Sustainable travel is important. As we learn about green travel, we come into contact with the many ways we can help protect our environment. For example, we already know that carbon credits are a good way to offset a plane trip. Another ecofriendly travel tip is to travel light (your wallet will thank you for it) and travel nonstop, in order to cut down on your carbon footprint.
But protecting our health is also an important part of green travel.
Sometimes, when I’m on a plane, I can already feel the tell-tale signs of impending illness: headache, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. I know that if I don’t take simple precautions, I’ll feel rundown after I get off the plane, and nothing – not even the knowledge that I’ve flown nonstop to reduce my carbon footprint – will make me feel better for at least a week.
Anti-Sick Gel, Please
To cut down on my chances of getting sick, I’ve learned to make sure that I’ve got handy anti-bacterial gels or wipes with me at all times. Some anti-bacterial gels are even eco-friendly, without fragrance and with green ingredients. Prefer to take wipes instead? I love these green ones. Remember your plastic baggies so that your ecofriendly anti-bacterial gel can fly with you.
Manners
Go by the good-neighbor rule. If you’re the one who’s feeling sick, please cover your mouth or nose if you have to cough or sneeze.
Socks
Going through pre-flight security? Since I know I’ll have to take off my shoes as part of most security checks, I’m never without socks when I’m traveling. Make sure you wear socks in order to avoid walking barefoot on the same carpet as the last several hundred travelers who flew the friendly skies. (Can you imagine all those germs? Oh no, thank you.) If you’re traveling in flip-flops or sandles, stow the socks in your purse or backpack and pull them on when you’re in line. Socks will also come in handy if you want to take off your shoes and get comfortable on your non-stop, green-friendly flight.
Water, Water Everywhere
It’s easy to get dehydrated in the dry air of the cabin, so be sure that you’re drinking from your stainless steel (or eco-friendly, BPA-free) water bottle. If possible, avoid caffeine or alcohol, neither of which will keep you hydrated. If for some reason you don’t have your travel bottle with you, remember to ask for water frequently.
