What is sustainable travel? 

Sustainability has become a popular topic of conversation across the world, with many people dedicated to really making a difference and others keen to capitalise on it as a ‘trend’. With global travel being more accessible than ever, what does sustainable travel really mean and how can you practice it? 

Putting it into practice 

Recovering from the unprecedented pandemic lows, travelling is quickly becoming just as oversaturated as before. Emissions from aviation are a significant contributor to climate change and tourism can increase waste. Sustainable travel consists of many important practices such as enjoying destinations responsibly and putting real thought into how you will get from A to B. 

So, what can we actually do? Here are a few ideas: 

• Shop ethically 

Holidaymakers often have a budget to spend on mementos from their travels to take home not only for themselves but as gifts for those back home. Exposure to other cultures is a core reason to explore other countries but considering what you buy can make a lot of difference. Don’t splash the cash on cheap plastic toys for your kids or mass-produced imported items when you can buy meaningful and lasting gifts from local businesses that have put in time and effort to produce something authentic. 

• Explore your own backyard! 

We are so keen to see other countries that we often forget about our own. The UK has so many weird and wonderful locations even if we don’t have the best weather. We have so many different landscapes from the peak district and the Scottish Highlands to the clear water coves in Cornwall. This way, you still get a break away, but chances are it will cost far less for you and the environment! 

• The best mode of travel 

Consider the ways you can get to your location. If you were planning on driving in separate cars, car share. If you’re driving long distance, why not go by train? Communal travel can greatly reduce your carbon footprint and sometimes a train ticket is less than the fuel cost of a car! 

igus® contributions to sustainable travel 

Something so simple yet overlooked is the benefit of packing light. By using plastic, igus® have given many industries the opportunity to reduce weight in their applications or allow for weight to be applied elsewhere.  

A great example of this is the aerospace industry. The most common method of travel across the globe is by aeroplane. The heavier the aeroplane, the more energy needs to be applied for its movement.  So, by changing from metal bearings to igus motion plastics, many kilograms can be saved, which in turn leads to lower fuel consumption and less of an environmental impact as a result of CO2 emissions. 

Another impressive product that encourages sustainable travel is the brand new igus® bike ‘RCYL’. Bicycle components made of plastic require much less energy during production than their aluminium or carbon counterparts, and the CO2 footprint is significantly smaller. The main frame and forks of this bicycle are made using recycled plastic ocean waste.   

Even after the end of the product life cycle, recycling is much easier than with other materials. Made almost entirely of plastic, the RCYL bike is lubrication-free and corrosion resistant putting it a step ahead of your average bike and providing a completely sustainable travel option! The first phase of production is currently under way with plans to see the igus bike used across the country at hotels and university campuses and for individual use. 

To find out more about igus®’ dedication to sustainability, take a look at our website here or scroll our other blog posts that explore this subject.