Balancing tourism with sustainability, these eco-friendly islands offer a green getaway for planet-conscious travellers.

The number of travellers keen to reduce their environmental impact is increasing, with around 50 per cent seeking eco-friendly accommodation according to a recent survey by Statista. In addition to checking into planet-conscious properties, eschewing big cities and sprawling tourist hubs in favour of a small island is a great place to start if you’re serious about sustainability.

READ: Capella Singapore Unveils New-look Manors

From Asia to North America, you’ll find isles running on solar power edging towards self-sufficiency, and tours championing local traditions and handicrafts.

Beyond densely populated isles like Java, Luzon and Hainan, or popular smaller islands like Ko Phi Phi and Tioman, there are plenty of destinations with a distinctly eco-friendly vibe worth exploring, like the surfing capital of the Philippines, Siargao. While hardly off the beaten track, it’s worth a mention as it’s made significant strides towards sustainability: plastic is banned (all hotels supply guests with filtered water) and almost all energy is renewable.

READ: 5 Luxury Aussie Lodges For Wellness Lovers

After you’ve tried surfing the long, hollow waves at Cloud 9 (above) – the breaks are best between September and December – buckle up for a customised Jeepney tour with Bathala Land Tours, where activities include coffee tasting and basket weaving, or book onto the Bayatakan Farm Experience, a farm-to-table day where guests eat the food they harvest.

For something more exclusive, check into the remote private island Bawah Reserve, which is located within Indonesia’s Anambas Islands, a short flight from Singapore. You may have to arrive by seaplane, but it’s the first island in the country to be powered by a renewable microgrid and has its own desalination and bottling plant plus a waste management centre.

READ: These 6 Hotels & Resorts Have Sustainability in Their DNA

As a marine conservation area (fishing and anchoring are forbidden), it’s a great spot for snorkelling: expect to see schools of blue stripe snapper, sweet lips and lionfish.

Those looking for a laid-back, sustainable Scandinavian break can consider Ærø in Denmark, which won the European Commission’s Responsible Island prize and is served by an electric ferry. Here, you can admire the brightly painted beach cabins, some of which date back to the 1920s. Stop in at the island’s brewery or whisky distillery to support the local ales and spirits, and sample local delicacies like smoked cod, herring, prawns and more at Rogeri Beer Garden.

READ: Five Spectacular Locations to Witness the Northern Lights

Entirely solar-powered and reliant on a vegetable garden that produces 2.5 tonnes of produce a month, Alphonse Island serves as a role model for sustainable tourism in the Seychelles. Visitors are encouraged not to bring any single-use plastic items with them and instead rely on the water filling stations. Activities include turtle patrols, giant tortoise viewing and walks on the uninhabited neighbouring island of St Francois.

Nicknamed Canada’s Galapagos, thanks to the many species that call it home, the remote archipelago of Haida Gwaii offers the chance to see and learn about First Nations culture. Scout for humpbacks, orcas, stellar sea lions and bald eagles, admire centuries-old totem poles, visit cultural lodge Haida House and sample “tide-to-table” seafood at resort and spa Ocean House (above).