Being responsible has never been more fashionable - and more than anything else it's necessary. We have tips on how you can travel to 'greener pastures'. Some tips are easier than others but the point is to try as much as you can.

Bottled water

It's simple to go green with bottled water, just don't buy too much. When travelling the last thing you want to do is struggle for water. Get a reusable water bottle; fill it up at the hotel with filtered water on your way out. Top it up whenever you get the opportunity and buy bottled water only when you really have to.

Off set

Because you can't avoid flying, get into the habit of calculating and offsetting your carbon footprint after each flight. It can be slightly difficult getting into it but it's an easy process. The carbon calculators  available online take the guessing game out of off-setting.

Less is more

Making sure your carbon footprint isn't too large to start with is also another way to be green savvy. Packing less reduces your carbon contribution to the whole aircraft footprint as the plane works less. Flying direct also helps. Planes burn more carbon during landing and take-off than when flying at a constant altitude. So whenever you have a connection, you increase your total carbon emission.

Stop the voltage vampires

Before you leave make sure all unnecessary appliances are unplugged. This includes TVs, laptops, toasters, chargers, etc. You might think that because your TV switch is off or the cellphone is out of the charger no electricity is being used and therefore no carbon footprint upsurge. Wrong. Unless they're out at the wall-socket they use what's called "vampire power", commonly referred to as standby power.

Leave it as you found it

If you're having a bush vacation out in the mountains or perhaps even a safari, leave everything as you find it. This goes beyond picking up your litter. Don't disturb the eco-system or take interesting looking plants with you or small animals you think you can pet at home.

Check your fish

It's not just wild animals that are endangered. Even sea life is at risk. With more people opting for seafood for health reasons and the daring factor for the more exotic fish, it's important to know you’re not contributing to the loss of sea populations. Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative takes the guessing game out of your dinner. They are an organisation that tracks marine populations and they know which fish are on the endangered list or not. SMS the name of the fish you'd like to eat to 079 499 8795 their reply will help you know if your choice is safe or endangered.

Buy local

Wherever you are, try to buy local as often as possible. Seafood in Polokwane, transported from Durban, is not local. If there's an opportunity to eat food you definitely know was made in the area you’re visiting, do so. Eat it up and reduce those food miles.

Follow the green noise

Travel to support green efforts. Later in the year, in October in fact, there'll be a green festival in Cloof Wine Estate in Darling. Rocking the Daises is an annual music festival with an eco-lifestyle consciousness. Check it out, it's not just for tree huggers (and either way it rocks to be one).

Want to head to the Cloof Wine estate in Darling, check our packages.