Many of us have wisely chosen to live an eco-friendly lifestyle at home by recycling, conserving resources and eating locally produced foods. But it’s not as easy to be green while on vacation—some destinations and accommodations may not have the same environmental programs in place as you’re used to at home. Read on for tips on how to extend your eco-friendliness while on the road.
Conserve water on the water. Save on water while cruising by taking shorter showers and requesting that cleaning staff not wash linens daily. Find out more about the green policies in place on your chosen cruise line before setting sail: the Ocean Conservation and Tourism Alliance (OCTA), launched by the Center for Environmental Leadership in Business and the Cruise Lines International Association, has partnered with about 97% of U.S. cruise lines to implement greener practices on board. Visit the CELB online to learn more about what OCTA partner cruise lines are doing to preserve the environment.
Refuse to be idle. Plan a road trip well in advance to avoid letting your vehicle idle. Though it may seem convenient to leave your car running while you pull over to read a map, idling for more than 10 seconds wastes more gas and produces more global- warming pollution than restarting your car, according to the advocacy group Environmental Defense Fund. Use a CAA TripTik® to help determine your route and review travel plans before setting out on your trip.
Free isn’t always eco-friendly. To eliminate waste from packaging, bring your own toiletries in reusable travel-size containers rather than using the freebies in your hotel room. Alternatively, request that hotel staff replace the complimentary bottles of shampoo and soap only if they are completely used up.
Reduce, reuse, research. When booking your holiday, ask your travel adviser about your accommodation’s recycling policies. If none are in place, you might want to contact the hotel to ask if there is a recycling facility nearby. That way you can collect recyclables yourself and simply deposit them before you leave for home.
Rent a home away from home. A vacation home can be a viable green alternative to a hotel. In a rented villa or chalet, you and your family have more control over garbage disposal, water use and recycling. And with a full kitchen at your disposal, it’s easier to prepare locally grown foods. Check out our guide to renting a holiday home and find out if a villa vacation is the right choice for you.
Expand your palate. Introduce your taste buds to what the local cuisine has to offer. Check out a farmers’ market to stock up on goodies or arrange a farm tour to see how regional food is grown and produced. Eating goods that are locally produced not only supports local farmers and the economy, it also helps reduce CO2 emissions from transport, according to the United Nations Environment Programme.
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