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Summer is road-trip season. School is out and folks everywhere are hitting the road in the chance of finding some excitement. Vacationing by car in a group is one of the greenest ways you can travel, especially if you are driving a fuel-efficient hybrid. Have some fun out there but be responsible.
1. Skip Fast Food
Fast food is trashy. It generates a lot of trash. Doctors recommend that you don't eat fast food more than a couple times a week or more than 4 ounces of meat a day. Eating a couple of 8oz Giganto Burgers in a 48-hour period can really take a toll on the body.
Idling in the fast food restaurant's drive-thru lane is less than ideal.
2. Travel with Friends
Each friend who accompanies you on your road trip decreases the overall carbon footprint of the trip. Your electricity usage at the hotel will be divided by the number of people in your group. This also holds true for gasoline.
3. Rent a Hybrid Car
Hybrid cars are available for rent. You'll reduce your emissions and save fuel. These newer hybrids can get around 50 miles to the gallon.
4. Drive Sensibly
You may want to show off to your friends by tearing around like a bat out of hell. Don't do this. Not only is it unsafe, it's bad for your gas mileage. Driving over the speed limit causes drag on the car. Each 5 mph over 60 costs you an extra 20 cents in gas per gallon.
5. Eat Well
Make attempts to eat green and locally. Local restaurants are more likely to buy local products. Sit-down restaurants usually use real dining ware instead of paper or Styrofoam. Green restaurant guides are also available.
6. Stay at Eco-Hotels, Campsites
If you are going to stay at a hotel, try and stay at one that makes an attempt to be green. If the great outdoors is your scene, a campsite is a carbon-neutral place to sleep. Just be sure to clean up your campsite properly before you leave.
7. Service Your Car
Make sure that those tires are inflated and that your car is running in perfect condition before you leave. You'll extend the life of your car and also better your mileage.
More on Eco-Travel
Travel Green and Save Money without Giving Up Anything (Except Your Carbon Footprint)
If You Gotta Go, Don't Go on the Plane
Do Not Fly at Night
View and Vote: Eco Hotels : Planet Green
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