5 Ways to "Green" Your Vacation

Green – it’s such “the buzz!”.  Green parties, greening your household, even greening your crafts. Penny Dietz, owner of green i am, is on a mission to help create healthier families and homes, sharing one little dirty secret at a time. Our guest blogger shares her ideals in greening one area you may not have thought of - your vacation.

Have you ever thought of greening your vacay?  Whether you’re feeling lime green or kelly green, there’s something for everyone to try.  Perhaps you’ll discover these simple and easy tips are not only good for the planet but also good for your wallet!

1. Location, Location, Location – There’s the easy and green option of a staycation, where you take advantage of staying put and exploring your own city – ideally via public transportation and/or bikes.  And here in Charlotte, there’s no loss of entertainment options from exploring parks, museums, amusement parks, farms, wineries, spraygrounds, bike paths, fishing, greenways, music and more!   

Alternatively, consider a vacation destination where walkability, biking, and/or public transportation will be easily accessible so you won’t have to take cabs or rent a car.  If you’re like me and are “looking for a reason” to go to San Francisco, you'll be happy to know it is one of the greenest cities.  

Yet another option is staying at a campground where you have everything you really need at your fingertips. That said, regardless of your destination, seek out options for green recreation - a park, a hiking trail, a lake, etc. - and enjoy the fresh air.     

2. Planes, Trains and Automobiles – How low carbon can you go?  The best strategy – besides walking or biking – is to fill up a seat that’s already going your way. So, hop on a train, a bus, or if you choose to fly, opt for non-stop flights.  Alternatively, if you’re like most, pack your car.  To increase your fuel efficiency, here are a few “best practice” driving techniques that can help you get more bang for your buck:

·         Inflate your tires to the proper psi according to the manual 

·         Keep your windows rolled up

·         Use cruise control

·         Don’t brake if you don’t have to

·         Drive the speed limit

And when you’re ready for more gas, save some green by visiting gas buddy or cheap gas.

3. Accommodations – Choosing a low-impact place to stay is not only greener, it’s often less expensive. If the weather is nice, look for camping options. Otherwise, check out options for vacation rentals (such as VRBO) and/or environmentally friendly hotels.  Regardless of where you stay, here are 3 easy and impactful actions to implement:

·         Bring your own toiletries.  Think of all the plastics that are used to create tiny bottles of shampoo and conditioner, the added packaging, shipping, etc.  Let’s be honest - how many times do you use a full bar of soap at a hotel?  Do yourself and the earth a favor and bring your own favorite personal care products.

·         Hang a “Do Not Disturb sign” and say no thank-you to housekeeping.  Or call housekeeping and tell them you won’t need their services during your stay.  This simple act prevents the hotel from wasting water by changing your sheets and towels, wasting electricity by vacuuming, and spraying harsh chemicals all over your toothbrush.  Seem too extreme?  Then compromise by at least hanging your towel and opting to reuse it.

·         Recycle and Reuse.  Whether it’s your morning newspaper or otherwise, remember to recycle.  Don’t forget your stainless steel water bottle for refilling your daily water supply.  And leave the freebies (pens, notepads, etc) behind for the next person. 

4. When in Rome – Experience the local culture by eating at local restaurants or visiting a local farmer’s market or grocery.  You’ll quickly discover the true “local flavor” of your vacation destination.

5. Unplug – Reduce your energy consumption at home while you’re away be unplugging appliances and fixtures that won’t be in use.  While traveling, unplug the DVD players, DS, blackberries, iPhones, etc. and opt for family-friendly games like “I Spy”, “Travel Bingo”, “Car Colors”, etc.  A favorite for my family is the “The ABC game”, where we find each letter of the alphabet in order by scouring road signs, passing cars, billboards, etc.  And while on vacation, “plug in” to each other by being fully engaged in making memories that will last a lifetime.