Green Travel Tips

Why not try to preserve and protect the environment while you're on vacation? It's not so hard and you'll be happy you did. You don't necessarily have to sleep in a tent and sacrifice your "comfort" if that's not your kind of thing. You just need to make an effort to preserve and protect the environment of the place you're visiting -- and it's easier than you might think.

Here are some tips for helping to preserve our environment:

• Book flights with minimal or no connections. Save time as well as avoiding contributing to carbon emissions that are mostly emitted from airplanes during take-off and landing.
  
  
• If driving, consider your car. If your car uses a lot of gas, consider renting a hybrid car or one that is more fuel efficient than your own. If there is a train that's going to your destination, consider that as well.
  
  
• Be respectful while using walking trails, exploring national parks, and never walk or stand on the reef while snorkeling or scuba diving. The reefs are living organisms and are in danger of being destroyed by tourists who are inconsiderate of that fact. When snorkeling, do not touch the coral or stir up sediment, as these actions can damage the reef's fragile ecosystem.
  
  
• Many hotels and resorts have been committed to conserving natural resources: water, energy, as well as significantly reducing the amount of waste produced. Consider using your towels and linens more than once. And don't forget to recycle your trash!
  
  
• Local shops often feature local artisans, which makes for a truly unique shopping and souvenir experience. You can find wonderful souvenirs as well as support the small businesses in the area. Do not, however, buy souvenirs or other products made from endangered animals or plants -- in most cases you can't get them through Customs anyway.
  
  
• Conserve on vacation as you would at home: avoid running the water while brushing your teeth, shut off the lights when you leave, turn up the thermostat to reduce air conditioning when you're away, and recycle cans, glass and plastics on property.
  
  
• Treat the locals with respect. Learn a few words in the native language, be open to cultural differences, and read up on the area before your trip so you're sensitive to issues of dress and behavior.
  
  
• Volunteer to help clean up and preserve the local environment. There are various organizations you can get in touch with to enhance your vacation experience with some volunteerism.

If you would like more information or would like to book a volunteer vacation, please call me at 732-747-8187.