Sustainability and Cancún
As a vacation resort, Cancun is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. However, it is also one of the cities that consumes more energy per capita than anywhere else in Mexico.
This rapid growth and development that has happened over the past few decades have left an environmental footprint that could affect this region for years to come. In a country that is already struggling with pollution and unemployment, how can travelers make sure they are being responsible while on vacation? To find out if sustainable travel is possible in Cancún, read this article.
1. The environmental problems in Cancun and how it affects sustainability
Cancun is the only place in Mexico with a coastline on two sides, the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Cancun is a Mexican city located on the southeast coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. It is a popular tourist destination known for its beaches, Mayan ruins, and nightlife.
However, tourists and locals alike have discovered that the environment here is more than just fun — it's something to take into consideration as they plan their trips and experiences. So how can we, as travelers, take advantage of sustainable and health-conscious tourism?
“Tourism contributes about 8%
of global emissions
and is projected to double by 2050”
Annual Carbon Footprint of Specific Tourism Destinations
Carbon footprint is an internal measure of the carbon emissions generated by different kinds of activities. It is calculated as a ratio of carbon dioxide emissions to gross domestic product (GDP), expressed per unit of economic activity.
For example, the carbon footprint of traveling to a destination, such as Cancun, would be 4.5 metric tons per person (MT).
If you have to fly, here are some practical tips that will help you reduce the overall emissions of your flight:
Vacationing light – most of the clothes we take on holiday, we 'just in case', but rarely if ever do we need them. By keeping everything lightweight and compact, we reduce the payload of the plane, fuel usage, and carbon emissions.
Travel from nonstop origin to destination. Multiple flights can add up in carbon emissions per distance traveled. Choose nonstop routes when possible and as the shortest distance between your starting point and your final destination.
Use electronic ticketing where possible to avoid emissions from printing out tickets.
Look at the different airlines – how modern is their fleet? If they are operating new-generation aircraft like the Airbus A380 carbon emissions will be up to 20% less than older style jets
(Source: www.carbonfootprint.com)
Most tourists start by driving to the destination. To identify the traveler’s town in relation to their destination, you could use air travel data. Most travelers spend a few days in the traveling destination. (Follow the link to access a free Carbon Calculator for Individuals: www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx)
2. How to travel sustainably while on your vacation to Cancun
The Riviera Maya is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Tourism in the area has exploded over the past few years, and the environment is paying the price.
While efforts from local governments and tour companies to protect our natural resources are laudable, we can also help by learning how to be more environmentally friendly during our trips.
If you’re planning to vacation in Cancun, there are a few things you can do to travel more sustainably.
The first is to research the local community, economy, and environment before you arrive and think about how you can be a good guest.
Look for organizations that can help guide you and your group to the right places to visit, offer inspiration for sustainable practices that you can incorporate, such as (for example):
Taking your own travel mug or water bottle
Supporting the local economy
Supporting eco-friendly, local touristic activities companies - talking to a local tour/travel company is a great way to interact with locals and learn about the environment and local customs.
Hotel hacks:
Hang up your towels – it’s the universal sign that they don’t need to be washed and you’re happy to reuse them
Leave the ‘do not disturb sign on the hotel door to reduce unnecessary washing of linen, vacuuming, and the use of other chemicals for cleaning
Take your own toiletries (and toothbrush) to reduce the single-use of those tiny hotel bottles of gunk
It’s also worth exploring the local bars and restaurants and try to visit places where you can learn Mexican gastronomy cooking with locals.
Stay at Sustainable or Eco-friendly labeled Hotels. My recommendation for Cancún would be as followed:
Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancún*****
Level of sustainability of the accommodation: > 80%
Based on Bioscore
Emporio Cancún ****
Level of sustainability of the accommodation: between 70% and 80%
Based on Bioscore
While there are many ways that tourists can help the environment, it is important that they also have a good time while they are on vacation. If you have any questions or comments about this article, please feel free to leave them below!
Sustainable tourism is more of a focus on the destination, while responsible tourism is more of a focus on the community and the people who live there. Sustainable tourism is more about protecting the environment and the wildlife, while responsible tourism is about protecting the local community and culture, as well as protecting the environment.Many low-income countries around the world can benefit from sustainable tourism.