How to Go Green With Travel Plans

Many people are looking for ways to conserve energy and non-renewable resources at home. When you travel, you can plan to go green while visiting someone else's home. Traveling green takes some research and advance planning, but it can have a positive effect on the physical and social environment.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Drive, walk, bike or take a bus or train to avoid flying whenever possible. Air travel produces harmful gases in the upper atmosphere, which scientists consider more dangerous than car emissions in the lower atmosphere. When driving, use the smallest and most fuel-efficient vehicle possible.

2. Consider offsetting carbon dioxide emissions caused by your travel plans. You can either donate funds to plant trees, which will transform carbon dioxide into oxygen, or to research ways to reduce carbon emissions.

3. Book reservations at environmentally friendly lodges or hotels. Many hotels have accepted the responsibility of going green and found options to serve their guests while also preserving the physical and social environment. Green hotels may employ local staff, recycle and compost, cook using local produce, use alternative energy sources, use environmentally friendly cleaners and conserve water.

4. Plan to travel with a tour group committed to green travel. Ask questions about the impact the tour group will have on the environment and where the group will be staying. Find out how the tour company gives back to the community and whether the company is locally owned and operated.

5. Travel light. Pack only what you need and take an open mind and respect for others with you.

Resources

• Find a green hotel.
• Offset your carbon footprint.

[cartyman]

on 1/21/2009 I traveled to Boston last week and was picked up at the airport by Green Car Boston. They have all luxuary hybrid vehicles. I had the same comfort as a regular limousine service at the same time helping environment. www.greencarboston.com

[mesamj]

on 1/21/2009 Hi Miasavc,

Thanks for the beautiful post on green initiatives:)).It is highly appreciated.This is Sam Jones a big supporter of green initiatives,some details at(My Upcoming blog-"My Initiative to Save This World") http://sam.gogreenandsavetheworld.com. I'd appreciate if you can give the blog a look and send me an article on my green mission theme.You will get the full credit for that article.Please do let me know if this idea interest you,and thanks for your time.

Best Regards
Sam Jones

[e-mail]
W-sam.gogreenandsavetheworld.com