5 Tips for Traveling Green

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We all know how important it is to do our part to protect the environment and preserve the natural beauty of our planet. I’m sure (after reading my blogs) all of our daily routines have come to include small behavioral changes such as turning lights off when we leave the room and recycling our kids’ endless array of plastic, glass and paper products. But more than likely, as soon as we hit the road for a few days, our green way of living goes out the window (along with our diets). Fortunately, there are a number of easy ways to maintain our sustainable lifestyles when we’re heading off for some much needed rest and relaxation. Here are a few of my favorite tips for traveling green:

1. Stay at environmentally-friendly hotels. Many hotels use smart energy designs to help reduce their carbon footprint. Look for one in the area you’re staying to support the green movement.


2. Eat at restaurants that offer locally-grown food. These products significantly cut down on greenhouse gas emissions since they require a much shorter transportation route than those that are outsourced from other areas. Plus, locally-grown foods tend to taste better, too.


3. Unplug hotel appliances when they’re not in use. Even when appliances are turned off, they use energy unnecessarily. So, unplug that mini-fridge if you’re not planning on using it during your stay. 


4. Take quick showers instead of baths. A five minute shower saves much more water than a bath, so leave the bath salts at home. Also try and reuse towels instead of using freshly laundered ones everyday.


5. Forget reserving a rental car and explore your vacation destination on foot. This will eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from your transportation and you’ll become better acquainted with the area you’re staying.