The globe is in dire need of some caring. It is warming up and meting down by the hour. Every human being is part of it. Each passing generation relies on the efforts of the generation gone by. This should be reason enough for you to help make the world a greener place to live in.
So while you plan out your vacation, include these green tips on your to-do list.
- Any type of transportation is going to cause combustion of fuel, so the greenest thing you can do is use public transport. Taking a train or public buses would clearly be a better option than taking a private vehicle. But if you do plan to drive, try to get as many people in the car as possible instead of taking multiple cars.
- Travel light and carry only what you really need. This will make it easier for you to opt for public transport and also give you room for bringing back souvenirs!
- If you are flying, book a direct flight and avoid stop-overs, because taking off and landing requires a tremendous amount of fuel. Also, choosing a new generation of airplanes means the fuel efficiency is higher due to engineering advances.
- Before you leave the house, be sure to switch off all items that are consuming power. Unplug all of your appliances and chargers. Anything that recharges will continue to consumer power even after they’re charged, like plasma TV’s, microwaves and chargers. Be sure to switch off!
- Travel-sized packs may seem like a convenient option but they definitely take a toll on the environment. People use the products and dispose off the packaging which many times is not in a recyclabe state. So carry the regular sized packs which you use daily.
- It’s difficult to find a recycling option when you’re on the go. Also, plastic is not biodegradable. So carry water bottles from home.
- You could go for an eco-adventure vacation, treks or hikes, which give travelers a chance to learn about ecology and nature. But if you prefer luxury over adventure, holiday in a place close to home, which only means less fuel consumption. You’ll be surprised at how many cool places are located just next door!
- Visiting a nearby national park is also a good idea. It serves as a great weekend getaway and an educational experience for kids.
- Opt for geo-tourism. Geo-tourism, according to National Geographic, is ‘tourism that sustains or enhances the distinctive geographical character of a place - its environment, heritage, aesthetics, culture, and the well-being of its residents.’ Places like Norway, Romania, the Cook Islands, Arizona, Rhode Island, Montreal, Guatemala and Senora and Mexico have started practising geo-tourism.
- Choose a hotel that’s committed to minimizing its own environmental footprint. To find out, you can check out the website of the hotel or simply call and find out ‘Does the hotel use renewable energy?’ ‘What kind of cleaning agents are used in the hotel?’
- In luxury accommodations, we tend to take electricity for granted. Remember to switch off the lights, TV and AC before moving out of your room. Don’t leave it on just because you have paid for it!
- Reuse your towels and sheets to save on the water and power used to wash them.
- Dine on locally grown food. It will reduce the distance your meals have to travel to reach your mouth, and it will also help you taste the local culture.
- After a long holiday, let your family come home to a greener neighbourhood. Save power, save water, reuse and recycle.
Tags: eco-friendly, Travel Tips
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