Now that you know what a “green traveler” is, how do you become one? As I mentioned in my previous blog, it’s not as hard as you might think.
The following are ways you can “go green” while your away from home:
Stay At A “Green Hotel”
The Internet is filled with information on environmentally friendly hotels, resorts and lodges located around the world. If you run across a property you are interested in, but you are still not 100 percent sure it meets the standards you are looking for, ask a few simple questions before booking.
For example:
· Does the hotel offer a recycling program? If so, what is it? (Aluminum, plastic, paper, gray water, composting?)
· Does the property have a policy that mandates that guests reuse towels and sheets instead of having them changed every day?
· Is the hotel locally owned and operated? If not, is it at least staffed by local employees?
· Is the hotel equipped with energy-efficient lighting, low-flow toilets and showers? Does the property use alternative energy sources like solar or wind power?
Make Your Stay A Bit “Greener”
Regardless of how the hotel is implementing eco-friendly measures, there are several steps you can take to make your stay a bit greener:
· Take short showers and turn off the water while you’re brushing your teeth.
· When you leave the room, turn off the air conditioner or heater, as well as the lights or any other electric devices.
· If your hotel doesn’t offer reusable cups (glass or plastic) ask for one. It will cut down on the number of disposable ones that will end up in a landfill.
· Educate yourself about your hotel’s recycling program and take the time to sort your trash accordingly. My sister-in-law takes her empty bottles home and recycles them there (though I don’t recommend you do this if you are flying long distances).
Go “Green” While Sightseeing
There are several ways you can accomplish this:
· Travel with an operator that specializes in small groups (fewer people make less of an environmental impact).
· If you are on a hiking expedition, always stay on marked trails and don’t feed animals leftover scraps from your meals.
· ALWAYS deposit your trash in the cans provided or take it with you when you leave.
· If you decide to go snorkeling, do not touch the coral or stir up sediment—doing so can damage the reef’s ecosystem.
· Treat the locals with respect. I was born and raised in a state that prides itself on being one on the world’s most popular destinations—Hawaii. My tip: travel with an open-mind; be open to cultural differences, and it doesn’t hurt to do some research on the area you are visiting before you embark on your trip so you’re sensitive to issues of dress and behavior.
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