I’ll be honest, sustainable travel wasn’t something I really thought about much before. But my trip to Oaxaca, Mexico, felt different from my usual travels. Maybe it’s because this time, I traveled with a more mindful approach, wanting to immerse myself in the local culture rather than just lounging on the beaches in Cancun or Tulum (though those beaches are stunning!).
As I dug deeper into the local towns and learned about the economic challenges in Oaxaca City, I realized that practicing sustainable travel in Oaxaca was a great way to make a positive impact during my visit.
So, here are five simple ways I made my trip more sustainable. Of course, there are many other ways to travel sustainably, but these are the steps that I took to reduce my environmental impact.
1. Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodations
Instead of booking a typical Airbnb (which is often owned by foreigners), I wanted to support the local community. After doing some research, I found Hotel con Corazón Oaxaca, a socially and environmentally responsible hotel. This place is serious about sustainability – LED lighting, low-flow faucets, showers and toilets to conserve water, and encourage their guests to reuse towels to reduce laundry loads.
They also use biodegradable cleaning products, soap, and shampoo, and they’re big on recycling and composting.
What really sold me, though, is that Hotel con Corazón invests the majority of its profits into local education programs helping students from low-income families in Oaxaca, get better opportunities in the workforce. This not only supports the region’s economy but also helps break the cycle of poverty, which is key to promoting sustainable travel in Oaxaca.
2. Be Mindful of Water and Energy Use
One easy way to be more sustainable while traveling is to conserve water and energy use. Simple things like taking shorter showers, turning off lights when you leave the room, and turning off electronics when not in use can make a big difference.
Hotel con Corazón made this easy by not having TVs in the rooms to save energy and using low-flow water systems. Honestly, I didn’t miss having a TV at all, since I was out exploring most of the time, and I barely noticed the lower water pressure.
3. Support Local Businesses
One of the best ways to help the local economy is by shopping, eating, and booking tours with locally-owned businesses. Not only does this cut down the carbon footprint compared to larger, more corporate tour companies, but you also get a much more authentic and intimate experience. Plus, you’re directly supporting the people of Oaxaca!
4. Use Public Transportation or Walk
Instead of renting a car or relying on taxis, try using public transportation, biking, or walking. It’s a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and allows you to explore destinations more intimately. Oaxaca City is pretty compact, so it’s easy to walk everywhere, and the charm of the city is best experienced on foot! For day trips, I looked into locally-owned tours or ventured on my own by taking public transportation. Even taking a collectivo (shared ride) is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.
Want to know more about the must-see spots in Oaxaca? Check out The Ultimate Guide to Oaxaca City, Mexico to help you plan your walkable adventures!
5. Minimize Use of Plastic
To avoid adding to the massive amount of plastic waste, bring reusable items like a water bottle and shopping bags. Hotel con Corazon also helped by offering refillable water stations, so there was no need to buy single-use plastic bottles. It was an easy way to reduce my impact while staying hydrated! They also have a zero-plastic policy.
I hope these mindful travel tips inspire you to approach your next adventure with a bit more thoughtfulness. Every little change helps when it comes to making a sustainable impact in Oaxaca or anywhere else you visit.
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