 If you value sustainable and environmentally-friendly life practices, you know that travel can be difficult. Vacation is the time when most of us want to splurge and allow ourselves to do things that we wouldn't normally do. However, EnviroCitizen.org has found that this attitude often works directly against our usual green-friendly habits. It's unfortunate, because most of us don't get a lot of vacation time in this day and age, and we don't want to spend these precious days feeling guilty for the things we do. With the now ubiquitous concern about our ozone layer as impacted by tourism combined with the all-too rapid dwindling of our fossil fuel supply as well as our planet’s viability as a whole, tourism is finally taking a serious analysis of its impact on our planet. There are lots of ways that you can make a difference at home and away.Before leaving for your green resort, consider following the tips below:
- Plan your travel to reduce extra travel miles. It’s good for the planet and gets you started on your vacation sooner.
- Use the resort shuttle service rather then renting a car.
- Pack light. Reduce fuel use on the plane or in your vehicle and get underway faster when you reach your destination…just grab your bag and go.
- Interested in offsetting the carbon impacts of your travel?
- Participate in the resort linen and towel reuse program-each property does it slightly differently so look for in-room guidance on what to do with your towels and bed linens to reduce the amount of energy, water and detergent used for daily laundering.
- Bring along a refillable water bottle to help cut down on waste and stay hydrated during your travels.
- Opt out of the daily newspaper. During registration, ask the front desk to skip your room for a daily newspaper delivery. You can always catch up on the news with extra copies placed in the hotel lobby.
- Recycle. Look for containers to recycle paper, cans and bottles. Don’t see them…ask at the front desk for assistance.
- Turn off the lights and turn down the thermostat when you leave the room.
- Treat yourself and connect to the area you are visiting by ordering menu items grown or raised in the region. Most restaurants highlight these items on their menus. Take a step further and look for organic, free-range and other natural food selections.
EnviroCitizen.org hopes these tips are helpful in both planning and enjoying your green resort vacation! |
