Green Living Tips 05.28.08

Green Globetrotting…

As Hotels, cruise lines and other travel destinations adopt eco-friendly practices, here are some tips on what you can do to minimize your carbon footprint.

Whether you travel for business or pleasure—or by plane, car or boat—your trip has an environmental consequence. With little effort, you can make your travels greener by taking action at home and on the road:

Before leaving, lower the water heater and thermostat settings and unplug appliances that don't need to be on, like TVs.

Put a vacation stop on your newspaper and mail.

Purchase electronic tickets for air travel.

At your destination, use the hotel van and local public transportation. Take walking tours, or rent a bike to sightsee.

Participate in hotel linen programs to cut the water and energy required to provide fresh towels and sheets daily.

Turn off the heat of air conditioning, TV and lights when leaving your hotel room.

Pack a night light so you don't have to leave the hotel bathroom light on all night.

Leave those little bottles of shampoo if you don't open them. Take only one brochure or map at a tourist shop.

Bring a water bottle and refill it rather than throwing away disposables.

Bring a marker, safety pins and colored beads or other methods to denote which item (towels, cups, etc) is being used by which family member. You'll be able to reuse items and cut down on waste.

Bring sandwich bags or reusable food containers for leftovers and carryout food.

Don't use disposable cameras

Use the hotel's electronic checkout system, if available, to reduce paperwork.

Source: Green Hotels Association and the Atlanta Journal Constitution