Go Green While Going Global: Tips to keep your world travel earth-friendly!
If you’ve done any traveling in the world, you’ll agree that it’s hard not to be awed by the beauty and incredible richness of this earth’s physical and cultural diversity. Given all the wonder that this world has to offer us, it’s about time that we started paying attention to the impact that our journeying can have! With that in mind, here are some tips to help keep your travels as eco-friendly as possible.
1. Do your homework!
You wouldn’t set out on a trip without first learning about your destination, would you? Of course not! Guide books, train schedules, weather reports…well, traveling green begins before you arrive at your destination as well. Do your research: there is a growing market for environmentally friendly travel options, from green hotels to hybrid rental cars. Get as much information as you can before making a decision–some companies are trying to cash in on the new “eco” trend by marketing their services as green without providing any significant environmental incentives, so be careful not to get drawn in by flashy slogans over demonstrated responsible practices.
Learn more about Carbon Offsetting Programs, and consider participating. Many companies, especially airlines, now partner with these programs. The basic process is to calculate the estimated carbon emissions from your travel (there are many online calculators), and then make a donation to an offsetting program. These contributions fund sustainable development projects, such as reforestation. The idea is to balance out the negative impact of a human activity with some positive impact!
Visit British Columbia with an eco-friendly tour of Vancouver!
2. Pre-Departure: steps to take before you take off
Unplug as many electronic devices and appliances as you safely can before leaving your home. Many electronics, even when off, still draw some power as long as they are plugged in.
This should be obvious, but turn off your lights! If you are worried about leaving your house dark for a long period of time, invest in a timer that can turn on a lamp for a few hours once in a while.
Pack light! The less luggage, the less fuel needed to transport it. Plus, your back will thank you, and no need to wait at the conveyor belt! Great things to pack: a stainless steel water bottle, an extra cloth bag or two (great for carrying food, souvenirs, etc.!), and a set of silverware so that you don’t need to use disposable plastic utensils.
3. Kicking back at your hotel
Put housekeeping on hold–many hotels now have a system in place to indicate to housekeepers that you do not wish your towels to be changed daily (leave on floor to be changed, on rack to reuse). But what about your sheets and everything else? When you head out for the day, place the “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door.
Temperature regulation: if you are visiting somewhere steamy and warm, turn off the air conditioning when you leave for the day, or raise the average temperature by a few degrees. The reverse is true for cold-weather destinations–lower the heat a few degrees before leaving the room. You won’t really notice the difference, and you can always turn it back up once you’re ready to relax inside for the evening!
Don’t use the free little toiletries provided. Granted, they are cute and can feel luxurious, but they use an extraordinary amount of unnecessary packaging. If need be, just use the first day’s supply and not the replacements, and take the bottles with you to reuse and fill up at home for your next trip.
Try to take shorter showers. There’s something about traveling that can lead us all to a little extra indulgence here and there, and a nice long steamy shower can feel like just the ticket to wash away the grime of the road. But try to keep it short! And if you’re staying at a hostel or a small B&B, the other travelers will thank you for the hot water and your consideration.
4. When you’re painting the town…green
One of the most basic tips, but use public transportation! Much more environmentally friendly than a car. An added bonus is experiencing the city like a local, as well as meeting interesting people and seeing new neighborhoods. Another option is to rent bikes—an upside to this is that you can stop whenever, wherever you like!
Try an environmentally friendly Segway tour of Sausalito! 
If you are walking or hiking in a park, preserve, or other nature area, please stay on the marked trails. This helps preserve the plant and wildlife, and keeps you safe—there is a reason that the trails are placed where they are!
When you are buying souvenirs to remember your trip and give to your friends and family, buy responsibly. Try to get souvenirs that are produced locally, such as crafts or regional specialties. These will be more unique, will support the local economy, and are more environmentally friendly than items that have been transported from afar. By the same token, try to shop at locally owned businesses, rather than the hotel or airport gift shop. Try to buy souvenirs that are lightweight and small; again, the less they weigh, the less fuel needed to bring them back home!
