Green Travel
Tips
 Don't just go on vacation - experience it
GREEN!
So you say you want to travel green, reduce your carbon footprint,
& leave no trace while you are on vacation.....but how? (Our Eco-Travel Store has some of these essentials and other eco-travel items.)
Here's some friendly tips & ideas (some extreme & some
very simple):
Bring a water jug so you
can fill up that way instead of buying plastic containers (or even ask
restaurants/cafes to fill your container if they don't use reusable dishware).
Try to stay away from
small, individually wrapped food & snack items (buy in bulk).
Carry a reusable tupperware
container to keep groceries or food in (some stores allow you to fill it and
charge per pound instead of buying prepackaged goods).
Make sure to recycle
while traveling!
Always pick up all your
trash - never leave it on beaches and of course never litter.
Search out
environmentally friendly accommodation, businesses, & grocery stores. Ask them to support their claims and tell them you care (and thank those making a good effort). We all enjoy a little positive reinforcement!
Plan your itinerary
carefully so you aren't driving around or flying unnecessarily.
Walk or bicycle whenever
possible - it's vacation, you should take time to smell the roses anyway!
Support & seek out
local businesses & farmers markets rather than the easier-to-find big
corporations (you'll have more fun shopping locally too!). You can find the same chain restaurants & hotels at home - try something different here and your trip will be much more full of adventure!
Demand to stay in alternative-energy run accommodations (solar, wind, solar water heater). Image if just 10% of the millions of visitors to Hawaii did this!!
Instead of island hopping every few days, plan longer trips on each island (and then come back another time to see the rest). This will also make your trip more enjoyable and enable you to get a true sense of each island because you are staying longer and getting more immersed in the culture.
Always, always, always respect locals living and making a living here (and the different culture). We understand travel can be confusing and sometimes different cultures can be frustrating - but think twice before complaining or judging.
If you do purchase guided tours or activities, support eco-tourism and companies with an environmental purpose or statement.
If you know of more creative tips, please send them our way
& we'll share them with other travelers!
|