The last vacation weekend of summer is finally here, and if you don’t have plans to get out and enjoy it, it’s time to make some. It’s also time to ensure that you’re doing everything you can to make your Labor Day weekend as green as possible, and there are ways to get eco-friendly with your holiday activities, whether you’re flying across the country to get away or barbecuing in the backyard at home.

There are classic green game plans to follow for Labor Day, like contemplating the train or carpooling if you’re going to be traveling longer distances (our Guide to Green Vacations has plenty of tips on traveling without trashing the planet) and using standard green party ideas if you’ll be hosting friends (like reusing, recycling and composting everything you can and serving local food and drink). Take things even further, however, with our five tips for a green Labor Day weekend.

1. Play Now, Plant Later

Regardless of what you do, your Labor Day weekend will likely result in extra carbon emissions. You could purchase carbon offsets to counter the problem, but instead why not take matters into your own hands by picking up a shovel and digging away at your carbon footprint. We’re not saying you should give up your Labor Day plans and go plant trees instead, but how about committing to do it in the following weeks? Not only is it cheaper than buying carbon offsets, you’ll also get to see exactly how you’re aiding the planet, and if you have children they’ll learn about the direct tie between their actions and the environment. Find a tree planting organization to volunteer with here (and go before the weather gets cold!).

2. Clean Green

Parties are messy and that’s part of the fun. Cleaning up, on the other hand, isn’t so enjoyable, and it’s even worse when you’re breathing in toxic fumes and rinsing dangerous chemicals down the drain. But messes are inevitable,  so the best thing you can do is pick up some green cleaning supplies. Look for brands that fully disclose their product ingredients (Seventh Generation and Method are great options) and add reusable accessories like rags to avoid a pile of paper towels. The added perk here is that many eco-friendly cleaners can used for a variety of purposes, so one bottle can take on a multitude of messes.

3. Barbecue Better

For many Americans, Labor Day weekend means barbecue time, but all those grills can have a pretty hefty impact on the environment because of their carbon emissions and/or gas consumption. However, there are ways you can grill that won’t have such a negative eco-effect. Our Guide to Green Barbecuing has lots of ideas, but pay special attention to how you fuel your flame. Although gas barbecues don’t release carbon dioxide, FSC-certified briquettes can be a better choice in the long run (for both the planet and your food). And don’t forget about what you throw on that grill; organic and free range meats are more expensive, but the perks are worth the added cost. If you’re hesitant to spring for the difference, cut back on the amount of meat you serve and add a few more vegetable side dishes made from always-affordable local produce.

4. Add An Eco-Friendly Event

You’ve probably got a pretty full agenda for your three-day weekend, but consider incorporating one green event into your Labor Day festivities. It could be taking the kids to a local museum that has exhibits on environmental issues (most science museums now do), checking out one of the new eco-documentaries in theaters, or finding a green-geared festival in your area. You could even participate in the Time for Lunch campaign’s national Eat-In to support better food in schools (like local and organic options).

5. Tune Up Before You Travel

If you’re planning on hitting the open road this Labor Day weekend, take some time to get your car in top shape before you go. We’re not talking about hours of overhauls, more like doing little things like tightening your fan belt, cleaning your air filters and checking your tire pressure. All these steps will help you get better gas mileage on your journey (good news for the planet and your pocketbook). You can also buy or borrow a GPS system to help you get the most out of each tank. Check out our tips on hypermiling for even more ideas on getting farther using less gas.

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