5 Tips For A Green Vacation

Ah, Summer is almost upon us, and that means most American families are plotting madly to get out of town for a week.
Photo:
Image from Kaydee did on Flickr
Never mind that the economy is in the tank, or that you'll use just under half of your vacation days at once-- it's time to go to the beach! But wait... before you slam the kids in that minivan and speed off: there's a greener way.
5. Don't Travel As Far
In one of those special instances where environmentalism saves you a ton of money, the simplest piece of advice is one that most Americans aren't likely to follow, even in this hour of $4.00 gasoline: stay close to home. Heck, even stay home: if you live in a major city, there are probably loads of museums, parks, baseball games, and restaurants that you haven't been to. But if you MUST travel-- try to stay within 100-150 miles of home. Your wallet, and the planet, will thank you.

Photo:
Image from Stuckincustoms on Flickr
4. Find A Green Hotel
This may seem like a monstrous task, but it's not-- check this registry of environmentally friendly hotels. They're standing ready to assist in your eco-escape, conserving waste, and committed to reducing their toll on the planet.
Photo:
Image from Flickr
3. Take the Train
Rail travel isn't quite dead in the U.S., which is good, because it features some of the lowest carbon emissions per-traveler of any form of transport. In order of most polluting, it goes: airplanes, cars, trains, and coach buses--but I don't know many people who think of Greyhound as a good way to get around anymore. "Boost that failing government-subsidized rail system, America!"
Photo:
Image from Flickr
2. Buy Local Souveneirs
This is hard, seeing as how we're nationally addicted to airbrushed t-shirts and plastic toys, but buy local goods when you travel. Supporting a local artist doesn't just do more for the economy of the place that you're visiting, it cuts the cost of transporting all of those mass-produced tourist trap souvenirs. And besides, taking home art, or cooking ingredients from a place you can't get at home, is far more interesting.
Photo:
Image from Flickr
1. Minimize Waste
I know, that seems like a gimme-- but it's not. Turn off your thermostat when you're not home. Take the pets to a sitter, or board them, rather than leaving them in the house with some neighbor stopping in to check on them. Pack a couple of water bottles so you don't have to buy bottles of water everywhere you go. Common sense still applies on vacation, as odd as that seems.
Photo:
Image from Flickr