There are many ways to be environmentally conscious on vacation. This can involve a wide variety of areas. The important thing is: Your vacation experiences are not restricted. Rather, you are giving something back to the region by acting carefully and thoughtfully.
An important note: Since January 1, 2025, a new deposit system for disposable PET bottles and beverage cans has been in force in Austria. The deposit is 25 cents per container. You should therefore not throw the bottles away, but return them. In this way, you avoid waste in nature and increase recycling rates.
These tips are easy to implement:
- Use public transportation: buses, trains, bicycles or shared cabs are available to get to your destination. To cover short distances, you can also walk and explore the surrounding area at the same time. The Burgenland Card also offers you a further incentive to use public transport: After all, these are free for the duration of your stay.
- Choose environmentally friendly establishments: Many establishments actively use sustainable practices to protect the environment as much as possible. Here you will find an overview of accommodation in Burgenland that has been awarded the Austrian Ecolabel.
- Buy local products: Long transportation routes should be avoided as far as possible in order to keep CO2 emissions as low as possible. It is therefore preferable to buy products that have been produced locally or in the immediate vicinity. That way you really know what's inside.
- Save energy: switch off the lights when you leave your room. Air conditioning and heating are also not needed during your absence and can be turned off.
- Take short showers : Showering as briefly as possible and not letting the water run unnecessarily (e.g. when brushing your teeth) saves water.
- Use water bottles: Reusable water bottles have many advantages. You can refill them again and again at the drinking water stations. This helps to avoid plastic or metal waste and also saves you money.
- Proper recycling: It is best to find out about local waste separation practices before you arrive. You can then dispose of your waste correctly on vacation.
- Reduce waste: When buying products, make sure that they have as little packaging as possible. This can reduce unnecessary waste. Regional producers often offer unpackaged or minimally packaged products.
- Support local businesses: By visiting local markets and restaurants in Burgenland, you are supporting producers in the region. This keeps the added value in Burgenland and allows you to enjoy the Pannonian lifestyle to the full.
- Enjoy the night sky: It is no longer possible to gaze at the stars unobstructed everywhere. Therefore, visit places with low light pollution - preferably far away from large communities or bustling cities.
- Avoid waste: Even if hunger sometimes seems bigger than it is - only order as much as you can eat. However, most restaurants now allow you to wrap up the leftovers and enjoy them later.
- Try local specialties: Seasonality and regionality play an important role when it comes to sustainability. Depending on the time of year, there are various delicacies to try in Burgenland that are only available here. While you're here, sample the local specialties.
- Drink water from the tap: water is precious and one of the most important natural resources. In Austria, we have excellent water that can be drunk straight from the tap. Use refillable bottles and enjoy the fresh drinking water in Burgenland. This saves waste and your wallet!