31 Ways to Travel More Sustainably in Fiji

How to Travel More Sustainably in Fiji: Tips for an Eco-Friendly Trip

Fiji is home to some of the most stunning natural underwater landscapes and islands in the world. If you’re not already environmentally conscious, then you certainly will be after you’ve seen some of the amazing wildlife and pristine pockets of paradise that are well worth protecting. Fiji certainly has a way of awakening the inner eco-warrior. Get a headstart on treating Fiji and the planet with a little more care by following our tips for travelling more sustainably in Fiji.

Sustainable Destination and Planning Tips

1. Travel in the Low Season to Prevent Overtourism

The low season offers a sustainable, cheaper and uncrowded travel experience in Fiji. Book your trip from November to April (avoiding the Christmas holidays) to save money and help preserve Fiji. Check out more benefits of travelling in the low season in our 10 Reasons to Travel in the Low Season in Fiji.

31 Ways to Travel More Sustainably in Fiji

2. Head to Less-Visited Destinations

Most holidaymakers head to Nadi, Denarau, the Coral Coast and the Mamanuca Islands. Avoid spending too long in these hotspots to reduce the strain on their limited infrastructure. Check out some lesser-visited yet awesome destinations in the 10 Less-Travelled Islands of Fiji.

3. Stay Longer to Make the Most of Your Carbon Footprint

It is no secret that your flight to Fiji will have the largest carbon impact of your trip. Consider extending your stay (or waiting until you can) to make up for the heavy environmental cost of your flight. Plan a longer trip with the help of The Best Fiji Itineraries for 2 Weeks.

Low-Waste Packing Tips

4. Pack Reusable Items

Resuseables, such as metal straws, water bottles and tote bags, can help save dozens of plastic from going into landfills. By packing your own (and making sure you use them), you’ll help reduce the need for single-use items in your trip and keep your waste to a minimum. By the way, check out reusable water bottles that make Fiji’s tap water safe to drink in the 6 Ways to Make Sure the Water is Safe to Drink in Fiji.

5. Use Shampoo Bars Instead of Your Resort’s Shampoo Bottles

Shampoo bars are both a great way to save money on haircare and reduce the amount of plastic used. Plus, this will also help you avoid the use of mini-toiletries in your resort that are extremely plastic-inefficient.

6. Take Your Rubbish with You

When exploring Fiji, avoid littering by packing a small bag to take your rubbish with you. Know that aerosol sprays, batteries and many plastics, for example, are not properly recycled in Fiji, so take them back home where you are more likely to recycle them properly (or avoid bringing them at all).

7. Pass On or Return Brochures, Guides and Maps

Travel pamphlets and brochures are everywhere in Fiji and many of them are super useful. On departure, what about leaving them behind in your accommodation’s lobby, for example, so they are used a second time?

8. Use Reef Safe Sunscreen

Standard sunscreens are made with oxybenzone and octinoxate that are harmful to Fiji’s coral ecosystems. Use reef safe sunscreen to enjoy Fiji’s amazing coral reefs without damaging them. Check out our favourites in the 10 Best Environmentally Friendly Sunscreens.

9. Use Natural Mosquito Repellent

DEET is the main component of standard insect repellents that contaminates soil, waterways and isn’t all that great for you either. Use lemon and eucalyptus sprays, cover your arms and legs, or use one of the other 10 Best Eco-Friendly Insect Repellent.

Sustainable Transportation Tips

10. Use Public Transport Wherever Possible

Buses and island-hopping via ferry are truly a local’s experience and much better for the planet than, say, helicopter transfers, water taxis and taxis that only transport a handful of passengers. Public transport results in fewer carbon emissions per head. See all of your options for travelling in the Fiji Transport Guide: 16 Best Ways to Get Around Fiji.

11. Offset the Carbon Cost of Your Flight

Pretty much every airline offers options to offset the carbon footprint of your flight. It’s only a few dollars but can do miracles! If you are after a more comprehensive carbon offsetting solution, however, look into myclimate.org or flygrn.com that offer great options.

12. Use Shared Airport Transfers or Buses Instead of Taxis

Not only will using shared airport transfers or buses save you money, but it will reduce the amount of gas used per passenger. Most shared airport shuttles offer quick door-to-door services while buses take you from Nadi, along the Coral Coast and all the way to Suva. Learn more about your airport transfer options in the 10 Best Airport Transfers in Fiji.

13. Non-Stop Flights are Less Impactful

It is no secret that flying direct can save you a lot of time. But did you know that it also results in a lower carbon footprint? Making your total flight time shorter reduces the carbon footprint of your trip and we’re all better for it. Check out where you can take direct flights to Fiji using Which Airlines Fly Straight to Fiji?

Eco-Friendly Tips for Staying in Fiji Resorts

14. Pick Eco-Resorts and Accommodations

Many Fiji resorts and accommodations make a significant effort to offer their clientele a more sustainable stay. By picking accommodations that positively impact their surroundings, you’ll turn your trip into something good for you, the local community and the planet. Check out some of our picks in the 10 Best Eco-Resorts in Fiji.

