5 ways to reduce your environmental impact in Iceland

At BusTravel Iceland environmental issues are something that we care deeply about. We have implemented a number of measures to reduce our environmental impact, such as being an active member of Kolvidur (the Icelandic Carbon Fund) and maintaining a modern fuel-efficient fleet. We actively support our guests in their desire to minimize their environmental impact whilst in Iceland. Here we have listed our top 5 tips!

1. Drink the tap water

In Iceland all of the tap water comes from natural springs, and is exactly the same as bottled supermarket water. Icelanders are very proud of the water, and guests to the country often comment on the great taste! Sometimes visitors are surprised by the smell of warm water from the taps. The smell is sulphur, and although is a little strange, it is perfectly safe. However, the warm water doesn’t taste particularly great, so it is recommended to let the water run until ice cold to ensure a refreshing drink. By drinking water from the tap not only are you saving the environment by purchasing less plastic, but you are also saving money and getting an amazing drink.
 

2. Choose a carbon neutral tour

Choosing to travel by bus, rather than hiring your own car, is a more environmentally efficient option. Furthermore, choosing to travel with a company which provides the option to offset your carbon footprint is even more effective. At BusTravel Iceland you can pay a small additional fee of 220isk which is the equivalent of one planted tree. We are dedicated members of the Iceland Carbon Fund (Kolviður) who plant trees in Iceland to improve the environment. The full 100% of your donation goes directly to the Iceland Carbon Fund. In addition, all our buses are on the highest standards when it comes to emission - EURO 6.

3. Buy local Icelandic products 

There are a couple of products that regularly have to be imported to Iceland because as an island nation in the North Atlantic not all produce can be grown or manufactured. Notably beef is mostly imported from other countries. If you are attempting to be more conscious of your consumption habits then avoiding imported food would be beneficial. Lamb and fish, such as cod, are easily and widely available in Iceland. Indeed, many visitors comment on the high quality of Icelandic lamb. Icelandic grown vegetables are produced in specially geothermally heated greenhouses, which you can even visit! The Fríðheimar tomato farm is a great example of this innovative way of farming vegetables. On our small group Golden Circle tour we make a stop at this greenhouse for lunch, where you can tour the farm and taste the amazing vegetables! Iceland produces potatoes, cucumbers, salads, carrots, strawberries and much more! 

4. Stay on the marked paths

Icelandic nature is extremely sensitive due to the very short growing season and cold temperatures throughout the year. Therefore it is incredibly important that you stay on clearly marked paths to enable the plants and flowers to grow. Some species, like moss, take a very long time to grow, so it is important not to damage the fragile nature.

5. Take the Icelandic pledge 

The ultimate thing to protect the delicate Icelandic environment is to take the Icelandic pledge, and to be informed about the rules and expectations in the country. Make sure you are informed and be considerate.