40 Ways To Be Eco-Friendly in an All-Inclusive Resort
All-inclusive resorts are a fantastic way to relax, but they often come with a large environmental footprint especially if you did not choose an eco-resort. By making eco-friendly choices during your stay, you can still minimize your impact and set a positive example for others. Here are actionable tips to stay sustainable on your next all-inclusive vacation.
Mindful food choices
- Skip single-use items like plastic straws, stirrers, and cutlery. Instead, bring your own reusable alternatives or ask for metal cutlery.
- Eat local: Choose dishes made from locally sourced ingredients and skip imported foods. Choose a biscuit baked in the hotel over bags of chips you can buy in the hotel’s mini market.
- Zero waste: Take only what you can eat at open buffets. Food waste is a big issue at all-inclusive resorts, so being mindful of your portions helps cut down on waste. Just because it is available it does not mean you have to taste every single food on display.
- Skip imported food: If you are a seafood lover, opt for locally caught fish instead of imported species. This choice supports sustainable fishing practices and often gives you the freshest taste.
- Try plant-based options whenever possible. Vegetarian and vegan meals generally have a lower environmental impact and are a delicious way to try something new.
Smart room choices
- Reuse towels and sheets to limit laundry loads. Many resorts are happy to accommodate guests who want to reduce their environmental impact in this way.
- Take care of your room. Just because you are on holiday does not mean you should abandon tidiness. Avoid leaving food scraps or trash around, and keep towels, sheets and space neat cut back on cleaning time, water usage, and energy costs associated with laundry and vacuuming.
- Turn off the air conditioning and lights every time you leave your room. This simple habit saves energy and is an easy way to reduce your stay’s carbon footprint.
- Set your thermostat at a moderate temperature when using air conditioning. Even one degree change in temperature can significantly reduce energy consumption.
- If possible, use natural ventilation by opening windows or balcony doors to cool your room. Fresh air is refreshing, and you will reduce your reliance on the AC.
Thoughtful personal care
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life, especially if you will be swimming in the ocean. Many popular sunscreens contain chemicals that can damage coral reefs.
- Bring your own refillable containers for shampoo, conditioner, and other toiletries instead of relying on single-use travel sizes provided by the resort.
- Use a reusable razor rather than disposable ones. A reusable razor lasts longer and saves plastic, which makes it a sustainable choice.
- Avoid opening care kits or complimentary toiletries unless you truly need them. When left unopened, these items can be saved for the next guest. But if you open them and do not use it, it may be unnecessarily discarded.
- Packing multi-use personal care products is a smart way to reduce the number of items you need during your stay, and it cuts down on waste.
Be a water conservation champion
- Take shorter showers to help conserve water. Many resorts are located in areas where water is a precious resource, so every drop saved counts.
- Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it at the resort. Avoid single-use plastic bottles, which can create a lot of waste during a stay.
- Refuse drinks in plastic cup and ask complimentary drinks in glasses instead.
- Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing your hands. It’s a small change but helps conserve water when many people adopt the habit.
- Rinse off before entering pools to reduce the amount of chemicals needed to keep the water clean. Pool maintenance is easier, and you help keep chemical use down.
- Don’t flush down anything in the toilet. If the resort requests that you dispose of toilet paper in a bin rather than flushing it, be sure to follow this guideline. Many resorts, especially in regions with older plumbing systems or limited sewage treatment facilities, ask for this to prevent plumbing issues.
Mindful energy use
- Only charge your devices when necessary and unplug chargers when not in use. This helps save energy and is an easy habit to follow.
- If you have one, bring a solar-powered charger. Many solar chargers are efficient and can reduce your reliance on electricity during your stay.
- Be mindful of your energy consumption in general. Turn off the lights in the bathroom if you exit or turn off the TV or other electronic devices when you are not using it. Resorts use a lot of power, and reducing your personal usage can have a positive impact.
Choose eco-friendly activities
- Look for nature walks or eco-tours offered by the resort. These tours often focus on learning about local flora and fauna as well as local culture.
- Participate in any beach or park cleanups organized by the resort. It is a rewarding way to spend an hour and contributes to a cleaner, healthier environment.
- Support local artisans by buying handmade souvenirs instead of chain store items. This supports the local economy and reduces the environmental impact of shipped goods.
- Opt for non-motorized sports like kayaking, snorkeling, or paddleboarding. They have a lower environmental impact and allow you to enjoy nature more peacefully.
Support any and all green initiatives
- Ask staff about the resort’s green initiatives and sustainability efforts. Your interest can encourage resorts to prioritize their eco-friendly practices.
- Join any conservation or sustainability activities organized by the resort. These are often fun and a good way to meet like-minded travelers.
- Provide feedback on the resort’s eco-friendly practices. Let them know if you appreciated their efforts or think they could improve; resorts often look at guest feedback when deciding on initiatives.
Choose eco-friendly travel options
- Choose eco-friendly luggage if you are buying new bags for your trip. Many options are made from recycled or natural materials.
- Politely decline freebies or resort swag items that create unnecessary waste. Items like plastic wristbands and keychains often end up as waste. Take your hand to your heart how many items did you use or keep afterwards.
- Opt for direct flights rather than ones with layovers if you’re flying, as takeoffs and landings are the most fuel-intensive parts of a flight. Even one fewer flight leg can make a notable difference in carbon emissions.
- If your destination is reachable by train, consider this option. Trains emit far less CO₂ per passenger compared to flights. Buses are also an environmentally friendly option for nearby resorts and may be an enjoyable way to see more of the local scenery.
- Instead of renting a private car or taking multiple taxis, use public transportation or shared shuttles whenever possible. Many airports and transit hubs have shuttles that drop off at popular resorts, which are cost-effective and eco-friendly since they reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
- Packing light not only makes travel easier but also reduces the energy needed to transport your luggage. Heavier luggage increases the plane’s fuel consumption.
- If you need to rent a car, choose a hybrid or electric vehicle. Many car rental companies now offer eco-friendly options.
Connect with the local community
- Step out of the resort and take time to learn about the local way of life. Supporting local culture helps preserve it and can lead to meaningful travel experiences.
- Visit the local community to create a deeper connection to your destination. Your visit can have a positive impact beyond the resort.
More articles about sustainable travel
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.