Great Green Idea: Green Travel: Five Steps to Eco-tourist: How to Play and Green

Five Steps to Eco-tourist: How to Play and Green

As summer winds down many families are looking for one more vacation travel adventure. However as the economy toughens people wonder how to save the environment while having fun. With the dawn of the go green movement terms like carbon footprint and carbon neutral have many scratching heads. These terms are simple to define. Below are some tips on how to travel and not harm the environment.

TRAVEL FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE ENVIRONMENT:
* Fuel
* Transportation
* Toiletries
* Lodging
* Meals

All of these things impact the carbon footprint left on the environment. Simply put everything takes energy and that can negatively impact the planet. Fuel and transportation are the biggest factors. Surprisingly, travel size toiletries require more materials and energy to produce than full size. Many hotels are going green. Remember most takeout food containers are not biodegradable which means more landfills. Instead take a travel cup for everyone and refill. Save the earth and money.

TIPS ON HOW TO REDUCE CARBON FOOTPRINT WHEN TRAVELING:
* Stay close to home
* Travel direct
* Public transit
* Ride in one vehicle
* Pack light
* Proper vehicle maintenance
* Turn the thermostat up
* Unplug unnecessary appliances (coffee maker, toaster, computer, etc.)

Public transit such as buses and trains are a great option to go green while on vacation travel. Although these transportation systems do use fuel, the massive number of passengers reduces the carbon footprint per person. If a flight must be taken take a direct flight. Takeoff and landing requires more fuel. Also check with the airline; some are beginning to offer customers to purchase carbon neutral incentives to offset the damage. If the vacation includes a road trip take one car/van instead of several. Consider staying at hotels that are eco-friendly or carbon neutral.

CARBON NEUTRAL LODGING INCLUDES:
* Natural building material
* Trees and gardens incorporated in design
* Serves organic meals
* Uses green cleaning products
* Conserves energy and water

In the United States, there is currently one completely carbon neutral resort. However check with the hotel when making a reservation. Though the facility may not be carbon neutral, it may be ecofriendly. Anything that reduces energy helps the planet, and many hotel chains do many things listed above.

SOME EXAMPLES OF ECO-FRIENDLY VACATION TRAVEL:
* Visit the metro area close to home with zoos, museums, and shopping
* Limit travel to about 150 mile radius
* Go hiking or camping
* Weekend at the lake

Taking a vacation does not have to be guilt ridden with worries about the environment. With a little research, planning, and creative thinking travel can be eco-friendly. Try to stay close to home, take only the essential things needed, check out the lodging choices, and take the most eco-friendly mode of transportation. Remember every action has a carbon footprint and the closer to total carbon neutral one can get to the better. Do not worry about every little thing; focus on the big picture. So maybe it is not Fiji, but anywhere can be paradise with a little preparedness and imagination.