Here are some things you can do on holiday to be an eco-friendly citizen.
- Opt for local holiday destinations
During the holidays, head off to visit France or Europe using so-called “green” transport: by taking the train for example, a traveller emits 30 times less CO2 than by aircraft for the same journey. The major European cities are all accessible by train and coach from France. However, if you really want to go abroad, opt for ecotourism.
Tourist activity can have a number of worrying and significant environmental impacts including major energy and resource consumption, in addition to all kinds of pollution and damage to the sites and environments being visited. Ecotourism involves travelling in a more environmentally friendly manner and boosting the local economy while at the same time protecting the environment. You should give preference to tourist facilities (hotels, campsites, spas, gites…) which practice the sustainable use of available on-site resources and which are covered by an eco-label such as the European eco-label, the Clé Verte, the Pavillon Bleu, Stations Vertes, Rando Accueil, Accueil Paysan, Bienvenue à la ferme or Gîte Panda labels.
- Sort and dispose of your waste on holiday just as you would at home
A cigarette butt can take 12 years to decompose in a natural environment, not forgetting the risks of forest fires. Avoid leaving waste behind when out hiking and continue sorting your waste even on holiday. Travellers should sort their waste, save energy, protect nature and adopt responsible consumption practices.
- Save water on holiday just as you would at home
When on holiday, a French citizen consumes more than at home (150 litres) and can even consume up to 230 litres of water per day. Water should be used with moderation, especially if you are visiting a country in which this resource is especially rare.
- Enjoy the local fauna and flora in its natural environment
The illegal trafficking of wild animals and plants is one of the major causes of extinction for numerous species. Purchasing these plants can present a danger for biodiversity in addition to the legal punishments you risk incurring. Biological invasions are today considered as the second greatest threat after the destruction of the local habitat and ahead of pollution and overdevelopment of the environment by man.
- Get the most from summer markets
Do your best to support short distribution chains. This simple gesture enables you to enjoy seasonal fruit and vegetables produced locally. They are sold on a retail basis, with less packaging.
- Adopt a "sustainable attitude"
When fishing for shellfish, fish and crustaceans, be sure to abide by the authorised quantities and sizes to ensure that the various species can regenerate their population numbers. These are fragile resources, which are vital to the marine ecosystem.
- Choose your holiday souvenirs carefully
Some souvenirs can be a direct threat to the survival of some species. Avoid buying items manufactured from animals or plants (tortoise or turtle shells, exotic wood or coral, etc) which could endanger numerous wild species. Instead, opt for craftsman-made products which also offer a great way to discover the culture of the region and to support the local economy.
