Environment

Air travel accounts for just three per cent of total carbon emissions - compared to 25 per cent from domestic output.

But every bit helps, so how can you still travel and ensure you leave only your footprints behind?

Before you go

Take only the brochures or maps you need and recycle when you have finished with them, or pass them onto a friend.
Don't take litter on holiday with you - remove packaging from clothing and toiletries before you go, and recycle it.
Contribute towards a scheme that supports the environment.
Book on-line and buy electronic tickets.

Accomodation

Don't change your towels and sheets every day and turn down/off air conditioning/heating, lights and TV when they are not required.
Take showers instead of baths and save water.
Take used bars of soap home and leave unopened bottles of shampoo and toiletries in the bathroom.
Pass on newspapers for others to read.

Exploring the area

Use public transport , and take excursions that use local suppliers, guides or taxis - it will enrich your holiday experience and support the local economy.
Walking and cycling are environmentally friendly and a great way of meeting local people and learning about their culture.
Minimise waste by reusing plastic bags, refilling water bottles and taking used batteries home with you.
Take only photographs (with a regular camera as disposable ones are wasteful), not 'souvenirs' from natural or historical areas.
Don't step on or remove any coral when swimming or diving as it is extremely fragile and takes decades to grow. Avoid kicking up sand as it can suffocate and kill coral polyp.
Don't have your photograph taken with any wild animals - lion and tiger cubs, monkeys, bears, snakes and exotic birds. These animals are taken from their mothers in the wild when very young and often mistreated or abandoned later on when they get too large or difficult to handle.

Shopping

Buy locally made products, shop in locally-owned outlets and enjoy local food and drink - it will add to the enjoyment of your holiday and will benefit the local community too.
Don't buy products made from endangered species or plants such as tortoise shell, ivory, animal skins, coral, shells, starfish, teeth, orchids or feathers.

How can I help off-set my carbon footprint?

To help offset your carbon footprint, and contribute to saving the planet, you could consider donating to a Plant a Tree scheme or something such as the following Rain Forest scheme, which as well as maintaining the planets overall tree count, also supports endangered wildlife.

Just £25 supports half an acre of Rainforest