Tips for Making Your Trip "Greener"
Source: The Green Hotels Association
Before you leave home:
- Turn your water heater to "vacation" or lowest setting.
- Turn off your air conditioning/heat or adjust thermostats to reduce energy
consumption while still protecting your plants, keeping your pipes from
freezing, etc.
- Unplug appliances such as TVs that can draw or "leak" energy
even when they are turned off.
- Stop delivery of any newspaper you subscribe to.
En route and at your destination:
- Purchase electronic airline tickets when possible. They generate less
waste and cost less to replace.
- Walk or use public transportation whenever possible.
- Let your hotel know that it's not necessary to change your sheets or
towels every day.
- Reduce the amount of water used for baths or showers.
- Participate in hotel recycling programs.
- Leave unopened containers of amenities such as shampoo and soap in your
hotel room for the next guest.
- Patronize hotels, airlines, tour operators and other establishments that
support "greening" programs. Consult the Green Hotels Association
website
- If your hotel provides complimentary newspapers, pass yours on to someone
else. Ask the hotel if they recycle the newspapers and if it is possible to
decline delivery of the newspaper.
- When eating out, when offered individual packages of condiments, take only
what you'll use. Try to eat at restaurants to avoid excess packaging (bags,
wrappers, etc.) associated with carryout.
- Pick up only the brochures, maps, etc. that you'll need.
- Use a regular camera to take photos instead of a disposable one.
- Take only photographs-do not take "souvenirs" from natural
areas, historical landmarks, or hotels.
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