Are you traveling without leaving a footprint? Buying carbon offsets for your monthly business trips? Probably not. I know I can't say that I am. Like most busy travelers, staying green on my trips often takes a backseat to staying on schedule. But I do pay attention to my water usage and how many towels I go through. And when I leave, I take those half-open bottles of shampoo and lotion with me. At home, I refill the bottles and leave them in the guest bath. Still, I could do more, but every little bit helps.
In honor of Earth Day, here are a few recommendations on traveling from Sustainable Travel International:
1. Opt out of those daily towel and sheet washings and turn off the lights in your hotel room before leaving for the day. For a list and green ratings of nearly 3,000 hotels, go to environmentallyfriendlyhotels.com.
2. Plant trees to offset the amount of carbon dioxide emitted from your flight.
3. Choose destinations that are not overcrowded or overdeveloped.
4. When visiting a national park or other protected land, leave the area cleaner than you found it.
5. Buy from local artists and communities, but choose wisely. When purchasing souvenirs, avoid those made from limited resources or endangered species, such as teak or ivory.
Do you have your own green traveling trips?
(Photo: NASA)
