Spring is in the air, even if it’s not yet at my doorstep. It’s the perfect time of year to plan a vacation. It’s easy to remember to be green at home, but what about when you’re relaxing at the pool? Here are a few tips to send you on your way:
- Prepare your home before you go
o Turn down your thermostat. It will save money on your electric bill and you’ll avoid wasting energy.
o Unplug all nonessential electronics. Coffeemakers, computers, televisions and so on use electricity even when they’re not being used. Unplug these energy suckers and save energy while you’re away.
- Planning your itinerary
o If you’re traveling by plane, try to book direct flights. Takeoffs and landings use a lot of fuel.
o If you’re traveling by car, get a customized map with low gas prices along the route. Getting lost while driving in unfamiliar areas could lead to an expensive waste of gas. Check out GasBuddy.com to find the lowest gasoline prices between your home and your destination.
- Packing your suitcase
o Include items like a reusable stainless steel bottle, rechargeable batteries, a few reusable shopping bags and maybe the nPower PEG (Personal Energy Generator) Kinetic Energy Charger by Tremont Electric.
o Pack only the essentials. According to Audubon.org, just an extra 10 pounds per passenger requires an additional 350 million gallons of jet fuel annually, which is enough to fly a 747 continuously for a decade.
o Pack your travel snacks in reusable containers.
- On vacation:
o Instead of renting a car, check out public transportation at your destination.
o Support local, sustainable businesses. Check out DineGreen.com for certified eco-restaurants and LocalHarvest.org for farmers markets.
Make it a priority to take your sustainable habits on the road. Reduce, reuse and recycle. Support local businesses. Treat the people and places you visit with the same respect you show when you’re in your own local community. You’ll have a great vacation and so will the planet!