How Digital Nomads can be guided by the UN SDG's.

I think it's safe to say that for digital nomads, how we can positively impact our communities for longer or shorter periods is top of mind. How can we ensure we're leaving the town and community better off than when we came?

Maybe you already know the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It's a framework developed for governments to inspire them to build more sustainable societies from multiple angles.
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These SDGs also work well for us as travelers by guiding our more sustainable choices. They're easier to understand if we break them down into tangible actions. In this article, we share one action for each SDG parameter that we can take as digital nomads on our journey to leave better footprints. Each SDG has several sub-goals, which we have listed for each action too - if you want to read more.
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1. No Poverty 💰

Equip your wallet with a conscience: Every dollar you spend locally makes a difference in increasing peoples’ income and reducing poverty. [🎯 Target 1.1 & 1.2]
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2. Zero Hunger 🍽

Feeling hungry? Look for produce from local small farmers and food producers to help secure their agricultural productivity and income. [🎯 Target 2.3]
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3. Good Health and Well-being 💪

Get vaccinated to prevent the spread of tuberculosis, hepatitis, and other communicable diseases. [🎯 Target 3.3]
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4. Quality Education 🎓

Share your knowledge about a sustainable lifestyle and business while seeking to actively learn from others as well. [🎯 Target 4.7]
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5. Gender Equality: Choose Gender-inclusive Businesses 🏳️‍🌈

When you stumble upon local initiatives that uplift gender equality, be a beacon of sharing! [🎯 Target 5.1]
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6. Clean Water and Sanitation 💦

Take shorter showers. [🎯 Target 6.4]
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7. Affordable and Clean Energy: Choose Eco-friendly Accommodations ⚡️

Optimize energy efficiency by turning off heating/cooling in your room. 23C is the optimum room temperature. [🎯 Target 7.3]
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8. Decent Work and Economic Growth 📈

Promote all the great sustainability efforts you see at tourism businesses to create and sustain green jobs by rating through TripDoodler. [🎯 Target 8.9]

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9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure 💡

Choose restaurants and hotels that actively reduce resource use and implement other clean and environmentally sound practices -  find them with TripDoodler [🎯 Target 9.4]

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10. Reduced Inequalities 🟰

Embrace the reality of your biases (we all have them) and harness their potential to empower others by supporting diversity and inclusion! [🎯 Target 10.2]

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11. Sustainable Cities and Communities  🌆

Be conscious about the times and seasons when visiting natural heritage sites. Avoiding the crowds is not only more sustainable but also gives you a better experience. [🎯 Target 11.4]

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12. Responsible Consumption and Production: Reduce Consumption 🛒

Show you care: ask if the restaurant has a secret ingredient to tackle food waste. [🎯 Target 12.3]

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13. Climate Action: Reduce Carbon Footprint  🌦

There is no beating around the bush here - reduce greenhouse gasses by limiting airmiles and using public transport. [🎯 Target 13.2]

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14. Life Below Water: Choose Sustainable Water Activities  🐟

Reduce your use of plastic, by bringing a reusable bag and water bottle. Then avoid sunscreens that contain microplastic and octocrylene. [🎯 Target 14.1]

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15. Life On Land: Support Conservation Efforts 🐘

Don’t buy animal and plant products that you suspect might be from endangered species. [🎯 Target 15.7]

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16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions  🕊

Report suspicious behavior and violence to the authorities or security staff. Stopping crime now prevents it in the future. [🎯 Target 16.1]

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17. Partnerships for Goals 🤝

Elevate your travel choices: Opt for businesses with recognized sustainability certifications, driving impactful transformations. [🎯 Target 17.14]

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In conclusion, as digital nomads we can make a valid contribution to a more sustainable world with the actions we take while we are on the road or when settling down in a new country or city.

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Which action will you take next?

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