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If The New York Times is boasting the suddenly cheap nature of Las Vegas, I'd say it's a safe bet that recession-suffering folks will score better vacation packages in Sin City this year than most other popular destinations. While flying green is always at the top of my list, it's hard to ignore round-trip flights for typically less than $200 from major US airports to Las Vegas. Room rates in the city are rounding off around $60 a night—and that includes breakfast and cocktails. So the verdict is in: if you're looking for a cheap getaway, trotting around casinos in Las Vegas might just be your fix this year. But how do we make a trip to the casino green?
Well, it doesn't have to be all that tough.
Follow these easy tips for making your casino adventure green and you'll be on your way to eco-conscious gambling in no time.
- Don't overdo it.
Losing all of your money at a BlackJack table in Las Vegas is not green. (Just imagine the time and energy you'll have to waste making that money back!) So learn to control yourself. Each time I've decided to spend a night in a casino, I've only brought in a minimal amount of money and spent no more than that amount. If, for instance, you promise yourself to only spend $20, even if you lose all of it, you'll still be getting your drinks for free and, in many cases, it evens out. - Take advantage of what's free.
Every time I see someone drinking a bottled beer at a cocktail serving casino, I cringe a little. Not only is this a waste of money (the cocktails are free, people!), but there's no guarantee that all of those glass beer bottles are being recycled. Cocktail glasses however, are washed and reused. Also see #1. Don't overdo the cocktail drinking either. - Avoid machines.
If you can stand your own at a card table, you'll help the casino use less energy, even if only by a little bit. While the slot machines are going to be glowing and on no matter what, it still requires more energy to actually play a game. Card games, however, only expend your own energy.
Now I'm not saying that casinos are a green vacation choice. Or that Las Vegas is. It's no mystery that casinos—and Las Vegas as a whole—are big time energy-suckers. This city is so neon, it hurts my eyes. But if Las Vegas is something you're going to do no matter what, at least cleanup your footprint there as much as you can.
More on green vacationing:
Try These Staycation Vacation Destinations
How to Close Your Office Before a Vacation
Leisurely Vacation Breakfast
Go Sightseeing, Without a Car
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