Air Travel
Step1
Ask yourself if there are vacation spots close to your home which will be just as enjoyable as those that require air travel.
Step2
Consider alternate modes, like driving with others, or taking the train or bus if you must travel a long distance. Pollution emissions are fairly intuitive when it comes to travel–that is, the smaller the vehicle the smaller the impact. For example, if you're traveling from San Francisco to Los Angeles, the most environmental way to travel is in a car with others. Fill up the seats in the car (driving by yourself is about the same as flying). If that doesn’t work, take the train. Fly only as a last resort.
Step3
Travel coach (if you must fly). Business and First class take up more space in the plane and therefore have a greater environmental impact.
Step4
Get electronic tickets to save paper. This also saves money in case you lose your tickets.
Hotel
Step1
Look for hotels that have stated environmental policies. These implement water-saving measures, execute energy-saving techniques and reduce solid waste. For example, hotels offer towel and sheet-changing options, soap and shampoo dispensers, guestroom recycling baskets and reduced food-related waste.
Step2
Avoid maid and room service.
Step3
Ask staff not to change your towels and sheets every day.
Step4
Turn off the AC/heat, lights and TV when you leave the room.
Step5
Leave the little bottles of shampoo unopened.
Getting Around
Step1
Use the airport shuttle to and from your hotel.
Step2
Select a hotel that is close to your main destination of interest (the beach, for example).
Step3
Walk where you want to go. You’ll soak up more of the place.
Step4
Ride public transportation when you want to go somewhere further than walking distance.
Food and Restaurants
Step1
Carry a bottle for water with you and refill it as needed.
Step2
Avoid take-away (and fast) food--eat in restaurants on washable dishes.
Step3
Carry plastic bags and reusable containers for uneaten food. Wash them out after you’ve eaten the food and reuse them later.
Step4
Carry a commuter (travel) mug for take-away drinks. Avoid styrofoam.
Before You Leave Home
Step1
Switch off your water heater.
Step2
Switch off your AC/heat. If you must leave it on to protect your plants, adjust the settings appropriately.
Step3
Unplug appliances, such as TVs and cable converter boxes. They will draw power even when they’re switched off.
Step4
Stop your newspaper delivery.