Sustainability, quite honestly, feels like a lot of work. It is a way of living, which means that everything you do must be examined through the lens of the carbon footprint it leaves behind. And that can feel like a lot, especially when all you want to do is just relax and unwind. But travelling sustainably doesn't have to be so complicated, and so we put together THE guide for you to go through Goa with a limited carbon footprint.
Your Ultimate Sustainable Travel Guide To Goa
Eco-Friendly Hostel
URD Ki Hostel is an eco-friendly hostel located bang in the middle of Anjuna. It's a stone's throw away from so many go-to spots, in Anjuna and Candolim. They encourage and arrange for segregation of waste, use upcycled decor, cushions made from cigarette buts and even serve drinks in reusable glass jars. If hostelling is your thing, this should be your pick.
Sustainable Farm Stay
Mangaal Farm Stay is located in the South Goa town of Quepem. It is right near the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary and promises a sustainable stay. They serve home-cooked meals and offer treks apart from farming experiences. It's one of the best ways to connect with nature while you're here.
Farm-To-Table Meals
This Agonda restaurant and bar offers vegan and vegetarian food. As an exception they do serve eggs but only free-range ones. They also only serve RO filtered water as they avoid single use plastic bottles, which could also contain microplastics. Their set up is pretty eco-conscious with thatched roofs and no air conditioners, which helps reducing carbon emissions.
Try (And Then Go) Vegan
This is a complete plant-based restaurant and bar located in Vagator. For those worried of their carbon footprint from consumption of animal products should definitely hit this place. Their Khow Suey, Thai Salad and the Chocolate Mousse Cake were incredible.
Low Emission Travels
While everyone complains about transportation in Goa being expensive, did you know you could travel to the Dabolim airport from Panjim for just INR 150? Just book the bus online from Calangute to Dabolim via Panaji and vice versa online. There are similar connections from the new Mopa airport too. Apart from saving money, you won’t be contributing towards as much pollution, thanks to these electric buses.
Easy Recycling
Established in 2021, Ayya Waste Management handles two Mini Material Recovery facilities located in Dona Paula - Caranzalem areas. So, while you are here in Goa, make sure to clean and segregate your waste in different categories and drop it at their centre. You might just make some money from that and what is even better? It will be recycled or reused than otherwise finding itself in landfills.
Walking Tours
Make it Happen, a sustainable travel company that organises walking tours. They reduce the carbon footprint by serving food in reusables, made of ingredients that are sourced locally. They skip that complimentary water bottle and encourage you to carry your own. This Goa based company also supports the Maka Naka plastic (I don't want plastic) cause by giving you a cloth bag made from leftover fabric at the end of their popular Fontainhas walk.
