Throughout each year DeziStyle points out the very best of what the world has to offer, but what do we offer the world in return?

This sentiment comes just a week before Thanksgiving, a time to express our gratitude for one another and the bounty that the earth has provided us.  Unfortunately it also comes at a time when the planet is in desperate need of healing.  There is much happening around the world that tends to exist just outside of our comfort zones, so today we shall address some of the ways that we can give back to mother nature and show respect to this giant living organism we call planet earth.

Whether you “believe” in climate change or not, the impact that humans have had on our environment is undeniable.  As travelers, we are more aware of these circumstances and have either witnessed these changes firsthand or met people who have been at the receiving end of it.  As travelers, we are part of a global community that has recognized the splendor and magnitude of what it means to humbly be a part of this fragile ecosystem.  We as travelers have a duty to fulfill.  We are the crusaders that must lead by example and relay this crucial information to others.  It is simply not enough to explore and highlight only the best of what we see, as we would only being doing this planet a disservice to not also bring awareness to those uncomfortable things that people would (understandably) rather not address.

We are the crusaders that must lead by example and relay this crucial information to others.

Information is key and with that knowledge comes power — power to do something, to make a change, to be a voice.  Its easy to feel helpless when there is so much work to be done but like everything else in life, taking one step at a time will eventually lead you to where you want to go.  With that being said, here are some relatively easy ways to start contributing towards a more clean, sustainable planet in ways that are both realistic and beneficial to your overall health and happiness.  It does not take much effort on an individual basis to make a significant change in the world, but each of us needs to be involved in order to bring about that positive shift.  I know that I would never be able to look my (future) children in the face had I just sat back and watched the slow and steady disintegration of our little blue dot.

It’s important to understand what is happening and the direct effects these have on our ecosystem.  Nothing here is new information. You’ve probably even scrolled past countless articles on Facebook that touch on the subjects of climate change, but the vast amount of information out there can be overwhelming, so the goal here is to share some simple steps on how to be more conscientious of mother nature and give back all year ’round, not just once a year.  Here are some great rudimentary steps to take in the right direction.

How to start making positive changes:

Cut back/cut out animal products.  

Well, if first is the worst, I might as well get this one out of the way.  I know there will be plenty of people who will look at this and think “Ya right..not possible”.  I myself am not a vegan or even a vegetarian, but over the past year I have completely eliminated dairy from my diet (yes, even my beloved cheese), and I have significantly cut back on meat.  Hey, its a start.  The cold, hard truth of the matter is that one of the MAJOR concerns with methane and CO2 pollution in our atmosphere is a direct affect of the cattle industry in particular – be it for milk, meat or leather, the amount of land, time and resources it takes to raise these animals are seriously detrimental to the stability of our planet and the toxic amounts of methane they produce has become a significant concern.  Cattle is not the only burden, but contributes to the majority of the environmental issues regarding livestock.  On average, livestock production uses one-third of the worlds fresh water and takes up 45% of earth’s total land.  The two leading causes of rainforest destruction are livestock and feed crops.  It’s not hard to see why this is such a matter of contention.  Cutting out animals products is a big step, but it’s also an impactful one.

Reduce the amount of plastics you buy. 

Plastic can take centuries to break down.  Now, I know it would be nearly impossible to function in modern society without somehow interacting with plastic in your day to day, but you can make progressive decisions about how it plays a part in your life as a consumer.  For starters, ditch the plastic bags (and even the paper ones) when you shop – Bring your own reusable bags and skip bagging your produce in individuals plastic bags.  No more buying ziplocks or plastic tupperware for leftovers – opt for glassware like mason jars or store it in dish ware.  Instead of buying packs of bottled waters, buy a reusable water bottle for each member of your family and encourage them to use that instead.  Plus, filtering your own water will likely give you higher quality H2O than most bottled water brands, not to mention the possible health hazards you’re avoiding by not using plastic products that leach into your goods.

Be aware of products that contain palm oil.

