking landscapes of Queenstown or anywhere else—should go hand in hand with protecting it. As travellers, we have the power to positively impact the environment and the communities we visit. With sustainable travel becoming increasingly important, it’s essential to make choices that minimise negative impact while fostering positive interactions with local cultures. Here are five impactful tips to help you travel more sustainably during your next adventure in Queenstown or anywhere around the globe.
1. Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodations
No matter where you travel, staying at eco-conscious accommodations is a key step in sustainable travel. At Element Escapes, we prioritise sustainability with energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, and eco-friendly products from local suppliers, such as Smart Ass toilet paper, Forest and Bird refillable bathroom bottles, and Ecostore cleaning products. By choosing lodgings that focus on sustainability, like ours in Queenstown or similar options globally, you're making a positive environmental impact while supporting local communities.
2. Reduce Your Waste
Wherever your travels take you, reducing waste is crucial. Bring reusable items such as water bottles, shopping bags, and containers to help cut down on single-use plastics. At Element Escapes, we provide recycling bins and encourage guests to recycle glass, newspapers, printer cartridges, and batteries. We also run our office on multi-crystalline solar panels and are moving toward a paperless operation. Look for similar eco-friendly practices at accommodations worldwide to contribute to global waste reduction.
3. Support Local Businesses
One of the most enriching ways to experience a destination, whether in Queenstown or abroad, is by supporting local businesses. By dining at local restaurants, shopping at markets, and participating in community activities, you’re contributing to the local economy while gaining a more authentic experience. Element Escapes believes in the power of supporting local, and wherever you go, choosing to do so benefits both travellers and the places they visit.
4. Explore Nature Responsibly
Whether you’re hiking the trails of Queenstown or exploring natural wonders in another part of the world, it’s essential to explore responsibly. Stick to marked paths, avoid disturbing wildlife, and follow “Leave No Trace” principles. At Element Escapes, we encourage guests to immerse themselves in nature while taking care to preserve it for future generations. When travelling elsewhere, seek out activities that promote environmental conservation and responsible exploration.
5. Minimise Energy Usage
Wherever you stay, be conscious of energy use. Small actions, like turning off lights, heaters, and appliances when not needed, can greatly reduce your carbon footprint. At Element Escapes, we ask guests in our Queenstown holiday homes to turn off heat pumps, fires, and lights when they’re not in use, and we encourage similar energy-saving practices during your travels elsewhere. Many destinations now offer eco-friendly accommodations where reducing energy usage is part of the guest experience.
By incorporating these sustainable practices into your travels—whether in Queenstown or anywhere else in the world—you can enjoy meaningful experiences while making a positive impact on the environment and local communities. At Element Escapes, we are committed to protecting the beauty of our world and encourage travellers to join us in our mission to travel responsibly and sustainably, wherever your adventures may lead!
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