Bring Along Reusable Alternatives

When you're on the road, it's so easy to accumulate more single-use waste than when you're at home. Utensils with your takeout, plastic bags when you stop at the store for more sunscreen, and tiny shampoo bottles from the hotel all add up over time. Try bringing along your own instead. You can pick up reusable utensils, water bottles, and straws to toss in your purse. You can also stock your cosmetic bag with refillable bottles (that meet TSA size guidelines if you're flying) so you can help eliminate unnecessary waste.

Select Lodging That Prioritizes Sustainability

When your accommodation takes sustainability seriously, it makes a difference in your experience, knowing that you're supporting a business that's making greener choices for the community and the planet. It can be hard to know what hotels are actually committed to the environment. But look for badges like the Wyndham Green Certification Program to help you pick a place to stay that keeps sustainability top of mind. Highline Adventures properties, for example, prioritize sustainable initiatives from water conservation to solar installation at all of their campgrounds, hotels, and vacation rentals. You'll have peace of mind with an intentional hospitality company knowing that they're doing their part as you travel.

Purchase Carbon Credits

The carbon emissions from travel can be a significant part of your annual carbon footprint. Purchasing carbon credits helps reduce that impact. Western Sustainability Exchange (WSE), an organization in Livingston, Montana, collects purchased carbon credits that they use to pay ranchers and other land stewards for sequestering carbon on grasslands through regenerative grazing practices. It's a great way to help the local environment when you visit Montana directly. That's why we partner with WSE at Highline Adventures.

Opt for Slower, More Engaged Travel

Transportation packs one of the biggest environmental punches. When you're away from home, reducing the amount of time spent on planes and in cars per trip means you're automatically reducing your ecological impact. Slow down and take your time to enjoy each spot you visit, and really get to know each place.

Drive or Take Direct Flights When Possible

The carbon footprint of travelers on a flight is significantly larger than traveling by car or train – over 12 times more for a family of four traveling together. When flying is necessary, taking direct flights can help minimize the impact, as can purchasing carbon credits.

Skip the Continental Breakfast and Eat Local Instead

Hotel breakfasts are notorious for plastic packaging and creating waste. Instead of dining at your lodging's breakfast buffet, opt for a morning meal at a local cafe instead. It cuts down on waste and helps the local economy at the same time.

Stay in a Locally-Owned Accommodation

On the social side of the sustainability equation, staying in locally-owned accommodation helps put more money back into your destination's economy. Keep in mind, many hotels with national names are actually franchises. So just because a hotel has a name you recognize, doesn't mean it isn't locally-owned.

Find Activities That Support Locals

Sustainably goes beyond environmentalism. It also looks at the social aspect of economic sustainability. Finding activities that support local businesses goes a long way to keep local areas viable for tourism in years to come.

For more on Highline Adventures' green programs, check out our Sustainable Travel page, or click here to book your sustainable stay in Big Sky Country.