Tips for a Green Vacation:
When I am at home, I try to take care of the environment and take steps to reduce waste. When I’m traveling though, it is all too easy to throw my ideals out the window. Here are some easy ways to be a greener traveler and have a green vacation.
(1) Reuse your travel size liquid bottles. You don’t need to buy a new travel sized shampoo bottle every time you go on a trip. Instead of pitching your old one, just refill it. Or, buy reusable bottles.
(2) Take public transportation when you can. Most large cities around the globe have excellent public transportation systems. Not only do you get to see how the locals travel, but it can reduce stress from driving around a city that you aren’t familiar with. If you do need a car, rent one that gets good gas mileage or try using Uber to get around. It will also help out your wallet!
(3) Pack a reusable water bottle. Sure it is easy to buy a bottle of water in the airport or on the street, but think of all the plastic (and money) you are saving when you fill up your water bottle at the public water fountain. Note of caution: Be sure to do a little research beforehand and make sure that the tap water is safe to drink.
(4) Ask for coffee in a mug. You will probably have to ask for it, but most coffee shops have mugs that can be used on request instead of paper cups. Not only is this reducing waste, but personally I think coffee is more enjoyable sipped from a mug anyway. A coffee mug can also be used instead of the paper cup for the single serve coffee makers in your hotel room.
(5) Use the Do Not Disturb sign. I’ve found that hotels often replace your towels daily even if you hang them up, so when I don’t need my towels or sheets replaced, I simply hang the do not disturb sign on my door. Changing the linens every days uses a lot of water, and I certainly don’t do that much washing in my own house.
(6) Buy locally made souvenirs. Unfortunately, a lot of the tourist shops are filled with souvenirs made in other countries such as China. Try to find something that is made in the area you are visiting instead. Typically the item will be nicer, so you will treasure it more and keep it for a longer time. You will also be helping out the local artisans instead of supporting mega-corps shipping plastic junk around the world. Sometimes you just have to buy the plastic magnetic for your fridge though. I get it, I do it too.
(7) Bring your own shopping bag. There are lots of shopping bags that are compact and barely take up any space in your luggage. Not only do they prevent you from having to use the plastic shopping bags at the store, but you can also use them for that spontaneous picnic in the park. Also, a lot of places in Europe charge money for a plastic bag so you’ll also be saving money there.
(8) Ditch the chain fast food joint and check farm-to-table restaurant. This is a great way to experience the local foods while supporting the local economy. Think of all the garbage that fast food joints create and all the resources they use up by importing their meats and produce from far away places. Sure it is a little more expensive, but by following steps 1-7 above, you can afford to splurge a little! Note: In case you are wondering about “farm-to-table”, it basically just means the restaurant is using ingredients that are sourced as locally as possible.
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