Whether you're taking a short business flight or a dream vacation around the world, here are some smart, simple green travel tips to make any trip a little easier on the planet. Bon voyage!
1. Power Down
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If your green travels leave behind an empty house, unplug and power down as many appliances as is practical. Don’t forget to dial down the temperature setting on your water heater (a big energy user), and unplug electronics like your TV, computer, stereo equipment and other items that drain power even when they’re turned off. For security, invest in a timer that turns lamps on and off so it looks like someone’s home.
2. Green Travel: Go Car-Free
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On your way to the airport, when traveling to your hotel, and all around your destination city, consider using public transit like airport shuttles, trains or buses. It’s tempting to cocoon yourself inside a private auto when you’re in a strange land, but by stepping out of a car and into the real world, you’ll meet more people, see more sights and have more fun than you ever could inside an auto-bubble.
3. Rent Small
If you need to rent a car, say “No, thanks” to any offered upgrades to a larger vehicle. Renting an economy car or a hybrid will save on gas charges, too -- a particular concern in places like Europe where gas prices can be stratospheric.4. Go Green: Go Paperless
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Airlines have almost all gone ticketless; not only does this green travel trip save on paper waste, it also makes check-in faster and easier. Some hotels, too, allow guests to check-out using your hotel’s in-house TV programming.
5. The Wild Green Yonder
While all airlines are touting their green travel credentials these days, airplanes are still big polluters, but there are things you can do to fly greener. Flying non-stop was always a good idea: fewer flight delays and missed connections, lower risk of losing checked bags, and you get to your destination faster. Add to that list of benefits the reduced fuel use and lower emissions of non-stop flights.6. Green Travel and Eco-Hotels
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Staying in a wilderness eco-lodge isn’t usually an option in most cities. But when you treat your hotel room as if you were paying the electric bill, you’ll find lots of ways to green your travels. Turning down the air-conditioning when you’re there -- and off when you’re not -- makes a big difference. Most hotels also let you opt-out of daily maid service, including daily towel and linen changes; constant hot-water laundering is a big waste of water as well as energy.
7. Buy Local
Shopping for souvenirs? Try to buy items that are small and light, and ask if they’re locally made of sustainable materials. With a little effort, you might even be able to find souvenirs that support local charities, schools or conservation programs. And while it’s tempting to snatch up all the hotel-room pens, paper, shampoo and other freebies, they just weigh down your suitcase and add to the waste stream.8. Green Travel: Pack Smart
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Airlines are charging for extra baggage, but even in a car, all that extra stuff adds weight and reduces fuel economy. Travel light, pack only the things you know you’ll need, and save money as well as fuel. One smart thing to pack that’s often left behind: a reusable water bottle.
