If you travel long haul, be eco friendly

The next time you fly long haul, spare a thought for the environment. Photo / 123RF

Witnessing natural wonders across the globe is one of the greatest thrills for wildlife fans. But anyone who really cares for the environment will wrestle with their conscience when it comes to travel.

BBC TV presenter Liz Bonnin is no different.

The trained biologist and biochemist, who has carved out a career reporting on worldwide nature stories, can currently be seen on British TV screens in an ambitious new documentary about the future fate of animals on the Galapagos.

But embarking on long-haul, fuel-guzzling journeys to fragile ecosystems isn't something environmentally conscious Bonnin takes lightly.

"I think there's a really good balance to be struck," she says, during a break in filming for BBC Two's Stargazing Live in Australia.

"If we do things right, we can of course visit these incredible places. It's just about how we do it, to what extent and how well it's managed."

So how can you travel without leaving too big a footprint?

OFFSET YOUR MILES

"I'm offsetting my flights, which I think is something we should all do. I travel so much for work. We've had people discuss that with us - it's all very well saying protect the planet, but think about all the air miles. You have to reconcile it."

You can do this by totting up your emissions using an online carbon calculator and counter-balancing your pollution by investing in a green project, such as one that develops renewables.

EXTEND WORK TRIPS

"Very often, I try to stay in the place I'm in and take a holiday there when I've finished filming. That's what I'm doing after Stargazing Live - I'm using that trip to visit my sister in New Zealand."

EXPLORE HOME TURF

"Because of what I do as a job, I often prefer to stay home," says Bonnin, who likes to go up to the Cairngorms and enjoy Scotland, or go to Cornwall and rent a cottage.

TRAVEL WITH ECO-FRIENDLY OPERATORS

When it comes to travel in Galapagos, Bonnin recommends: "The most important thing is to be mindful about what boat you're going to be on and to find the most eco-friendly option. Do you really need the bigger ship with a TV screen? Do you need to use lots of resources? Prepare yourself and bring all your own bio-degradable products."

BE EVER MINDFUL

"One of the main things that struck me about Galapagos is that you're not a spectator of nature like most places I've been in the world. This is about you having the privilege of being part of nature for a few days, or for a week or two. Really respect what you're about to see."

- AAP