Tips for Making Your Vacation Eco-Friendly

Julie Starr • May 30, 2022



When you’re on vacation, it’s easy to let your eco-friendly habits slip. You might not think about recycling when you’re on a beach in the Caribbean or turning off the light when you leave your hotel room for the day. But there are plenty of ways to enjoy your vacation while still being environmentally responsible. This blog post will give you tips for making your holiday more sustainable. We’ll cover everything from transportation to accommodations to food and drink. So read on, and start planning your next green getaway!

Overtourism:

Overtourism is a massive problem in many popular tourist destinations. If you’re planning to visit a place known to be crowded, do your research ahead of time and look for ways to avoid the worst of the crowds. This might mean visiting during the shoulder season or staying in a less-crowded area.

Use Efficient Modes Of Transportation:

One of the best ways to make your vacation more sustainable is to use efficient modes of transportation. If you’re flying, try to offset your carbon emissions by planting trees or investing in renewable energy. You can also offset your emissions by taking direct flights whenever possible and packing light to avoid weight penalties. Plan your route ahead of time to avoid wasting gas and carpool whenever possible if you’re driving. And if you’re taking public transportation, be sure to recycle any materials you can.

Stay In Green Accommodations:

Your accommodations can also have a significant impact on the environment. For example, if you’re staying in a hotel, look for a certified green one . This means that the hotel has reduced its environmental impact by using energy-efficient lighting and appliances, recycling, and composting. You can also look for sustainable practices in hotels, such as solar power or green roofs. If you’re staying in a rental home or apartment, ask about the property’s sustainability policies. You can also take steps to be more sustainable in your accommodations, such as turning off the lights when you leave the room and recycling any materials. 

Support Local Businesses:

One of the best ways to reduce your environmental impact on vacation is to support local businesses. This means eating at locally-owned restaurants, shopping at local stores, and using local services. When you support local businesses, you’re helping reduce transportation emissions and supporting the local economy. You can also look for certified green businesses that use sustainable practices. You can l earn more about sustainable local business here.

Packing light:

One way to be more sustainable when you travel is to pack light. This will help you avoid overweight baggage fees, and it will also reduce your carbon footprint. In addition, when you pack light, you’ll use less energy and resources to transport your belongings, generating less waste. So next time you’re packing for vacation, leave some space in your suitcase for souvenirs and travel light!

Stay and Explore:

When planning your vacation, try to choose a destination that you can explore over a more extended period. This will help you avoid the environmental impact of flying, and it will also allow you to experience the place you’re visiting. If you can, take a road trip or take the train instead of flying. And once you’re at your destination, take some time to explore the area. For example, rent a bicycle or walk instead of taking taxis or buses everywhere. By staying and exploring, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the culture of your destination and avoid some of the environmental impacts of tourism.

Eat Sustainable, Local Foods:

When you’re on vacation, it’s easy to eat out. But did you know that the food you eat can also be eco-friendly? To make your holiday more sustainable, try to eat locally sourced foods . This means eating foods that are grown or produced near your vacation destination. Local food is fresher and tastier, but it also has a smaller carbon footprint than food that’s been shipped from far away. You can find local restaurants by doing a quick Google search or asking your hotel staff for recommendations.

Drink Responsibly:

You can also make your vacation more sustainable by drinking responsibly. This means avoiding single-use plastic straws and cups and opting for reusable ones instead. It also means being aware of the water you’re consuming. If you’re in a country with limited access to clean water, drink only bottled water that’s been certified safe. And if you’re staying in a place with unlimited access to clean water, try to avoid bottled water altogether. You can also reduce your impact by drinking local beers and wines with a smaller carbon footprint than imported ones.

In conclusion, there are many ways to make your vacation more sustainable. By offsetting your carbon emissions, staying in green accommodations, and eating locally sourced foods, you can help reduce your environmental impact. And by packing light and drinking responsibly, you can further reduce your impact on the planet. So next time you travel, remember to consider the environment in all that you do!

