Water is a precious resource that many travelers take for granted. Whether you are visiting a dry destination or a wet one, you can make a positive impact by reducing your water usage while traveling. Here are some simple tips to help you save water and enjoy your trip more responsibly.
One of the biggest sources of water consumption for travelers is the hotel or hostel they stay in. You can reduce your water usage by choosing an accommodation that has a water conservation policy, such as using low-flow faucets and showerheads, recycling gray water, or collecting rainwater. You can also opt for a self-catering option, such as an apartment or a camping site, where you have more control over your water usage.
Another way to save water while traveling is to skip the daily housekeeping service that changes your towels and sheets every day. This can save a lot of water and detergent that are used to wash them. You can hang your towels to dry and reuse them, and ask for a sheet change only when necessary. You can also bring your own toiletries and avoid using the single-use plastic bottles provided by the hotel.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce your water usage while traveling is to take shorter showers. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the average shower uses about 17 gallons of water and lasts for 8 minutes. You can cut your shower time by half and save 8.5 gallons of water per shower. You can also turn off the water while shampooing or soaping, and use a low-flow showerhead if available.
You may not realize it, but your food choices can also affect your water usage while traveling. Meat and dairy products require a lot of water to produce, compared to plant-based foods. For example, it takes about 1,800 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef, and 880 gallons of water to produce one gallon of milk. By eating less meat and dairy, you can reduce your water footprint and also enjoy the local fruits and vegetables.
One of the most common ways that travelers waste water is by buying bottled water. Not only does this generate a lot of plastic waste, but it also consumes a lot of water to produce and transport. A study by the Pacific Institute estimated that it takes about three liters of water to make one liter of bottled water. You can avoid this by carrying a reusable water bottle and filling it up from safe sources, such as filtered taps, fountains, or refill stations.
Just by using your own water bottle by refilling, you reduce the amount of plastic used. Plastic pollution is a huge problem. Also try to keep to cooler places so you sweat less.
Finally, you can reduce your water usage while traveling by being mindful of the activities you choose to do. Some activities, such as golfing, skiing, or swimming, can consume a lot of water and affect the local environment. You can opt for more water-efficient activities, such as hiking, biking, or kayaking, that allow you to enjoy the natural scenery without wasting water. You can also support local businesses and organizations that practice water conservation and educate visitors about it.