For some reason, people seem to put the environment on the back burner while on vacation, often leaving the A/C or heat running all day, renting inefficient cars, and even producing more garbage without even thinking about it.
Being on vacation doesn’t mean you should forget about those eco-friendly habits you maintain the rest of the year. Even while away from home, you can take steps to reduce your footprint on the earth – and have a fabulous time.
Consider the following tips before your next vacation to have an eco-friendly trip.
#1: When you leave your hotel room, turn off the lights and the air conditioning
If you’re vacationing in a tropical location, turn your A/C down (you’re there for the heat, right?) and switch it off whenever you’re not in your hotel room. Or if you are in a ski destination, turn down the heat while you are on the slopes! Just as when you’re at home, shut off the lights and television whenever you leave your room and use natural light whenever possible to help conserve energy.
#2: Use public transportation
Look for a centrally located hotel that’s close to tourist destinations and restaurants so you can walk or take public transportation wherever possible. Many hotels also offer access to hotel vans, which are a great alternative to renting a car. You’re on vacation – why drive when you don’t have to?
#3: Reuse towels and linens
If you are going to be at your destination for less than a week, consider hanging-up and reusing your towel vs. leaving it on the bathroom floor to be cleaned. When you check in, you can also ask that cleaning staff hold off on changing your sheets and blankets until you request otherwise. Reusing bath towels and linens saves tons of water and energy.
#4: Plan green activities
Avoid jet skis, motorboats and all-terrain vehicles as they burn a ton of fossil fuel. Instead, take float in a kayak, go for a hike or snowshoe or take a stroll through town to see what it has to offer. Be sure to check out all those beautiful parts of our planet that you work so hard to preserve throughout the rest of the year!
#5: Eat and shop local
Travelling is a great opportunity to experience all things authentic and local. Support the economy and local entrepreneurs by eating and shopping locally. By doing so, you avoid contributing to shipping, packing and fuel costs. Plus, this also means you will experience everything your vacation destination has to offer.
And finally… Enjoy!