Palm oil is the most popular vegetable oil in the world for its high yield and low labor costs.  You can find palm oil (or one of the 25+ other names it goes by) in everything from food to detergents, shampoos and more.  Although the product itself is not something to be shunned, approximately 85% of palm oil comes from Indonesia and Malaysia and is not sustainably farmed.  This means there is a massive amount of large scale deforestation happening to make room for more palm oil production, resulting in the loss of habitat for orangoutangs, tigers, rhinos and other endangered species.  Additionally, the burning of timber and forest undergrowth to make room for more palm oil plantations is a huge contributing factor to CO2 emissions, essentially making Indonesia the third largest contributor to greenhouse gasses in the world.  Aside from not being particularly healthy, it’s just best to avoid products that contain it altogether.

Unplug electronics when they’re not in use.

We’ve all heard mom scold us at least once for not turning off the lights when we’re not using them.  Surely I’m not the only one.  However, we can save more energy and money by unplugging lights, appliances, and anything else that draws electricity when they’re not in use.  This also includes turning off the air conditioner or heater when you’re not home as well.  Even though an appliance may not be turned on, if its plugged in, it’s still using unnecessary power.  Plugging devices in and out can seem time consuming, but there are a couple solutions I can offer to minimize the headache.  The easiest and most cost effective way to go about this would be to use power strips.  Not only does this give you access to additional outlets but you only need to unplug one cord for multiple devices.  Another option is to purchase power strips that can shut off or turn on outlets using motion censors.  

Get an eco-friendly vehicle or use alternative methods of transportation.

Unless you live somewhere like NYC, it would be pretty hard not to have a vehicle to get around with.  Luckily, more brands are making the move into the eco-friendly arena and giving their buyers more of a selection when it comes to style and capacity.  Simultaneously, there are a growing number of cities around the world that are expanding their green initiatives by creating designated bike traffic lanes and electric public transportation.  As of 2017, my hubby and I are giving up both of our cars and will resort to using services like Uber or Lyft, public transport and good ole’ fashioned bicycles to get around.

Buy organic.  Eat organically.

Not only is eating organically better for your body, its better for the environment.  Non-organic produce is ridden with pesticides and other toxic chemicals and it’s estimated that about 90% of our country’s water is contaminated with at least one pesticide due to agricultural runoff.  Support your local farmers by buying fresh produce (this also reduces the amount of CO2 emissions produced by only needing to transport food locally) or signing up for community supported agriculture – they’ll send you a weekly box of seasonal goodies.  Better yet, grow your own!

Ditch the toxic household cleaners.

Your typical household cleaners are loaded with toxic chemicals that are harmful to the environment and your health.  These ingredients have been linked to a myriad of health problems ranging from skin conditions to hormonal disruptions and even cancer.  There are a bunch of eco-friendly cleaning products these days but if you don’t feel like buying them, it’s also easy to make your own using basic household ingredients like white vinegar, baking soda and essential oils.  Search on Pinterest or Google for quick & organic “recipes”.

 Buy recycled products.

No need for an explanation here.  You can help the environment buy choosing brands that use recycled materials.  Everything from shoes to toilet paper to bottles and more are available locally and online, just look for the labeling.

Switch your accounts to paperless billing.

It only takes a few clicks online to sign up for paperless billing.  You’ll have less paperwork to file and you’ll save trees – easy!

Limit air travel when possible.

This is a big one for us travelers.  Jet fuel releases a significant amount of CO2 and other pollutants in the air and every year the number of flights are increasing.  When possible, try other methods of transportation like buses, trains or by boat.  This can actually be a nice alternative that allows you to see more of the city, coastline or countryside – a huge benefit when traveling for leisure especially.

 Offset your carbon footprint.

If you feel like you’d like to give back in a way that makes you feel a little less guilty about your carbon footprint, you can pay a fee based on your own calculations, using various websites.  This levy would be put to use by helping a foundation of your choice to implement more climate change projects and awareness.  Many progressive businesses are involved in this effort on a continuous basis to offset their own carbon footprints, but why not do it on an individual basis as well?