Eco-Friendly Garden Prep: Summer Tips for a Greener Business Space

By Julie Starr • June 5, 2025
If you're lucky enough to have a garden as part of your business, taking some time to set it up for summer is a great investment of your energy. Not only will it be ready for your customers to spend time in, but you can also incorporate some eco-friendly elements into it. Many people just think about the property and what eco-friendly updates they can make , but there are plenty that you can implement in your garden. This gives you the best of both worlds. You own a sacred and beautiful place for your customers to spend their summer, and at the same time, you can do your part for a better planet. If this is the route you want to take, then you also need to consider how to do this with the different seasons. To help you on your journey, here are some top tips for preparing your garden for summer. Plant trees and flowers Planting trees and flowers in your garden is a must. It will make a beautiful scene of nature for everyone to enjoy. Trees will provide people and animals with shade, as well as provide a habitat for wildlife. More trees are needed in the world because they purify the air that we breathe. Flowers, especially if you plant with pollinators in mind, can be an excellent way to attract bees and butterflies, which contribute largely to the earth. Use natural pest control When preparing your garden for summer, you can do this more sustainably and kindly by using natural pest control. Simply by planting trees and flowers, you are likely to attract lots of different wildlife, some of which may destroy your efforts. While all wildlife should be considered, you may need to take measures. Some better and more eco-friendly ways you can do this, as opposed to spraying toxic chemicals onto your plants and into the air, you can implement companion planting, using protective nets over your crops, choosing resilient plants, using natural repellents, and encouraging natural predators so nature can do its thing. Maintain your garden Maintaining your garden in itself can make it more eco-friendly. Composting your garden waste regularly, and kitchen waste can help you to reduce overall waste and create nutrient-rich soil. This is a great cycle of sustainability. You can also keep on top of things that need cleaning and replacing, so you can recycle the materials for other garden structures and projects, and repurpose things around your garden before they become waste. If you have features in your garden like a swimming pool, then a regular pool maintenance service is going to be vital in keeping your water consumption to a minimum, as when it is cleaned and maintained, it will need to be drained and refilled less as well as using less energy. You could also consider how you can use natural purification methods to reduce chemical usage and support biodiversity right in your backyard. Your garden is just an eco-friendly project waiting to be built. Use these top tips to help you get started.

