Daydreaming of unforgettable experiences, new friends and seriously good food. Planning a trip is pure joy, but emissions stats don’t exactly make the vision board 
We get it. But here’s why you should care 
The dilemma: how to travel AND care for the planet?
Hostels use energy and water, waste builds up, and all that transportation adds up. Every choice you make on a trip sends ripples through the local communities, economies and ecosystem.
It doesn’t mean that you have to stop chasing sunsets, though. It’s about understanding how you relate to the environment and the local community and then making conscious decisions 
The easiest choice? By staying at a hostel, you’ve already made a great call! Hostels are already proven to produce 82% less carbon emissions than hotels.
Choosing a hostel that cares about the environment and the communities they are part of helps make sure the world stays open, wild and welcoming.
Beyond taking responsibility to cut your environmental impact, learn about the local culture and support the local community 
Just check out Wonderland Jungle Hostel in Thailand changing lives through education or how HI USA makes cross-cultural connections easy for everyone.
So, how are a&o hostels pulling it off?
When it comes to making choosing to travel sustainably easier, a&o hostels are leading the way. In ten years, a&o hostels have slashed their carbon footprint from 15 kg per overnight stay to 3 kg.
We caught up with a&o’s Phillip Winter to hear how they made it happen – and with over 40 hostels in almost 30 cities from Budapest and Berlin to Venice and Vienna, they know what they’re talking about. They’re one of the small group that have reached Level 3 in our Staircase to Sustainability framework.
“It’s the hundreds of small improvements that stack up”, Philip says.
Here’s how they got those numbers down:
Switched to 97% green electricity across nearly all hostels
Ran energy audits to optimise heating and improve insulation
Rolled out LED lighting across all hostels
Converted 90% of their vehicles to hybrid or electric
Installed water-efficient showerheads and flushes
And it’s not just the big-ticket changes:
Tropical fruits and seafood? Off the menu due to high transport emissions
Bulk dispensers = less plastic waste and transport emissions
Friendly signs nudge guests to waste less food, reuse towels and save water
Over time, a&o learned that the best way forward wasn’t balancing out emissions by offsetting elsewhere. Instead they are focusing on cutting emissions within their hostels, right where it matters and they are in control.
The key ingredient: people
From receptionists to cooks, a&o invited all employees to pitch in ideas to minimise their environmental impact and got over 200 suggestions 
Each hostel also has a sustainability advocate, tailoring projects to local needs.
Every year, over 2,000 travellers crash for free while taking part in sports tournaments, cultural festivals and community projects thanks to a&o’s support.
If you’re passing through Leipzig, don’t miss the a&o Kunsthalle, a buzzing art space where over 350 artists have shared their work and anyone can wander in for free.
How to travel more sustainably – start here
The goal is to lessen the negative impact and find ways to increase the positive change. Small decisions stack up.
Pack light
The planet (and your back) will thank you. Less weight means less muscles needed to haul your luggage – and less emissions due to transport. Don’t forget a reuseable water bottle and shopping bag.
Choose your hostel wisely
Look for places that actively work to be more sustainable. In our app, filter for Sustainable hostels to spot the ones with a sustainability badge.
Eat, shop and explore local
Use your money to benefit the local community. Buy from local cafes and artisans, street food stalls and markets. Take use of the communal kitchens and share meals with other travellers.
Travel slowly
Travel slowly to enjoy the place fully and go beyond the tourist trail while producing less emissions from transportation. It’s a win-win.
Engage with the community you visit
Discover the culture, the local communities and new sceneries. Support local culture, economy and biodiversity by choosing responsible tours or activities. Consider going during low season or skipping the most popular destination.
Give back
Check out the activities your hostel offers and join in for a beach cleanup, clothing swap or a community dinner or offer to share a skill yourself – or go all in and volunteer for a cause near your heart.
In our Sustainability Stories series, we show you how hostels go above and beyond for the environment, culture and their communities – see other stories:
Changing lives through education at Wonderland Jungle Hostel
