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Travel is hard on the environment. Taking the train is a much better than if you're flying, but you can't take a train across an ocean. And if you're opting for eco-travel instead of the usual resort in the Caribbean, then I commend you. But sometimes sustainable travel just isn't in the budget—or there's no space available when you have time off from work. And if we all suddenly stopped going to places that aren't the most eco-friendly, the tourism economy would collapse.
While we don't have a solution for cutting emissions created by jet fuel (though carbon offsets are always in order) and we have no plan for protecting marine wildlife from cruise ships, Naturally Savvy has five tips for greening your next vacation.
- Ditch disposables
Tiny bottles of shampoo, conditioner and lotion may be stocked in hotels around the world, but using them is a bad idea. Many hotels don't recycle the bottles, and even if they do, there's a lot of plastic waste for a little bit of product. The solution? Reuse the shampoo bottle collected on your last trip. Or if you're looking for something more stylish, several companies sell refillable bottle sets. My Tagalongs' Jet Sets includes a set of two airless-pump refillable bottles and two jars that each hold less than the maximum allowable in carry-on bags. - Create an e-tinerary
Travel itineraries can be long—as in 20-plus pages long. While it's a good idea to always have access to your travel plans, they don't have to be on paper anymore. TripIt organizes your travel plans online, and you can look up details from a computer or your cell phone. Most travel agents have similar software that organizes all bookings and e-mails clients the information, so if you're already doing this, great work! - Hit the (reusable) bottle
When your doctor or travel agent says you shouldn't drink the water, listen —just don't be so quick to crack open a bottle of water every time you're thirsty. Many all-inclusive resorts bring in large jugs of purified water or they have an on-site water-purification system for their restaurants and dining rooms. After each meal ask staff if you can fill up your reusable water bottle. That way you can stay safe and reduce plastic waste. - Stay out of the pool
I've never understood the lure of the pool when there's an ocean nearby. Why sit around smelling chlorine all day (not to mention smelling like it) when you can splash in the waves and breathe in the scents of a salty ocean paradise? It boggles the mind. But there are two other reasons for avoiding the pool when you're on vacation: pools use a lot of water, and the filters and heaters suck energy. So next time you're in Jamaica or Mexico or even Miami Beach, resist the urge to sit by the pool and try wading into the ocean. You just might love it. - Reuse towels
A lot of hotels are giving patrons the option to reuse their towels rather than replacing all towels every day. (Most ask patrons to place any towels they want replaced in the bathtub.) Whenever this is an option, do it! If the hotel has no policy, place the "Do Not Disturb" sign on your door so the maid won't come in. Think it's unsanitary? It's not. So long as you're reusing your own towel for two or three days after you have a shower, there's no harm. And the benefit is big: washing towels takes water and energy, both of which are in short supply in many areas of the world.
Cara Smusiak writes on behalf of NaturallySavvy.com about how to live a more natural, organic and green lifestyle.
Related Posts:
How To Go Green: Travel & Outdoors
5 Easy Eco Travel Tips That Make a Difference
Make 2009 The Year of Green Travel
Pack for a Trip the Green Way
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