Every year, millions of pilgrims arrive in KSA with their Umrah packages all-inclusive and offer the holy rituals. Such a huge influx of pilgrims brings a lot of waste generation and a carbon footprint that has an adverse effect on the environment and other ecological conditions.
While authorities in Makkah and Madinah have devised a plan for efficient waste management and control, it is the individual duty of every pilgrim to ensure eco-friendliness for green travel and stay experience for the pilgrimage.
There are a lot of lifestyle choices and habits that you can adopt for an eco-friendly Umrah in KSA. Here’s how.
Get shared transportation:
For getting around in Makkah and Madinah, get shared transportation services instead of private ones. Prefer to travel in public transport i.e. buses, trains, etc. rather than booking private cars for the slightest of needs. In this way, you can play your part in minimizing carbon emissions as well as save money during your trip that you will be spending excessively on fuel and rentals.
Choose carbon-neutral flights:
Choose to fly with an airline that invests in carbon-neutral flights, engines and aeroplane models. The carbon emissions from an aeroplane are a major contributor to the global warming and climate change. With the new technologies coming, the top airlines of the world are developing aeroplane models that are more fuel-efficient and carbon-neutral. Many airlines are operating carbon natural flights for Umrah, therefore, reserve your seat with one because the cost of carbon offsetting is generally included in the ticket price.
Travel light:
Travel light and pack only your essentials along for the holy trip. It includes your travel documents, necessary clothes, footwear, medicines, electronics, toiletries and any other things that you deem necessary. Avoid carrying disposable things because they will only add to the waste generation during your trip. Therefore;
- Carry a reusable water bottle.
- Use your utensils, wooden or metal i.e. which offer reuse benefits.
- Have a travel bag to carry your daily items instead of packaging them in a plastic zipper.
- Use toiletries that come in reusable bottles.
Book hotels that have a sustainable living environment:
It is important that you stay in a hotel that has a sustainable living environment for its guests. It not only includes eco-friendly facilities for the guests but also proper recycling systems as well as the use of clean and green energies at the hotel’s end. Make sure that whatever hotel you are staying in has invested an appropriate amount for a cleaner, greener environment within its operational procedures.
Minimize your waste generation:
During your travel and stay period in KSA, minimize the waste produced. Avoid getting plastic shopping bags, disposable cutlery, and everything of the sort wherever you go. It is advised to carry your tote bag to store your purchases as well as carry your cutlery to be used with takeaways.
For all the waste you have, utilise proper ways to dispose of it i.e. find dustbins nearby and throw it in them. Also, make sure that there are separate trash bins for metal, paper, and plastic – utilise them accordingly.
Conserve water:
Conserve water during your holy trip. Whether it means minimising the wastage during ablution by turning the tap off or for your daily washroom needs. Use as little water as possible. If you notice any leakages, report it to the relevant authorities to control the waste of water.
Use dustbins as necessary:
Don’t go littering around the city, use trash bins for the purpose. If you are unable to find a trash bin nearby, store your waste in a separate bag and carry it until you find a trash bin. If authorities find you littering there, you will have to face hefty penalties.
Carry your tote bags:
Tote bags are of great use for carrying your everyday essentials, market purchases and even for shopping. You can put anything in them without having to worry about breakage. They are usually stronger than plastic bags and also remain reusable. Even if they get dirty, you can easily wash them for a fresh look.
Educate your fellow pilgrims:
If you find your fellow pilgrims littering, generating excessive waste or not using the resources mindfully – educate them about the importance of eco-friendly practices. Help them conserve resources and reduce carbon footprint by encouraging more sustainable lifestyle habits at least during the holy trip.
Travel responsibility:
When choosing your local transportation, always go for a bus, car, train, or taxi that possesses compliance with eco-friendly services. Prefer getting transportation in the latest vehicles which have modern fuel-efficient engines and minimize carbon emissions. Don’t book a ride that is visibly generating smoke from the exhaust because it may lead to legal consequences for the driver during your trip and disrupt your schedule.
So, these are the sustainable pilgrimage habits that you can opt for an eco-friendly Umrah Visa UK travel and stay experience in KSA.
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