Reduce Reuse Recycle. You have felt it for years. But what can you do to help the environment while you travel? Here are some tips to make your trip greener.
1. Over two thirds of the air pollution in cities in the United States comes from automotive emissions. The good news is that car rental companies are testing eco-friendly vehicles in some cities in the United States. In the meantime, travel by bus and train has reduced both pollution and the number of vehicles on the road. Rent a bike, use local transportation or stay within walking distance of the target tourist sites. Use the airport shuttle or share a taxi. If you are parked or stuck in traffic, stop the engine.
2. Fly Southwest or Virgin Airlines: the industry leaders for eco-friendly travel. Southwest has adopted a recycling policy for all cabin waste and uses electronic ticketing throughout their system, reducing paper waste. Virgin Airlines has made major donations to the development of "green" solutions for air travel and is a leader in the implementation of an aircraft towing system on a take-off grid, resulting in reduced fuel consumption, less noise and reduced emissions of CO2. Other airlines are working to adopt "green" policies. You can reduce carbon emissions by choosing a closer destination or by finding alternative means of transportation. If your schedule allows, travel by train or bus to your destination. Also consider making a donation to an organization that provides "carbon offsets" for the use of your CO2 trips, basically a donation to help develop "green" resources such as solar energy or reforestation.
3. Take advantage of the hotel's "green" policies by reusing sheets and towels if you stay more than one night. The savings in energy and water costs and in the use of detergents are significant. It has been estimated that at least 70% of guests enjoy this simple idea. Use your shampoo and soap instead of the mini-bottles and bars provided in most hotels.
4. Take shorter showers (remember: in some areas, water is a limited resource. Your long luxury shower could deprive a native family of precious water.) Turn off the TV and lights if you're not in the room and monitor your heat and the use of air conditioning. Turn off the thermostat if you intend to leave for an extended period during the day. Use a reusable water bottle and recycle where possible.
5. Choose an ecological destination, also known as sustainable tourism. Enjoy local markets, native sites and a natural environment. 'Leave it better than you found it', or at least try to have a neutral impact on the area. Visit local parks and natural areas so that your dollars can support the eco-economy. Orbitz (eco.orbitz.com/) has developed a list of "green" destinations in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly travel.
6. If you have any idea of a fantastic day spent aboard a boat, pay attention to your refueling practices. Nozzle leaks, overflow of the fuel tank, leaking pipes or maintenance problems contribute to the stress of the water environment. Keep the sanitary towels on board to absorb any spills and dispose of the material correctly. Do not use soap to clean up a spilled fuel. Use propylene glycol to overwinter water lines, not a common car antifreeze that is highly poisonous to animals. And if your yacht has facilities on board, properly dispose of wastewater and wastewater.
7. Before leaving home, stop the delivery of the newspaper; remove the plug from the appliances (TV, VCR / DVD player, toaster, coffee maker, microwave oven, etc.) to avoid energy consumption. Lower the thermostat and hot water tank and turn off the air conditioning.
8. Find solar powered radios, cell phone chargers, calculators and other "powered" items to pack. This market is growing and solar energy has no impact on the environment. It is a true eco-sustainable resource. Use a digital camera rather than a movie camera.
9. Buy ecological souvenirs. Do not purchase items that could be made from endangered species. Support the local economy so that your tourist dollars can benefit the efforts of the natives.
10. When you get home, write to your hotel and other travel providers to let them know you appreciate their "green" initiatives. Your dollars speak loudly in the tourism sector and will influence travel and tourism in the areas you visit. Plan carefully to support travel companies, destination service providers and suppliers who support your "green" initiative.
The world is a wonderful place and we can all do more to support "green" initiatives. Adapt these tips at home and on the road so that travelers in your city also experience an eco-friendly holiday.
