1. Reduce, reuse, recycle
Invest in reusable options
70 billion pieces of soft plastics go into landfill each year. By making a few tweaks to the way you travel, you can help reduce your impact.
Instead of buying mini-sized travel versions of your favourite products, purchase a silicone set of travel containers instead. This way you can dispense your favourite products into them and reuse them over and over.
Out of the bathroom and into the kitchen, you can purchase reusable cutlery sets that you can take with you on your journey. These usually include the typical set: knife, fork, spoon and some even include reusable straws – helping to protect marine life too.
Pack your water bottle
Pack a water bottle. Many airports offer water stations where you can refill your bottle once you’ve cleared security. And once you reach your destination, if tap-water is a no-go, you can purchase a larger bottle to leave in your room to refill your bottle each day.
Give yourself permission to slow down
Australians throw out 2.7 million single-use or disposable coffee cups every single day. Instead of grabbing a takeaway coffee, give yourself the time to sit-down and enjoy it instead. Whether it’s getting to the airport ahead of time, and having the opportunity to go over your intinerary and plans, or simply opting to sit in a cafe at your destination and take in your new surroundings. You’ll help to reduce the amount of coffee cups in landfill.
2. Watch your waste
Check how the city you’re in recycles – it may be different to home. Some cities have additional programs, so paying attention to signs on bins can be handy. If you’re visiting natural sites, like national parks and beaches, make sure you always take your rubbish with you.
3. Pack reef safe sunscreen
Speaking of the beach, if you’re off on a tropical getaway, check the type of sunscreen you’re packing. Many sunscreens contain oxybenzone, which is toxic to the symbiotic algae that live within corals. Keep ocean critters happy by purchasing a reef-safe option.
You’ll want to purchase an SPF that uses physical UVA and UVB filters (as opposed to the chemical ones that have been connected to coral reef deterioration). Check the ingredients and look for zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients form a physical block to shield skin from absorbing any rays (whereas chemical filters absorb UV and turn it into heat that’s released from skin).
4. Switch up your transport
Instead of opting for taxis and Ubers, switch up your transport options while travelling. Take public transport, rent a bike, hire an electric scooter or even take advantage of hop-on hop-off buses to get around and sightsee. Joining a walking tour, or simply going for a stroll to see things from a local’s point of view is also a great idea. You might even stumble across some hidden gems along the way. These options are usually cheaper than opting for taxi fares too – which means more money to spend on things like tours or dining out.
5. Try plant-based options
Simply skipping meat one day a week can save 699.04 kilometres of greenhouse gases from being emitted into our atmosphere every year. Not to mention, animal agriculture also uses up a lot of water. Eating plant-based sausages instead of steak just one day a week could save 789.25 bathtubs of water per year. So why not opt for a plant-based option on the plane, or explore vego restaurants at your destination? Apps like Happy Cow make finding vegetarian dining spots easy.
How is Origin influencing good change?
For Origin, sports sponsorships are more than a logo on a shirt. They’re collaborative partnerships with a shared ambition to drive positive change for our communities and the planet. Harnessing the power of Aussie sporting communities provides an opportunity to work together to shape a brighter future.
Here are just a few ways we’re helping the sporting community transition towards net zero:
- Installing EV chargers at the Nissan Arena (home of the Firebirds) and the Royal Hall of Industries (home of the Sydney Swans).
- Providing electric vehicles (EVs), EV chargers and installing solar and battery storage at Casey Fields (Melbourne City Football Club’s new training ground).
- Helping the Sydney Swans with renewable energy solutions as part of their ambitions to reduce their carbon emissions.
Looking for more ways to make good change? Head to our 90 Ways of Change hub for some simple ways you can make a big difference.
