You’ve probably noticed the green color scheme on our website. You might have seen our green cars or even experienced using our rideshare app.
That’s because we care (no, really.)
Drover Rideshare’s philosophy builds on a green culture and we want to reduce carbon emissions for the sake of the local environment as much as possible.
That’s also why we’ve put together this guide. Not to preach, but to share some useful tips for how you can make your next trip more sustainable.
So whether you’re a tourist or a local, here are eight different ways you can help us preserve the local environment.
1. Book Direct Flights
One of the many hassles you experience as a traveler is to change flights halfway. Not only does it extend the journey time, sometimes by a lot, but it’s also very tiring.
Sure, sometimes it can work out cheaper -- but what’s the environmental cost?
NASA released a report where they demonstrate how a quarter of all airplane emissions come from take-off and landing. So while it may be easier on the wallet, it’s hard on the environment.
Fortunately, many flight aggregator websites have an option that allows you to filter trips based on emissions. See if you can find a direct flight for your next trip to make it more sustainable.
2. Find Green Accommodation
If you need a place to stay for your trip, then try to find eco-conscious accommodation. Many hotels and motels have high environmental standards and proudly display it on their website.
Alternatively, you can use a website like Ecobnb, which lists eco-friendly places you can stay. Among the options, you’ll find bio-hotels and emission-free chalets.
Failing that, you can try to be as green a guest as possible.
Turn off all the appliances, air-condition, and heating when you leave the room. You can also use the towels more than once and ask the cleaners not to change the sheets every day.
3. Eat Local Food
Are you one of those travelers who like to eat the same food you eat where you’re from? Or are you the more adventurous type who doesn’t mind trying the local cuisine?
Not only will it make your trip more memorable if you try some of Nashville’s local restaurants. It will also help protect the local environment.
That’s why we recommend you eat local food.
Many of the restaurants you’ll find here source their ingredients from local producers, which means it doesn’t have to travel very far -- and that reduces emissions.
Tip: If you want an even greener solution then why not order with Drover Delivery?
4. Mix Business and Pleasure
No, we’re not suggesting that you go crazy during your business trip and neglect your professional duties. But why not combine it with some leisurely activities?
Enter the “bleisure” travel concept.
It’s a portmanteau of business and leisure, and the premise is simple. Since you’re already going on a trip, why not extend your stay with a day or more to enjoy the local area?
That way, you get to see more than just the airport hotel, and you also get to relax and unwind once your business has been taken care of.
5. Pack Responsibly
Your luggage matters -- especially for the environment. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to pack in a more environmentally responsible and sustainable manner.
First of all, pack as light as you can. The heavier your bag is, the more fuel the plane will use to transport you across the country.
Secondly, try to pack as many reusable items as possible. If you have your own filtered water bottle or plastic coffee mug, then you don’t have to buy paper and plastic containers.
It’s also a good idea to bring a separate bag for when you need to do some shopping. That way, you don’t have to waste any plastic bags.
6. Choose Your Souvenirs Carefully
There’s a lot to see, do, and purchase in Music City. And we’re sure that you’ll come across some cool souvenirs that you absolutely must have to remind you of your stay here.
Try to steer clear of impulse-purchases of cheap souvenirs you’ll just throw away later. Pick something you’ll actually want to keep, such as local ceramics or produce.
Use a site like SouvenirFinder to find out where you can get authentic Nashville souvenirs.
7. Use A Rideshare App
Public transportation is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint when you travel, but it can only get you so far. Sometimes there aren’t any buses and trains where you need to go.
That’s why we recommend using a local rideshare service. It’s better for the environment when you carpool, and rideshare is the taxi version of carpooling.
Not only are we local, but we’re also Nashville's environmentally green rideshare solution. The green color of our Logo represents our commitment to eco-friendly transportation solutions.
Tip: You can download our app from the App Store or Google play and book a ride in seconds.
8. Support Local Charities
Tennessee is home to many environmental organizations and charities that care about the local nature and fight to preserve it.
Every time you ride with Drover, you contribute 2% of your ride fare to one of our many non-profit partners and help conserve the nature in our beautiful state.
Want to Make a Difference?
Now you know how to make your next trip more sustainable when you visit or travel around Nashville and greater Tennessee.
Remember that when you drive with us, you actually minimize your carbon footprint in three different ways:
Reduce emissions with ride-share.
Drive in green vehicles.
Donate to local charities.
We have four different kinds of environmentally-friendly rideshare options to chose from so just download our app and have your pick.
