Do you care about protecting the planet? And do you want to limit your impact upon it? You might be an eco-expert at home. Recycling is like a pro and getting rid of any unwanted items properly.
Being a conscious consumer and avoiding products that do undue harm to the environment. Reducing your waste and trying to use renewable sources of energy.
Travelling, however, is another kettle of fish. Being eco-friendly when you’re on the go can be a bit tougher. However, by heading to one of the greenest and cleanest travel destinations in the world, you’re off to a good start.
If you consider yourself a true eco-enthusiast, here are a few greens and clean destinations you absolutely should visit.
Not only will you spend your time surrounded by clean air and green vegetation, but you might also learn some unique ways to further protect the environment.
Zurich
Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, has been named the most sustainable city in the world. Fresh mountain air. Streets that are cleaner than clean.
A sustainable public transport system that makes it easy to get around without a car. Zurich is beautiful, culturally exciting, and eco-friendly.
One small drawback is that Zurich tends to be featured in lists of the most expensive cities in the world. Since it isn’t cheap, you’ll probably need to save up and budget for your break before you book those tickets.
Costa Rica
Looking for sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush tropical jungle? Costa Rica has it all. The country also boasts a government committed to protecting biodiversity.
In fact, whilst the country only makes up 0.03% of the world’s surface, it accounts for 6% of the world’s biodiversity.
Because the country’s eco-credentials are a big selling point, tourists can find lots of environmentally friendly options for their accommodation and activities.
Slovenia
Over recent years, tourism to Slovenia has been growing, partially due to the fact that the country had dedicated itself to promoting responsible, eco-friendly tourism.
That means you can visit Slovenia’s glaciers, caves, and beaches – as well as stunning lakes like the famous Lake Bled – safe in the knowledge that the local environment and ecosystems are being protected.
Oslo, Norway
Oslo is another city with excellent green credentials. The streets are pristine, there are bikes to rent and there’s an efficient public transport system.
Recycling is also high on the agenda and you can get money back for returning any plastic bottles or cans to the machines you’ll find outside most supermarkets.
And, of course, explore more of the country and you’ll find beautiful, unspoiled, uninhabited landscapes that will take your breath away.
Fiordland, New Zealand
New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, is often listed as one of the cleanest cities on earth. But if you want to go one step further, head down to the South Island and Fiordland.
This is a wild, rugged place with high mountains and sparkling fiords. The population is sparse here, and fresh Antarctic air blows straight up from the south, giving it some of the cleanest air on the planet.
Rwanda
Rwanda is green, both literally and figuratively. The country has banned plastic bags and has initiatives for reforestation.
It works to protect native animals, successfully boosting the mountain gorilla population and reintroducing lions and rhinos to one of its national parks.
As tourism throughout the country grows, the focus is on ecologically friendly practices, accommodation, and tours, with lots of money directed back into environmental projects.
Singapore
Singapore is densely populated and hugely developed. But the island city-state also manages to be one of the greenest places on earth.
Any new development in the city has to include plant life, such as roof gardens or vertical planting. Parks, such as the Gardens by the Bay provide huge green spaces in the city. (In addition to the island’s own rainforest.)
The new parks are increasingly connected, making it easy to walk or cycle trails around the island.
Singapore is leading the way for modern cities looking to grow and protect the environment too.
So you see, there are plenty of green and clean travel destinations to put on your travel hit list. For the eco-enthusiast, it’s great being able to take care of the planet as you explore new corners of it.
Where will you head next?
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