Eco-Friendly Advice for Travelers: How to Maintain a “Green” Mindset While on Vacation
Taking a vacation is often an escape from the real world for many people. However, it is important to remember that everything you do while you are gone has an effect on the towns and communities that you visit. You can, however, maintain an eco-friendly mindset while on vacation and continue your efforts to preserve the Earth even while you are away from home. The following tips will get you started.
Minimizing trash
Pack a few small trash bags with you, ones that can be easily stored in your purse or backpack. If you see trash somewhere on your travels, pick it up. While you shouldn’t spend your entire vacation searching for and removing waste, you can do your part by simply throwing away whatever trash you come across. Also, make sure to pack a water bottle before you leave. Travelers often drink from plastic bottles, which can greatly increase the amount of pollution at your travel destination. Using your own bottle will help with this issue.
Reducing your carbon footprint
Whenever possible, “travel” to a destination in your own state. Not only can you cut back on the amount of fuel you use during your vacation, but you will have the opportunity to discover more about the place where you live. If you can, try taking public transit, like a bus or a train, to your destination. This will minimize your carbon footprint even more.
If, however, you must fly to your destination, do your research and select a plane that is more environmentally friendly than the other choices. There are a few that are fuel efficient, like the Airbus 345. The Boeing 787 will soon be a great choice as well, as it will use 25 percent less fuel than planes that are similar in size.
Supporting the economy
Eat the local food. Spend some time exploring the area, and try to find a farmer’s market that you can patronize. You will find yourself immersed in a culturally rich experience, and your purchases will help support those that need the money the most.
Keeping hitchhikers at bay
Always check your shoes after you have been outside exploring nature. Particularly if you are wearing boots, it is easy for insect eggs and seeds to get stuck in the cracks and crevices on the bottom of your shoes. If you don’t remove them, you could bring them with you, causing all sorts of problems if they wind up in an unfamiliar environment. After all, you don’t want to get home, only to have to call in a pest control specialist to deal with a bug they have never seen before.
Going on vacation does not have to mean a departure from your eco-friendly lifestyle. Incorporate the tips above into your travel plans, and you will remain “green” even while you are away from home.
Image credit: Some rights reserved by Werner Kunz
