| Reduce, reuse, recycle. You've heard it for years. | | | | sustainable tourism. Enjoy local markets, native |
| But what can you do to help the environment | | | | sites, and a natural environment. 'Leave it better |
| while you travel? Here are some tips to make it | | | | than you found it', or at least strive to have a |
| easy for your travel to be eco-friendly. | | | | neutral impact on the area. Visit parks and local |
| 1. Over two-thirds of air pollution in US cities is | | | | nature areas so your dollars can support the |
| from auto emissions. The good news is car rental | | | | eco-economy. Orbitz (eco.orbitz.com/) has |
| companies are experimenting with eco-friendly | | | | developed a list of 'green' destinations in the US, |
| vehicles in some US cities. In the meantime, bus | | | | Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean to meet the |
| and train travel cut both pollution and the number | | | | growing demand for eco-friendly travel. |
| of vehicles on the road. Rent a bike, use local | | | | 6. If you're idea of a great day-away is aboard a |
| transit or stay within walking distance of your | | | | boat, be aware of your fueling practices. Leakage |
| targeted tourist sites. Use the airport shuttle or | | | | at the nozzle, overflowing the fuel tank, leaky |
| share a cab. If you're parked or stuck in traffic, | | | | hoses or maintenance issues all contribute to |
| turn off the engine. | | | | stress of the water environment. Keep absorbent |
| 2. Fly Southwest or Virgin Airlines - the industry | | | | pads aboard to mop up possible spills and dispose |
| leaders for eco-friendly travel. Southwest has | | | | of the material properly. Do not use soap to clean |
| adopted a policy of recycling all cabin waste and | | | | up a fuel spill. Use propylene glycol to winterize |
| uses electronic ticketing throughout their system, | | | | water lines, not common car anti-freeze which is |
| reducing paper waste. Virgin Airlines has made | | | | highly poisonous to animals. And if your yacht has |
| mega-donations to developing 'green' solutions for | | | | on-board facilities, dispose of sewage and |
| air travel, and is a leader in implementing a | | | | wastewater properly. |
| system of towing planes to a take-off grid, | | | | 7. Before you leave home, stop your newspaper |
| resulting in less fuel consumption, less noise, and | | | | delivery; pull the plugs on appliances (TV, VCR |
| reduced CO2 emissions. Other airlines are working | | | | DVD player, toaster, coffee maker, microwave, |
| to adopt 'green' policies. You can reduce carbon | | | | etc.) to prevent energy drain. Turn down your |
| emissions by choosing a closer destination or | | | | thermostat and hot water tank, and turn off the |
| finding alternative transportation. If your schedule | | | | A/C. |
| permits, travel by train or bus to your destination. | | | | 8. Find solar-powered radios, cell-phone chargers, |
| Also consider making a donation to an organization | | | | calculators and other 'powered' items to pack. |
| that provides 'carbon offsets' toward your CO2 | | | | This market is growing, and solar power has no |
| travel usage, basically a donation to help develop | | | | impact on the environment. It's a true eco-friendly |
| 'green' resources such as solar power or | | | | sustainable resource. Use a digital rather than a |
| reforestation. | | | | film camera. |
| 3. Take advantage of 'green' hotel policies by | | | | 9. Buy eco-friendly souvenirs. Don't purchase |
| reusing your sheets and towels if you are staying | | | | items that could possibly be made from |
| more than one night. The savings in energy and | | | | endangered species. Support the local economy |
| water costs and detergent usage are significant. | | | | so that your tourist dollars benefit the natives' |
| It's been estimated that at least 70% of guests | | | | endeavors. |
| take advantage of this simple idea. Use your own | | | | 10. When you get home, write to your hotel and |
| shampoo and soap instead of the mini-bottles and | | | | other travel providers to let them know you |
| bars provided in most hotels. | | | | appreciate their 'green' initiatives. Your dollars |
| 4. Take shorter showers (Remember - in some | | | | speak loudly in the tourism industry and will |
| areas, water is a limited resource. Your luxurious | | | | influence travel and tourism in the areas you visit. |
| long shower could be depriving a native family of | | | | Plan carefully to support travel companies, |
| precious water.) Turn off the TV and lights if | | | | destination purveyors and suppliers who support |
| you're not in the room, and monitor your heat | | | | your 'green' initiative. |
| and A/C usage. Turn the thermostat off if you're | | | | The world is a wonderful place, and we can all do |
| going to be gone for an extended period during | | | | more to support 'green' initiatives. Adapt these |
| the day. Use a refillable water bottle and recycle | | | | suggestions at home as well as on the road so |
| wherever possible. | | | | travelers to your hometown will also experience |
| 5. Pick an eco-friendly destination, also known as | | | | an eco-friendly vacation. |