Green your Vacation
This summer, about half of America will take to skies, seas and freeways for a little R&R, and with a shaky economy, environmental concerns, and the day-to-day stress of modern living, who can blame them for wanting to get away from it all? Here's how to green that getaway.
Top 5 Green Tips
Top 5 Green Tips
1. Explore Your Area
While we all dream of faraway places once in awhile, consider keeping your vacation local this year. The environmental impact shrinks considerably and you may be surprised at what wonders you've never seen in your neck of the woods (remember, to someone else, your place is that faraway destination).
2. Getting There Green
Should you take to the air, the sea or the roads? Unfortunately, no option is perfect, but in keeping with your green vacation, you should know that rails and roads are better than air travel for the environment (with train travel arguably the best). Your eco-friendly escape is also an excellent time not to go alone. Combining your family vacation with another family's can keep things lighter, especially if you share rides and a rented residence.
3. Counter your Carbon Footprint
The fact is, your week(s) of unwind are going to affect the earth. In 1999, climate experts reported about 600 million tons of carbon dioxide to be entering the atmosphere as a result of air travel. Cars, trains and boats add to the impact. To alleviate some of the damage caused, buy carbon offsets (from a reputable company) or get your hands dirty and plant some trees; about six trees for one person flying roundtrip cross country.
4. Get Green with Your Goods
The benefits of getting there green are cut down if you're carrying with you resource-devouring, landfill-destined luggage, tote your goods in luggage made from recycled or sustainable materials instead. Don't let your earth-friendly standards from home fall apart as you relax, either, recycling, cutting down on consumption and opting for organic are equally good for the earth at home and afar.
5. Make a Greener World a Vacation Goal
To get some of the vacation focus on helping the environment, look for green hotels and transportation, but don't stop there; for a truly memorable vacation that you can feel great about, look for environmentally-focused volunteer vacation programs. With the Earthwatch Institute you can work on conservation projects in about 50 countries around the world (and bring the family).
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Greenzer France 