Eco-Friendly Travel in Iceland: An Iceland Ecotourism Guide
Iceland is a melting pot of beautiful landscapes, geothermal wonders, and rich cultural heritage. However, with the surge in tourism, it is a challenge to preserve the delicate ecosystem of the Nordic paradise.
Further, sustainable tourism in Iceland is crucial to protect the rural communities of the country. Environmental exploitation and unethical practices, two of the biggest curses of overtourism, in no way, should impact the nature and people of this beautiful country that aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040.
Further, Iceland is working on cutting greenhouse emissions by 40% by 2030.
So, as responsible travelers, we must choose eco-friendly travel in Iceland. It begins with choosing eco-friendly accommodations, reducing plastic waste and opt for responsible travel opinions.
Eco-Friendly Travel In Iceland: Why Sustainability Matters
Sustainability is serious in Iceland and making eco-friendly choices does not mean cutting down on the fun quotient.
Furthermore, acknowledging the importance of sustainable tourism in the country, the government is putting every effort to make the country’s economy diversified.
The government is treating tourism more as a supplementary industry and it is proactively maintaining the country’s manufacturing and technology industries.
As a result, the country is not overly dependent on tourism. Also, this approach is a part of the paradigm shift of “Quality over Quantity.”
Sustainable Travel In Iceland Is Crucial For The Delicate Ecosystem
Iceland has geothermal springs, glaciers, and the most unique ecosystem with fragile moss-covered lava fields. Also, it has a diverse wildlife.
However, all the elements are subject to human activities and exploitation.
Further, overtourism and a sudden influx in the number of tourists can lead to overcrowding and chaos at natural sites, tourism-related pollution and off-road driving damages.
So, to keep tourism’s impact minimal on the environment, the government of Iceland has restricted access to many areas and there are stringent environmental regulations to combat these effects.
Eco-Friendly Travel In Iceland: Know The Best Activities
Watching the northern lights is one of the most prominent and environment-friendly attractions in Iceland. However, you need to visit Iceland between mid-September and early-April for dry weather conditions and maximum clarity.
Other eco-friendly tourism activities in Iceland are going for a glacier adventure, hiking in the national parks or countryside and whale watching.
Moreover, you cannot miss exploring the volcanoes and geothermal springs.
Responsible Outdoor Activities During Eco-Friendly Travel In Iceland
You can hike, go whale watching and glacier tours or enjoy geothermal baths! You can also take a wildlife tour.
However, during all these activities, you must be responsible. For example, you must maintain the desired distance and ensure that the animals are not disturbed in their natural habitats.
Furthermore, you must stick to marked trails to prevent any damage to fragile vegetation.
In addition, you must choose tour operators that prioritize environment-friendly practices like carbon offset programs.
You must do your research and choose tour operators with VAKINN, ISO, or Cittaslow certifications.
Some other certifications to qualify a tour operator for eco-friendly tourism are The Nordic Swan, The Blue Flag Award, EarthCheck Certification, Fairtrade Certification, The Eu Ecolabel, and Green Key Certification.
Above all, your commitment should be to the conservation of nature and ethical tourism in the country.
Transportation Options For Eco-Friendly Travel In Iceland
It is easy for you to be environmentally conscious while getting around Iceland. Take a public bus, go for shared rides, or be a part of guided group tours to minimize carbon footprints.
Further, you can rent an electric or hybrid vehicle to reduce emissions. You will find several rental companies that offer green vehicle options.
Also, do you enjoy road trips? You can rent your vehicle that doubles as accommodation from an eco-conscious provider like Campeasy, which offers fuel-efficient and sustainable travel solutions.
Moreover, you can bike and walk in cities like Reykjavik to explore the urban areas while reducing environmental impact.
Sustainable Accommodation Choices For Eco-Friendly Travel In Iceland
You must go green when choosing accommodations during an eco-friendly trip to Iceland. The hotels, guesthouses, and hostels of Iceland have taken the following green initiatives to maintain the environment.
- Use of renewable energy
- Reducing water waste
- Adopting recycling program
Moreover, you can choose the eco-lodges and farm stays to experience the beauty of Iceland at its best and support the local businesses.
In addition, to be closer to nature, you can choose camping in Iceland. However, as a camper, you need to follow the strict camping regulations of the country.
Stay in designated areas, go by the “leave no trace” policies and protect the wilderness of Iceland.
Eco-Conscious Dining & Shopping In Iceland
Eco-conscious dining in Iceland involves supporting local food producers and restaurants that use organic and locally-sourced ingredients.
Iceland has many dining options with a strong focus on the farm-to-table policy. Furthermore, there are many restaurants that serve sustainable seafood as overfishing can threat the marine ecosystem of the country.
Furthermore, when shopping, you can choose handcrafted items made by local artisans as souvenirs. This is an excellent way to support the local economy.
Also, by choosing handcrafted products over mass-produced goods, you contribute to the preservation of the country’s culture and heritage.
Moreover, you must not procure products that are made of the remains of endangered species or environmentally harmful materials.
Reducing Environmental Impact During Eco-Friendly Travel In Iceland
You have to adhere to sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact during your trip to Iceland.
- Bring reusable bottles, shopping bags, and coffee cups to reduce plastic waste.
- Further, respect environmental regulations.
- Don’t walk on moss-covered lava fields.
- Avoid off-road driving.
- Do not drop litter and food waste.
Moreover, you must choose a sustainable transportation option. For example, renting a Tesla camper with an eco-friendly accommodation option will be great for eco-friendly travel.
In addition, it will lower emissions by reducing the need for hotel stays. Also, you can use biodegradable toiletries, dispose of waste properly to contribute to a greener Iceland.
Eco-Friendly Travel In Iceland Is About Making Mindful Choices
You have to be mindful while exploring the amazing landscape and rich culture of Iceland. So, the focus will be on choosing sustainable transportation options, reducing wastage, and respecting nature.
All these practices will be crucial to preserve the beautiful country of Iceland for posterity.
Moreover, as a traveler, you have all the power to make an impact with everything you do. You can travel through the iconic Golden Circle of Iceland, hike through other national parks, or indulge in local cuisine while being a responsible traveler.
So, let’s enjoy Iceland to the fullest and keep it beautiful! We wish you a Goða ferð or bon voyage!
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