15. Do a Village Homestay

Support local communities by staying in a Fijian village. Locals across Fiji offer their spare rooms and even cultural tours where all proceeds go toward local families rather than international resort chains. See some of our top picks in the 10 Authentic Village Stays in Fiji.

16. Hang-Dry Your Towel to Save on Resort and Hotel Laundries

Hotel laundries are notoriously heavy on chemical detergent and water usage, so consider keeping your towel for a couple of days. All you’ve got to do is to hang your towel to dry instead of leaving it on the floor; the housekeeping staff will get the message.

17. Turn Off the Light, TV and A/C in Your Resort Room

Resort rooms can be cooled in a matter of minutes so there’s no need to let the air-con work all day. Before heading out, do a quick check around your room and turn off all the appliances to help decrease the power consumption of your stay.

18. Close Your Windows When Using the A/C in Your Resort

Air-conditioning machines have to work extra hard when set in larger spaces… And there is no larger space than the Fiji outdoors! Make sure to keep your doors and windows closed when cranking up the A/C in your hotel room. It will significantly reduce your power usage.

19. Use Your Room’s “Do Not Disturb” Sign

Avoid unnecessary cleaning and chemicals by placing the “Do Not Disturb” sign on your room’s door. This way, it will not be cleaned daily. Some resorts even offer rewards for guests doing this, such as food discounts, for example.

20. Bring Your Own Soap and Travel Soapbox

Instead of using mini-toiletries in resorts that are extremely plastic-inefficient, use your own soap (and reusable soapbox for easy travel)! Not only will it reduce waste, but it means that you can stick to your loved and trusted brand and avoid any nasty surprises.

21. If Using Resort Consumables, Take Any Leftovers with You

If you choose to use the mini-toiletries included in your resort’s room, take them with you when you leave. No matter how much of it you have used, it will be discarded by the housekeeping staff and that’d be a shame.

22. Try Backpacker Resorts

It is no secret that having more people in one room creates less of an environmental impact, so what about giving a shot to backpacker resorts or lodges? You can even book a full room for your whole party and have a holiday style stay. Check out some of our top picks in the 10 Best Backpacker Resorts in Fiji.

Ecotourism Activities in Fiji

23. Choose Eco-Tours

Many Fiji tour operators make a significant effort to offer travellers a more sustainable experience. By picking tour operators that positively impact their surroundings, you’ll turn your trip into something good for you and the planet. Check out some of our top eco-tour recommendations in The Guide to Ecotourism in Fiji.

24. Think About the Impact of Your Souvenirs

Many souvenirs found in Fiji are not local and have been shipped from all over the world to be packed and transported back into your country. Pick locally made souvenirs and sustainable gifts rather than, well, plastic tatt.

25. Take in the Scenery

Going on a walk, snorkelling and relaxing by the beach are not just some of the most memorable experiences in Fiji, but they are also some of the most sustainable. The scenery above and below the surface is, arguably, the country’s biggest selling point so why not enjoy it without the fluff of, say, a helicopter tour?

26. Do Not Stand on Coral

Speaking of snorkelling and relaxing at the beach, another thing to be mindful of when looking to travel more sustainably in Fiji is how you impact coral. Try not to stand on coral or break any with your flippers; it takes years to regrow. Enjoy coral from a safe distance.

27. If You See Some Litter, Pick It Up

Not all travellers and locals are mindful. If you see some litter, pick it up and dispose of it properly. This will help keep Fiji safer and potentially save some curious wildlife from choking.

28. Visit Fiji’s National Heritage Parks

Fiji has around six national heritage parks and conservation reserves where land is preserved in its natural state for you and future generations to enjoy. Support efforts to conserve natural ecosystems by simply visiting them and paying the small fee for admission and guided walks. Many of these national parks are listed in the 10 Best Hikes in Fiji.

Sustainability Tips in Fiji for Food and Eating Out

29. Do Not Be Afraid to Say “No” to Plastic in Restaurants

Many cafes and restaurants in Fiji still use plastic straws and utensils. Don’t be afraid to say no to them and use your own reusable alternative (or, you know, simply drink from the cup). Our team does this regularly and we never receive as much as a bad look.

30. Eat Local

When travelling, there’s no need to have the same imported treats from home. Try something local! Fresh locally sourced ingredients are better for the planet. Plus, you’ll hardly regret trying some of the local delicacies. We guarantee it! Check out some local eats in the 18 Unique Foods in Fiji You Have to Try.

31. Try Fiji’s Vegetarian or Vegan Food

Travelling is a great opportunity to try new things. You may have heard that plant-based food is easier on the planet, so why not give a shot at a vegetarian meal or two during your trip? You may discover something new and delicious. Plus, it will help reduce your impact in a multitude of ways. See some fantastic options in the 5 Best Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Nadi, Denarau, Suva and Mamanuca Islands.

More About Ecotourism and Travelling Sustainably in Fiji

That’s it for our official list of tips on ways to travel more sustainably in Fiji but is by no means the end of our eco-advice! Check out these other guides for the eco-conscious traveller:

And don’t forget our general Fiji tips in the 31 Tips for Travelling in Fiji and The Complete Travel Guide to Fiji.

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Fiji Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Fiji. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Fiji’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

Contact Laura via our contact page