The Impact of Sustainable Practices on the Food Service Industry

By Julie Starr • June 3, 2025
Sustainability is no longer something that can be considered optional in many businesses, including the food industry. From fast casual to fine dining, businesses face pressure to reduce waste, cut emissions, and use resources responsibly. Customers noticed, so too did regulators. This shift isn't about trends; it's about long-term business health. Operators now rethink everything: ingredients, packaging, equipment, and even furniture. The choices that they make affect cost, reputation, and the environment. Forward-thinking brands see sustainability as a chance to stand out, align with customer values, save money, and future-proof their business. Let's look at how sustainable practices are shaping the future of food service and why furniture choices matter more than ever. Sustainable Sourcing and Supply Chains Restaurants are choosing local, seasonal, and organic ingredients. More often, this reduces transportation emissions and supports nearby farms. It also appeals to customers who want food with a story. Sourcing matters; a restaurant that serves organic produce imported from thousands of miles away loses credibility. Local sourcing, when possible, keeps the supply chain shorter and more resilient. They also build community relationships. Sustainable seafood, fair trade coffee, and certified humane meat are becoming menu standards. But it's not just food; suppliers that use low-impact materials, avoid single-use plastics, or operate zero-waste facilities are getting more attention. Working with responsible vendors reduces environmental impact and strengthens the restaurant's reputation. It also makes it easier to meet sustainability benchmarks and certifications. Reducing Food Waste and Single-Use Plastics Food waste is expensive. Restaurants are responding with better forecasting, smaller portions, and creative ways to repurpose ingredients. Many now donate leftovers or compost scraps. Smart kitchen systems have reduced waste by tracking usage and spoilage. Front of house, more places encourage guests to take home leftovers or offer flexible portion sizes. Single-use plastics are also being phased out; straws, cutlery, and containers are switching to compostable or reusable versions. Many cities now require this, but even without mandates, customers expect it. Small changes make a big difference, such as swapping plastic lids for fiber-based ones or using reusable containers for takeout. In the long run, it also sends a clear message about your brand Energy Efficiency and Equipment Choices Energy use is a major cost for food service businesses. Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and HVAC systems can contribute significantly. Induction cooktops, LED lighting , low-flow faucets, and energy-saving refrigeration reduce the environmental footprint. Some kitchens are even going all-electric to reduce reliance on gas. Smart energy monitoring systems provide real-time insights; this helps operators find waste, track trends, and make better decisions. Beyond the kitchen, some restaurants invest in solar panels or purchase renewable energy. It shows leadership and appeals to customers who care about climate action. Designing with Sustainability in Mind Interior design now plays a role in sustainability. Choosing eco-friendly materials and modular furniture reduces waste and supports the circular economy. Furniture companies that sell food service furniture offer tables, chairs, and booths made from recycled or responsibly sourced wood, metal, and plastics. Their products are durable, stylish, and built to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Long-lasting furniture means fewer items in landfills. Plus, some suppliers offer take-back programs or extended product life. The right furniture also supports flexible layouts, which is important for adapting to changing service models like outdoor dining or shared spaces. Aligning with Customer Expectations More diners care about sustainability than ever before. It’s something that is extremely prominent in today’s dining experience. They want to support places that reflect their values. Transparency matters too , diners want to know exactly what businesses are doing to be more sustainable. Posting sourcing details, using certifications, and showing behind-the-scenes efforts builds trust. Sustainability isn't just a back-of-house concern; it should be visible throughout the customer journey. Guests notice packaging, signage, cleaning products, and even furniture. If your chairs are made from reclaimed wood or your tables are built from recycled metal, it becomes part of the story you tell. Employees also want to work for businesses that care; sustainability efforts can boost morale, improve retention, and create a strong workplace culture. Being consistent across all touchpoints helps turn sustainability from a checklist into a core part of your brand identity. Tracking Progress and Measuring Impact To stay on track, businesses need to measure what matters. Sustainability isn't guesswork; it's data-driven. Many restaurants now set goals for waste reduction, water usage, and carbon emissions. Digital dashboards, smart meters, and waste tracking apps provide clear feedback. Certifications like LEED , Green Restaurant Association, or B Corp can help validate progress, but the real value comes from aligning with goals and quickly reporting results. This transparency involves sharing results with staff and customers. This builds trust and shows accountability. Food service brands that track their impact tend to improve faster; they spot problems early and share wins more confidently. A culture of measurement helps maintain steady progress and keeps sustainability top of mind. Collaborating Across the Industry No restaurant can do it alone. Real change happens through partnerships. Food services need ot consider teaming up with local farms, recycling programs, and talking to local councils about any green schemes . This collaboration speeds up progress and helps avoid mistakes. Industry groups and supply networks now host workshops and certifications focused on sustainability. These shared resources help smaller businesses catch up and stay competitive. Technology platforms also make collaboration easier. Apps that connect surplus food with charities or tools for joint purchasing of sustainable goods are helping restaurants work smarter together. By building strong networks, the industry strengthens itself. Working together, sustainability leads to better outcomes and stronger communities. Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Future in Food Service Sustainability touches every part of the food service industry, from menus to materials. The shift toward responsible choices is clear. Restaurants that act now gain a competitive edge; they reduce costs, attract loyal customers, and stay ahead of regulations. The transition doesn't have to be all or nothing; small steps lead to big changes. Choosing eco-friendly furniture, like the options from food service furniture, is one of the smart steps. It shows commitment, supports long-term value, and elevates the dining experience. Sustainability is no longer an add-on; it’s a business essential. For those who embrace it, it can be a source of growth, loyalty, and resilience.