Green Travel Options

"When In Rome, Be Green Like At Home":

We all like to travel. Leaving home can be both a relaxing and exciting break from our everyday lives. However, when traveling it can be easy to forget some of our better environmental habits. Traveling responsibly will not only make us feel more “green” but will often help us spend less “green” as well.

Minimizing your environmental impact and saving some money while doing it really breaks down to choices and planning. Planning certain components of your trip, such as making it a point to stay near public transit lines, and choices that you make along your travels can go a long way in keeping green. Choices include the method by which you travel, where you stay, what you eat, and your purchasing power.

Transportation
If possible, consider taking the train or bus to your destination. It will take longer, but because of the cost of fuel, especially in our current economy, you will save big. If you do fly, take public transport, shuttles and vans to and from the hotel instead of taxis. Or share taxis if possible.

Take public transport around your destination instead of renting a car. If you do rent, plan ahead and request an electric or hybrid vehicle if possible. Consider using the rented car only for those destinations that are further away, and walk to closer ones. Travel light. Lots of luggage adds up to higher fuel costs. Compare multiple airline carrier listings at websites such as http://www.onetime.com/. Additionally, there is a fancy green chauffer service. Also, think about FlyAway bus to LAX: $4 bus ride straight to/from Van Nuys, Westwood, and Union Station…

Accommodations
Do a Google search for hotels that claim to be green. Be eco-conscious when using air conditioning and heating. Don’t crank it up. Use natural light whenever possible. Open the windows instead of turning on the lights. Turn off your lights, television, and air conditioning when you leave the room. Re-use linens (editor's note: this one is up for debate).

Are they locally owned and operated? Are the staff local? A rating website such as Environmentally Friendly Hotels may give you some good leads, but be sure to check each websites’ criteria for what they mean by "Green". Want to stay on a couch / in a bedroom for free? Try Couch Surfing! Stay for free, but be willing to do the same for others. More appropriate for the lone, outgoing traveler. There are users all over the world. You don’t have to support hotel chains or spend any money, and you get connected to the local community as well!

Dining
Look for local and organic foods when possible. Avoid foods that have to be shipped over a long distance to the restaurant. A little research before you leave will help you determine what’s in season where you’re going. Do a Google search for green restaurants in the area. Find Farmer’s Markets for snacks, lunches, produce etc. Just like at home remember to bring your own reusable mug, napkins, cloth bags, no straws etc. Recycle. Even on vacation.

What You Buy
Use a digital camera and print only the photos you want. Take a moment and email “Wish you were here,” messages instead of buying and sending post cards. Include a photo you’ve personally taken. Buy locally crafted souvenirs. Instead of the “I love New York” t-shirt made in China, check out a local artisan and purchase a reminder of your trip from them.

International Travel Planning
“Take nothing but photographs, and leave nothing but footprints,” as the saying goes. The first question to ask yourself is, “what are the social and political impacts of my travel on the country?” Reading up at the CIA’s World Factbook and news sources on the country, and asking around at a few online forums should give you a clear idea as to whether a country is fit to travel in or not. Corruption Rankings and Press Freedom Rankings, give a couple good gauges on the fitness of a country for travel.

The more one studies, prepares, and is clear about what to expect in an international expedition, the smoother the journey and the more conscientious-friendly the trip. Planning out environmentally responsible transportation and sleeping arrangements before setting foot in the country not only prevents last-minute compromises of one’s values but also ensures a more enjoyable and stress-free trip. It also helps to be well-versed in the scamming schemes often artfully employed by some of the locals. Forums such as Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree, or the UK’s Travellerspoint are rich with experience from travelers to the region.

More?

The Sierra Club has put together a helpful site called: "How Green is Your Getaway?"

Safe and Happy Travels!

Gas Saving Tip

Coming in from the Sierra Club there is a great tip on how to, dare we say, save gas! Check out their Driving the Speed Limit Pledge to learn more about the benefits of driving the speed limit. Thank you Linda for passing this along!

Green Home Upgrades

Energy bills rising? Consider life-cycle versus first-cost appliance comparisons here. Compliments of Gordon!

Carbon + Environmental Footprint

Check out the Green IQ Quiz: The quiz will calculate your carbon footprint as well as your overall environmental footprint. Compliments of our own Lisa Cahill...thank you Lisa!