Cheap & Simple Ways to Travel Greener

REI

People are rethinking the way they travel, and for good reason. Travel is one of the world's leading industries but can have a negative impact on the environment; traveling green can lessen or eliminate that impact. Try changing just a few things about the way you travel and you can see the world without negatively impacting it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Stainless steel water bottle
Stainless steel water bottle

Step 1

Take your vacation closer to home. Rent a hybrid vehicle to get you to your destination or if you can't afford that, make sure that your own car is emitting as few emissions as possible. Be sure it is tuned up and don't press the pedal to the metal when taking off at a stop light. When you are on the highway, try for a steady speed between 55 and 60 miles per hour. This speed uses the least amount of gas. Also, pack light. The less your car has to carry, the less fuel it has to burn to carry it all.

Step 2

Carry your own water bottle when you travel. It can be so easy to buy a plastic water bottle when you are out shopping, on your way to the beach or en route to a trail, but according to the Container Recycling Institute, 8 out of 10 plastic water bottles end up in a landfill. Use a stainless steel water bottle (they come in a variety of designs) and keep yourself and the land a bit cleaner.

Step 3

Book direct flights if you must travel by air. Taking off and landing causes nearly half of carbon emissions. According to Planet Green you can save 272 gallons of jet fuel by choosing flights that are direct.

Step 4

Stay at green hotels that use recycled and organic products and are cleaned with environmentally friendly, non-toxic cleaners. Ask if the hotel was constructed with green design in mind. For example, some hotels use low-flow showers and toilets or solar power for part of their energy.

Step 5

Camp. Camping with LNT (leave no trace) principles is one of the greenest ways to spend a vacation. Enjoy the outdoors with conservation in mind. Pack out what you take in and do not disturb wildlife (animals or plants). See a full list of LNT principles by visiting lnt.org

Article Written By Naomi Judd

Naomi M. Judd is a naturalist, artist and writer. Her work has been published in various literary journals, newspapers and websites. Judd holds a self-designed Bachelor of Arts in adventure writing from Plymouth State University and is earning a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from the University of Southern Maine.

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