SANTO DOMINGO – Summer days are already in the air on the beaches of the Dominican Republic. If you're planning a getaway to disconnect and relax, remember to put into practice your commitment to the environment to continue contributing to the health of the planet, a task that begins the moment you pack your bags.
According to a study conducted by the Association of Industries of the Dominican Republic (AIRD) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), more than 88,000 tons of plastic waste are generated in the Dominican Republic, of which only 22,000 tons undergo a waste management process, leaving 66,000 tons scattered in the environment, the Caribbean Sea, and the country's rivers.
This reality highlights the importance of combating pollution due to the potential risk it poses to marine life and humans. For this reason, Grupo Piñero, a Spanish tourism company with nearly 50 years of history, offers a series of recommendations through its "We Are Eco-conscious " movement, an initiative launched by the company. The initiative encourages people to work for the planet and travel with an "eco-friendly" suitcase , as stated in a press release sent to El Inmobiliario , a digital newspaper, where the company suggests:
- The less paper, the better: money, travel tickets, maps, and so on. He argues that thanks to technology and digitalization, it's no longer necessary to pack this type of documentation in your suitcase, and you can avoid carrying a lot of paperwork since check-in can be done online, money can be kept on credit or debit cards, and travel apps can be accessed on electronic devices. Consuming less paper is also much more convenient and an easy way to care for the planet.
- Recycled suitcases and backpacks: More and more companies are manufacturing products from recycled or eco-friendly materials. In this regard, many suitcase and backpack manufacturers produce their products based on sustainable criteria, so when deciding to buy one, always opt for those that are as sustainable as possible, the document states.
- Forget the "just in case" items: Most people pack things they never use on their trips. Forget the "just in case" mentality. Just take a few minutes to think about your destination and the type of trip you're taking to pack only what you truly need. This simple exercise not only saves space and reduces weight, but also helps the environment and avoids unnecessary consumption.
- A responsible toiletry bag: essential items in your suitcase include personal hygiene products like toothbrushes and toothpaste, shower gel, and shampoo, among others, which often come in plastic packaging. In these cases, a good alternative is to opt for solid products, in bar form, for example, for shampoo and soap, or even toothpaste. Likewise, choose bamboo toothbrushes, wooden combs, or natural sponges. This way, your toiletry bag will be zero waste . Sunscreen is another product you can't forget to include in your toiletry bag. Of all the options you find in stores, buy one that is biodegradable or reef-friendly .
- Essential reusable items: Another must-have in an eco-friendly suitcase, according to Grupo Piñero, are reusable cloth bags. They're incredibly useful for storing dirty laundry, as well as souvenirs or gifts you've bought for your loved ones during your trip. With them, you'll avoid using plastic bags and help reduce their impact on the planet. Similarly, always carry a stainless steel or other durable, reusable water bottle with you. This will reduce your consumption of plastic bottles, but if you do need to use them, remember to dispose of them in the appropriate recycling bins and collection points.
In addition to these tips, Grupo Piñero's 'We Are Eco-conscious' movement encourages everyone to embrace their inner eco-conscious individual. Isabel Piñero, Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) of Grupo Piñero, maintains that “offering unforgettable experiences entails practicing environmentally responsible tourism; a responsibility and commitment that we at Grupo Piñero clearly understand. Therefore, through the 'We Are Eco-conscious' initiative, we reaffirm our purpose as a corporate citizen, aiming to promote more conscious and environmentally conscious tourists, which will lead to more sustainable and waste-free destinations.”.
