As the world faces more pollution, eco-tourism has become increasingly popular. As a sustainable tourist, I often seek out places that embrace green technology to make way for a better future.
You too, can be a part of the green initiatives just by traveling to these destinations I’ve found. In this article, we will be exploring some of the best practices these green cities have implemented. Don’t worry; you can still enjoy your holidays without any limitations!
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Undoubtedly, this city is a role model for other green cities to follow. The city has ensured everything is powered by green technology, whether it’s wind, biomass, or solar energy.
It has also taken great measures to ensure efficient energy and water consumption by installing monitors, smart water meters, and acoustic leak sensors.
And that’s not all the implementations they’ve done! To reduce carbon emissions, a majority of the population commutes by bike, thanks to the initiatives of the government to improve the city’s infrastructure for cyclists.
To incentivize sustainable tourists, they ran a green rewards program known as “CopenPay” by giving out free tickets and lunches if you kept the public space clean or rode a bike! Unfortunately, this trial program lasted a month in 2024, and we hope it will be a permanent program in the future.
Tips to go green: Cycling is definitely the easiest way you can contribute and get a workout in, too!
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Berlin’s influx of public parks and gardens will make you feel like you are part of a countryside town as opposed to a metropolitan city. With its goal to become a carbon-neutral city by 2050, green transportation is heavily promoted with the availability of public hire bike stations and electric vehicle car stations.
It is also leading the way for green tech startups, creating a hub to foster ideas for a greener future. Hence, there are plenty of ways you can support their local green causes from shopping slow fashion items to recycling their takeaway containers (some restaurants have initiatives where they re-collect takeaway bowls)!
Tips to go green: Visit their second-hand mall, NochMall, for the finest thrift store shopping!
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Cityfolks often travel out of the city to seek nature and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Seoul is changing that by increasing green spaces within the city, taking over worn-out structures, and replacing them with public gardens so we can enjoy nature in close proximity.
This initiative is a game-changer, indicating that green spaces come first before urban development despite the increasing population. In the long run, it will play a huge role in global warming and reducing carbon emissions.
In addition, Seoul has introduced incentives to power homes with solar energy.
Tips to go green: If you are up for a hike, go “plogging” up Bukhansan Mountain, where you can find recycled bags at the information center to pick up trash.
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San Francisco is a gem worth visiting. It has a gorgeous view right by the sea and is filled with lush greenery. But what makes this location even more special is its energy resources, with 84% of it being powered by renewable energy.
They have some of the best public transportation, especially on hilly roads, and well-preserved parks such as the Golden Gate Park. If you are making the trip to San Francisco, consider our 8-day West Coast trip covering this amazing city.
Tips to go green: You can visit the world’s greenest museum, the California Academy of Sciences! It is a building that has environmentally friendly features such as recycling rainwater and is constructed with recycled materials.
Curitiba has not only provided a large number of green spaces around the city, it is also used as a natural stormwater management system. In addition, citizens have developed a recycling habit where they can trade their trash for money or other recyclable waste for food, a successful program that has helped the city recycle 70% of its waste.
The city has also implemented regenerative agriculture, where trees are planted in former waste dumping areas. It is no surprise that Curitiba has been deemed the best standard for sustainable urban planning with its rigorous initiatives.
Tips to be green: Take one of their biofuel buses!
Did you know that 100% of Reykjavík is powered by green technology? Using hydropower and geothermal resources, the air has never been fresher here, with minimal man-made pollution.
What’s even cooler is the entire Iceland is also fuelled by renewable energy, making it one of the best green countries to travel to.
Sustainable traveling is easy here, with its walkable city and abundance of electric scooters to move around.
Tips to go green: bring a reusable water bottle to enjoy fresh water from Iceland filtered through lava rocks!
It’s amazing how far we’ve come to work together in keeping our Earth healthy! We hope that when you travel to these green cities, you will also be a sustainable traveler and appreciate the environmental-friendly initiatives.
Not sure how? Check out our 5 sustainable tips for Muslim travelers to make your trip more eco-friendly!
