After weeks of confinement in the heart of spring and months of uncertainty, these summer vacations have a taste of freedom that's most delicious. A necessary interlude in an extraordinary period. For many of us, it meant revising plans, adapting schedules and discovering new horizons. 

Rethinking the way you travel may not have been a deliberate choice. But it will have a positive impact. Discover slow tourism.

What is slow tourism? The inspiring definition of "L'atelier bucolique speaks of tourism "where we take the time to live, to contemplate landscapes, to privilege encounters. So, beyond this definition, it's a state of mind".

Add to this the eco-responsible gestures we already adopt on a daily basis, and you've got a vacation that's in harmony with our environment. 

Find out more about our 10 things to pack here and on our social networks - for more addresses and multimedia sources.

The basics

Rechargeable containers (@marriottintl)
Discovering by bike (@radissonblumarinapalace)
Chic, local and responsible (@rymatelier)

1. All-plastic closet

The new scourge of the pandemic is plastic and single-use. Surgical masks and disposable gloves are beginning to invade cities, countryside and oceans. 

Made compulsory in the public domain at local or national level, disposable masks are not the only option. Standards are also - slowly - being introduced for washable fabric masks, also known as community masks, such as the AFNOR or TESTEX. Let's be clear: these are not medical devices; this type of mask acts as a first barrier, complementing other sanitary measures. They should be worn for no more than 4 hours, washed at 60° in a net (at the same time as your other clothes, otherwise water will be wasted), air-dried and stored in a clean bag.    

And let's not forget to remove straws, cups and disposable plastic crockery from our baskets. Another scourge of all-plastic. Choose tap water and carry a flask (which also keeps the water cool).

2. Local, local, local!

Whether it's food, souvenirs or outings, we favor - and support - local businesses. Markets, direct farm sales... many retailers have adapted their online sales services to respond to health measures and new consumer habits. Find out more before you leave, so you don't give in to the call of the first supermarket once you arrive. 

3. Labelled accommodation

Our choice of accommodation also reflects our commitments. The hotel industry, for example, has several responsible tourism labels focusing on five main themes: global environmental policy, water management, energy consumption and green energies, waste management and public awareness. These include Green Key, Green Globe and EarthCheck. When choosing between several comparable establishments, go for the one with the label. 

This also applies to other types of accommodation: camping, B&B, self-catering and many others. 

Sea version

@casaraki
@fish.swim
@cleanwalker.off

4. Minimum carbon footprint

Destinations accessible by road are highly popular, due to the health crisis. We're leaving, but not so far away. We explore by car, often within a 1,000 km radius, while waiting to take the train again. Once you've reached your destination, you prefer to cycle or walk. On the water, you're spoilt for choice. Stand-up paddle, canoe-kayak, kitesurf - all water sports that require no fossil fuels. 

5. Light hand on the sunscreen

Sunscreens are a real scourge for marine biodiversity, becoming a cause of pollution in the seas and oceans. No less than 14,000 tonnes of sunscreen destroy the seabed every year, suffocating the fauna and flora of our oceans in the process. So we prefer organic creams with mineral UV filters and no silicones in cream form. A small selection available HERE.

And then there's common sense. Shade remains the best alternative to sun protection. 

6. Recycled fiber jersey

Synthetics are the queen of swimwear components. Opt for a recycled fiber such as ECONYL®, a material created from recycled nylon (from fishing nets in particular). You'll find a selection of these committed brands in this article published in VOGUE

7. Ocean activist

More and more of them are scouring the beaches for anything that doesn't belong there. A small army of people of all ages and backgrounds, they have taken on the mission of removing subscriber waste, mainly plastic. Launched a few years ago, these citizen movements are gaining momentum every summer. We follow with interest CleanWalker and 5minutebeachcleanupemblematic figures of this growing awareness and fervent defenders of the oceans. 

Mountain version

8. Do not disturb, even for the perfect shot!

Follow the trails at all costs, as repetitive trampling creates new vegetation-free zones. These can take decades to regenerate.

9. Look with the eyes

Mountain ecosystems are sometimes the result of fragile balances, and some species are strictly protected. Hands off!

10. I eat, so I sort

Sort your garbage directly into your bag and dispose of it in the recycling garbage cans when you return from your hike. And pick up other people's rubbish if possible. Cigarette butts are one of the most common types of litter found in the environment. As a reminder, they take 2 to 5 years to disappear, but continue to pollute soil and water. A single cigarette butt pollutes 500 liters of water. 

Finally, let's not forget those who won't be taking a vacation this summer. Whether at work or at home, it's also possible to have a positive impact on the environment. Here are a few examples:

- ensure that your workspace is well ventilated, rather than using energy-hungry air conditioning;

- turn off lights and electrical appliances. As a reminder, standby mode still consumes (too much) energy. It's a good idea to consider multi-socket outlets with switches;

- get around by bike;

- take advantage of this quieter time to start thinking about your environmental commitments at a professional level. Whatever your profession, whatever your field of activity, you are in the best position to propose environmental improvements that can be included in your specifications. 

ZESTISSIME wishes you a wonderful summer! Take care of yourself and the planet. 

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