Of course there are many more ways to limit your carbon footprint, these steps are just the beginning but are impactful when you apply them.  Anything you can do helps.  Try implementing one by one or in incremental phases such as “Meatless Mondays” or refrain from using your vehicle on weekends in favor of bicycles, walking or public transportation/carpools.

“When we heal the earth, we heal ourselves.” – David Orr

The holiday season is officially upon us and the joys of booking flights, hotels and excursions are on the horizon.  Your wallet may be anxiously anticipating the hemorrhage of cashflow that inevitably happens around this time year, but that doesn’t mean you should, too.  Paying a premium for travel is typically expected during the holidays, but there are still plenty of ways to cut back your expenditures and save the big bucks on your next trip.  Remember, always do your own research, don’t be afraid to speak up, and keep in mind that some savings may not seem like a lot, but collectively, all these little things will add up over time.

“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.”

Don’t wait to book your flights

This sounds obvious but the truth is, during some months, ticket prices can actually decrease as the date of departure draws near if there are still available seats to fill.  Unfortunately the same does not apply in busier travel months, the holidays being at the top of that list.  It is recommended to book your travel arrangements as early as possible, ideally a minimum of 4 weeks prior to travel.

Fly on the day of the holiday

For those that have family like mine, we don’t always celebrate holidays on the actual day, depending on how all of our schedules pan out.  That may seem like a major faux pas but it works for us and the cherry on top just so happens to be that we can occasionally make travel arrangements for the day of the holiday, saving us quite a bit of money in the meantime.  It pays to be flexible.

Book hotels with free wifi

Wifi charges can certainly add up, especially if you plan to be on an extended hiatus.  Rates can fluctuate between $5-35 per day in some hotels so if you rely on an internet connection to stay in touch or catch up on work, book a room where they offer a free connection.

Don’t double tip

It’s just what they want you to do – overlook the inconspicuous 18% service fee that many restaurants are including in the bill without being very upfront about it.  Many people, while full, content and possibly a little buzzed, tend to skim right over that part when reviewing the charges on a bill, unknowingly causing them to leave an additional 15-20% tip on top of what was already included in the tab.  Even more so, when traveling internationally, read up on customary tipping.  Some countries do not expect tips whatsoever (the service fee is already included in the price), so find out ahead of time to save you from any awkward encounters.

Plan your own excursions

Instead of using tour companies, research the events or places you wish to visit and plan them out yourself.  On the contrary, sometimes tour companies can actually save you money by including all transportation, meals and entry fees.  Do your homework!

Get a travel pass

Most cities offer travel passes in some way, shape or form.  Unlimited daily passes for metro stations, buses, mono-rails and trolley’s are just some of the modes of transport that usually provide these kinds of deals.  If you plan on doing a lot of sight-seeing or want the freedom to roam about effortlessly, this will save you time, money and possibly a headache.

Opt for alternative methods of transportation

Planes are the popular choice for getting from point A to B when driving isn’t realistic, but what about other options?  Flying can become pricey during the holidays, however, many cities have been amping up their public transit for those looking to travel cheaper and more efficiently.  Subways, trains, buses, or even sites like Carpool World offer some great alternatives that should save you a few pretty pennies.  Hey, every dollar counts when you’ve got an incurable case of the travel bug.      

Ship and carry on

Every time I’m standing in a long check-in line at the airport, I always ask myself why I didn’t just ship my stuff ahead of time.  Many factors would have to play out for this scenario to work successfully but indeed, it is possible to do it and save money.  First, you’ll want to consider how long and how far you’re going.  Shipping prices vary by weight and distance so you may want to consider packing up a test box with all you will need during your trip and shopping around for the best quote.  Shipping obviously works best if you are going to be visiting a residence or if it can be arranged to be delivered directly to an accommodating hotel.  One thing to consider is the possible hassle of shipping your belongings back once your trip is over, but nothing a little bit of pre-planning can’t alleviate.  Even the best airlines can charge inflated baggage costs and overage fees, so make sure to look over those details before making a decision so you can compare accuratley.

*Also, consider shipping gifts as well, or better yet, just buy gift cards instead!

