greener V enues.com

Top 10 ways for Greener Travel

1. Turn them off before you leave.
Prepare well for your trip: Turn water heater to "Vacation" or lowest setting. Before leaving for a vacation unplug and power down as many appliances as is practical.(no, not your freezer!) Don't forget to turn down the temperature setting on your water heater (a big energy user), and unplug electronics like your TV, computer, stereo equipment and other items - these drain power even when they're turned off. For security, however, you may want to invest in a timer that turns lamps on and off so it looks like someone's home. You may also stop your newspaper.

2. Fly non-stop.
Flying by itself is one of the least eco-friendly things you can do, but if you have to, try non-stop. Flying non-stop was always a good idea: fewer flight delays and missed connections, lower risk of losing checked bags, and you get to your destination faster. Add to that list of benefits the reduced fuel use and lower emissions of non-stop flights.

3. Stay Eco-friendly.
Wherever possible, stay Eco-friendly hotels. Wherever it's not, do your best under the circumstances. Staying in an eco-lodge (like those found on this site) isn't always an option at the place you're going to. But when you treat your hotel room as if you were paying the electric bill, you'll find lots of ways to green up your stay. Turning down the air-conditioning when you're there -- and off when you're not -- makes a big difference. Most hotels also let you opt-out of daily maid service, including daily towel and linen changes; constant hot-water laundering is a big waste of water as well as energy.

4. Pack Smart.
Airlines are charging for extra baggage, but even in a car, all that extra stuff adds weight and reduces fuel economy. Travel light, pack only the things you know you'll need, and save money as well as fuel. One smart thing to pack that's often left behind: a reusable water bottle. Pack a few plastic bags. They come in handy for saving half-eaten treats, used hotel bar soaps, keeping salt and pepper packets dry in the cooler, and many other uses.

5. Buy local, but choose carefully.
Don't buy endangered species products such as tortoise shell, ivory, animal skins or feathers. Don't purchase star fish or turtle-shell related souvenirs or any creature that may have been put to death for the sake of a gift shop sale. These animals may have been killed specifically for tourist trade. Sea shells are questionable. The U. S. Customs office offers a list of items which cannot be imported or brought into the country.

6. Get your own bottled water.
Carry bottled water with you, preferably in a reusable water bottle. Refill as needed. Plastic bottles cost the environment dearly.

7. Use non-toxic sunscreen.
Sunscreen is an everyday necessity, but is even more important when traveling because it's likely (hopeful) that you'll be outdoors more often. Most sunscreens contain nasty non-eco-friendly chemicals that can harm your body and also harm the environment when washed down the drain into the water supply.

8. Only footprints.
Tip for beginners: leave only footprints - take everything out that you brought with you. (except money, perhaps.) Tip for advanced: Pick up at least one piece of litter every day-especially at national tourist locations which are vulnerable to huge tourist populations. Also, take only the brochures or maps necessary. Return others to the brochure stand.

9. Transportation - think before you rent.
Use the hotel van instead of renting a car. Use the bus or local transit system. Share taxis. Less pollution, and you can leave the driving to others. If you have to rent a car, rent small. If you're driving, turn your motor off when idling. Encourage tour/bus drivers to turn the motor off when idling.

10. Participate in hotel linen programs.
Participate in hotel linen programs, or let the hotel know that it's not necessary to change your sheets and towels every day. To keep track of which towel belongs to which family member, pack a handful of safety pins and small colored beads. Attach a pin and bead to each towel, using a designated color for each family member. Remove the pins before checkout.