Traveling Sustainably

If you have met and interacted with Crystal “Tata” Vistal and Meliza “Lai” Principe from Ayala Corporation’s Sustainability Unit, then Sustainability is one of your top priorities. Whether it’s about the newest food find or current events, these two ladies cannot help but connect everything’s impact to the three sustainability factors – environmental (E), social (S), and governance (G).

Well, it cannot be helped because ESG is everywhere, especially when you travel! Here are some of Tata-and-Lai-approved ways to travel sustainably:

1. Water bottle, please!
If you love the beach or the trail, never forget to bring your own drinking bottle. Not only to keep yourself hydrated, but also to reduce plastic waste. You probably heard this tip numerous times, but it cannot be overemphasized!

Tata: “If you forget it, like I sometimes do…”

Lai: “Don’t feel guilty!”

Tata: “Right! You can buy a disposable water bottle and reuse it. Then, to avoid forgetting your water bottle, make a note that you will pack it first next time.”

Lai: “Recycling centers have begun popping up across the metro, where you can safely drop your disposable bottles. Our friends at Ayala Land Inc. have partnered with Green Antz, a circular economy and innovation group that develops and deploys disruptive solutions to reduce waste generated, specifically to properly recycle plastic bottles and plastic material you use at home, and upscale the materials recycled. You can check the Green Antz website for information on how you can contribute to minimizing waste.

2. Utensils on-the-go!
There is an abundance of reusable spoon and fork options for traveling. Some sets come with a butter knife and chopsticks, others are made out of metal, bamboo, rice hulls, and other sustainable materials. They come in different shapes, colors, and sizes to fit your personality, too! So, ditch the plastic spoon and fork and reduce plastic waste. And please, don’t forget your reusable straw, as these are harmful and can be consumed by wildlife when disposed incorrectly. Let’s keep the animals safe, shall we?

Tata: “I can survive an entire trip with just chopsticks! Easier to clean too!”

Lai: “What if there is soup? Or mushy food?”

Tata: “Uhmmm… I just sip it straight from the bowl.”

Lai: “I do that too!”

3. Go Local!
Experience the fullness of the community around you. Go out and try local cuisines, travel using local transport providers, shop from local stores, and arrange tours with a local tour service provider. Any amount of money spent in the locality will help the businesses grow. This ensures that they continue to operate, which then allows them to employ locals and generate revenue. Based on experience, local guides, when you are inquisitive enough, will lead you to treasure spots where you can experience new things.

Lai: “Hey Ta, the next time we go to Mindoro for Project Kasibulan, let’s go around the community to try all the delicacies!”

Tata: “No backing down! You got it! I’ll start a diet now so I won’t be guilty!”

4. Be untraceable!
Carry a small bag you can put your waste in when you travel. Facial tissues or wet wipes are a great help in a sticky situation, but it piles up and causes problems when disposed incorrectly.

Tata: “Sometimes I use a paper bag or any other plastic I have.”

Lai: “Don’t forget to segregate when you throw them in the bins. A weekend trip can easily result in a kilo of trash per person, so make sure to pick up and clean up after yourself and that your friends do the same!”

Tata: “Yes! Influence your friends to live sustainably, too! The more people doing it, the better!”

5. Research, research, research!
Many companies today are embracing sustainable practices in their operations. When you travel, consider establishments and companies that offer eco-friendly options, it can even be an airline that actively invests in the use of clean, biofuel technology. For the advanced eco-traveler, carbon credits are available so you can offset the emissions from your flight. Check the routes of the places you want to visit, if you can walk or bike, instead of taking a vehicle, do so! This will lessen carbon emissions and you get a short workout on the side.

Tata: “Uhm… I’m really okay to walk, Lai. As in.”

Lai: “You have to learn to bike, Ta!”

Tata: “Okay, either way, I’m going to earn some points in GForest! I have about 17,000 points now and with a bit more, I can plant a tree in a click!”

Tata and Lai: “We hope you try out these five tips. Traveling sustainably asks a bit of adjustment, but once you get the hang of it, you will certainly have a better experience, knowing that you have a positive impact on everything and everyone around you! Enjoy a happy and safe sustainable summer!”