Avoid airport ATM’s and currency exchange

We can’t always prevent this from happening, but as you might have guessed, ATM’s and currency exchange kiosks at the airport carry steep service charges and usually do not have the best exchange rates.  Try to change some money ahead of your travel date, at least enough to get you out of the airport and for any other incidentals while arriving in the new city.

Don’t leave your vehicle in a paid parking lot

Driving to the airport may feel more convenient, but chances are, unless you live extremely far from your local airport, getting dropped off by a friend, taking a shuttle or using a ride share service will likely be more cost effective, considering you’ll be out of town for more than just a day or two.  Uber and Lyft are great examples of easy-to-use ride sharing apps that cost much less than traditional taxis (and smell better, too).  Be sure to look out for coupon codes or first-time user free rides!

Be a snack packer!

Packing your own snacks for a flight takes a little bit of forethought but when the hunger pangs start, you’ll be happily munching on your goody bag instead of paying $20 for a dry sandwich and a bottle of water.  Bringing my own snacks have also held me over on long international flights when the food selection was less than appetizing.  Granola/protein bars, dried fruit, dark chocolate nibs, assorted veggies with hummus (they make to-go sizes now), fresh fruit with tougher, protective skins (like oranges, bananas & apples), individual size cheese bites and nuts/seeds all make for deliciously satisfying, nutritious goodies.

*Bring a water bottle or thermos in your carry-on to avoid paying premium prices on beverages by filling up at water fountains or when the refreshment cart comes by during the flight.  I never travel without my own teabags and thermos.

Bundle and save

If you know you’re going to be requiring transportation, accommodations and/or a rental vehicle, try booking all as a package deal to receive discounts.

Beware of data & roaming charges

Long gone are the days of worrying about overage charges or international fees as a proud member of the T-Mobile family.  They are one of the only cell providers out there (in the U.S.) that provide unlimited data and free international roaming to many of the major cities around the world.  Phone calls only cost about $0.20/min but there’s really no need to incur that charge when you can simply use your free, unlimited data to make calls via WhatsApp, Skype or Google.

Age is more than just a number

For those 65 and older or students with proof of school I.D., you can boast your age with pride, in return for free or discounted admissions to many attractions, community events, and so on.

Off days and times

As we acknowledged earlier, traveling on a national holiday can save you some dinero, but so can certain days of the week or time of departure.  A general rule of thumb when searching for the least expensive time to travel throughout the week are to look for red-eye (overnight) flights leaving on Tuesdays and Wednesday’s.

Use your reward points 

If you got ’em, use ’em!  Don’t forget to book all your travel through your most lucrative reward cards to plump up your ‘points piggy bank’, as well.

Ask for upgrades

The squeaky wheel gets the grease!  If you don’t ask for it, you don’t get it.  Don’t be shy to ask for upgrades on flights, car rentals, and hotel stays.  Chances are, if they’re available, you’ll get bumped up, you just need to ask.

Fly into alternative airports

When you’re flying into bigger cities, many times they will have multiple local airports to choose from.  Prices can vary greatly, even though they may only be a few miles apart.  Checking off the ‘add nearby airports’ box when researching flights will show you all the available alternative options.

Just say ‘No’ to the minibar

Tempting as it may be, giving in to the mini bar is a sure way to hike up your bill for something that would otherwise only cost you a few bucks at a convenience store.  Stock up with plenty of water and goodies before you turn in for the night.

Choose an accommodation where breakfast is included

Typically, dining in the hotel or ordering room service can be quite pricey.  I once stayed in a hotel in Barcelona that offered a 24 hour free snack bar to guests.  Everything from finger sandwiches, chips, fruit and an assortment of fresh juices, coffees and teas were conveniently placed near the lobby for our enjoyment.  Although this is more rare, it does happen once and a while.   At the very least, a nice way to save while away is to pick a place that includes complimentary breakfast in the room rate, plus you can grab some extra fruit for a midday snack, on the house.

*All ideas and recommendations expressed are that of my own.  This blog post is not sponsored or affiliated.