Travel Crush Tuesday: Mariame
Photo Source: Mariame and Instagram
Welcome to Travel Crush Tuesday!
With extreme weather across the globe, oceans and entire countries on fire, beaches that are both trash dumps and wildlife graveyards, it is hard to ignore climate change and its effects. Above all its hard to ignore human kind's hand in climate change. Naturally we all do our part. Some choose a plant-based life style and composting, while others recycle and ride their bikes to work.
Beyond our every day considerations, have you ever considered the effects of travel on our planet? According to The New York Times, air-travel accounted for 900 million metric tons in 2018 alone and this number is expected to triple by 2050. The effects of travel are not lost on our TCT, Mariame. She is a sustainability and travel content creator, boasting a more conscious way of living. For sustainable travel tips and so much more, keep reading!
Tell us about yourself! Who are you? Where are you from? What do you do? What inspires you to travel?
My name is Mariame Bongo, and I am from Guinea, Conakry located in West Africa. I moved to Washington, State in 2007 with my entire family. To be honest, I would have picked a European country to move to as my first language is French, but my family was seeking asylum and the United States was the first country to give us one. I am a full-time ICU nurse and a solo-travel sustainable blogger.
What are some tips to implement more sustainable travel?
Traveling in itself isn't always sustainable but there are ways we can reduce our carbon footprint.
- Consider traveling by bus, trains, or utilizing bicycles when sightseeing during your visit. I love using the train in Europe. It's a chance to meet locals and get suggestions on less touristy places to visit.
- Pack reusable items such as water bottles, and eco-friendly biodegradable products. During the summer I always pack bio-degradable body wipes especially if there's a hike involved. You stay dry and refreshed while protecting the environment.
- Consider eating at local restaurants, staying with locals instead of big all-inclusive resorts, and booking your adventures through a local agency. It's important to give back to the community your visiting.
With the world so vast, how do you choose where to go next and does your sustainability efforts play a role?
Yes my sustainability efforts do have an impact on the countries I visit. I chose to visit Costa Rica a few months back because they are one of the leading countries in eco-tourism. Many aren't aware of Costa Rica efforts when it comes to protecting their lands from mass tourism. They do a very good job in conserving their natural land while utilizing tourism to bring business to the locals. I am very careful when I plan an adventure. I try to travel during the slow season, and usually will stay in less touristy cities. Many don't realize this but tourism harms the environment and the locals. Many smaller popular destinations usually don't have the resources to keep their cities clean after mass tourism. It is our job to be mindful and conscientious of our impact on the environment.
What is travel to you?
To me, traveling is much more than sightseeing. Sure there is a lot of history to be seen, but there is something about connecting with the locals and living their life for just a moment. I am inspired by different cultures and norms, and I love hearing about people's life stories.
What is the biggest life lesson you've learned as a result of travel?
Traveling has taught me so much by experiencing and immersing myself in other cultures whenever traveling. One of my favorite trips taken was to Thailand four years ago. I stayed with an older couple for a month. I helped with their daily activities, I rented a scooter to travel across the island and really allowed myself to be one of the locals. The slow and minimal lifestyle taught me so much about sustainable living and living with less.
Where else can folks find you?
You can find me on Instagram @avecbongo or my blog lifestylesteps. Feel free to message or send me any questions you might have.
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