Do You Know How to be Eco-Friendly While You Travel?
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Our planet is warming up very quickly and the repercussions for future generations could be deadly. You can do your part to help clean up the Earth - even while you travel.
Our planet is warming up very quickly and the repercussions for future generations could be deadly. You can do your part to help clean up the Earth - even while you travel.
Pre-Travel Planning and Preparations
• Use electronic ticketing for air flights instead of conventional paper tickets.
• Before you leave the house, turn off appliances and unplug electronics like cable boxes and DVD players.
• Reduce heat and air conditioning settings unless you have pets or plants with special temperature requirements.
• Lower the hot water tank setting.
• Discontinue your newspaper while you are gone.
Vehicle
• Try to use public transit or airport shuttles instead of taxis or rented vehicles.
• If you must rent a vehicle, choose the most environmentally-friendly car possible.
• Turn on air conditioning only if absolutely necessary.
• Check tire pressures. Underinflated tires will result in poor fuel efficiency.
• Drive at or slightly below the speed limit. High speeds burn more gas.
• Rather than using your rental vehicle for sightseeing, participate in bus tours or ride the rails.
• Consider renting a bicycle where feasible.
• Do not idle your car unless absolutely necessary.
Accommodations
• Choose a hotel or bed and breakfast that is centrally located. This will save on gas consumption.
• When booking your reservations, ask what the lodging establishment is doing to protect the environment. • When possible, choose an eco-friendly inn.
• Always turn off the lights when you exit a room, and do not leave the TV or radio on unless you are actually paying attention to them.
• Reduce the heat setting or turn down the air conditioning whenever you leave your room.
• Instead of using the elevator, walk up the stairs. You will save electricity and stay in better physical shape.
• Reuse hotel towels when practical, rather than having freshly-laundered bath linens placed in your room every day.
Activities and Tours
• Remember to take only photos and leave only footprints wherever you go.
• Instead of buying coffee and other drinks in disposable containers, pack your own travel mug.
• Reusable cloth shopping bags can be utilized on holidays as well as at home. Purchase some brightly-colored bags, if possible. They make great eco-conversation starters.
Miscellaneous
• Don't recharge your cell phone or laptop overnight. Monitor charging progress and take the devices off electrical power as soon as they are at full charge.
• Never use disposable batteries. Pack enough rechargeables for a day's activities - along with a charging unit. Better still, purchase a solar charger for all your electronics.
• Forego the treadmill or stair climber and go walking or hiking instead.
• Get rid of your old film camera and replace with a digital.
• Do not pack disposable razors, individually-wrapped towelettes, or other 'use once and throw away' items. Select refillable and reusable products.
• Instead of packing separate liquid hand cleaner, shampoo, and lingerie wash, try to find an 'all-in-one' product.
• If you see trash on your travels, be a good eco-citizen - pick it up and dispose of it properly.
• Do not purchase junk food or snacks unless they are sold in recyclable containers.
• Travel light. Extra weight in your luggage will result in increased fuel consumption - for you, the airline, railroad, cruise company, or bus charter.
These tips should steer you in the right direction.
Happy travels!
(c) Copyright Kathy Steinemann
About the Author:
Searching for a bed and breakfast, hotel, or hostel? Visit 111 Travel Directory. Trying to find some great travel tips? Surf over to 1000 Tips 4 Trips. Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com)