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easy ways to travel green

Travel isn't always the most "green" of activities. The very definition of it typically involves spending tremendous resources to get there - by car, airplane, or ship - and once you get there how often do you consider the environmental impact of the water consumed to keep that green so beautiful or where the wrapper from your burger will go once you toss it in the trash. This isn't meant to be a "downer" article, but simply an opportunity for us to look at some of the easy things we can do to travel more green this year.

tory pines beach

Explore Somewhere Close to Home

This goes without saying - if you avoid the expense and impact of flying to the other side of the country then you are immediately ahead of the game when it comes to traveling green.

To go that extra step though, when you explore somewhere close to home, consider doing something low impact such as hiking, sailing, fishing, or just relaxing on the beach.

aria express hdr

Choose a LEED Certified Hotel or Resort

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Not every hotel is LEED Certified, but where possible you should consider choosing a property that is. These hotels offer guests a combination of eco-friendly options that will help make your experience a bit more green.

vegas golf weekend

Carry Your Golf Bags Instead of Using a Cart

Even though most golf carts are electric, it's still using energy. When you walk it's good for your health and it's good for the Earth too!

water bottle refilling

Bring a Refillable Water Bottle (and use Refilling Stations) When Flying

I HATE buying bottled water! My hatred is more in the cost that vendors charge but there's the ecological impact as well. Over the past few years I've started to see more and more water bottle filling stations like this one in San Diego's airport.

You can take an empty bottle through security and then fill it up once you get to the gate. 

american air header

Book a Nonstop Flight Where Possible

The most fuel-intensive part of a flight is takeoff and landing, so if you have a direct flight you'll only have one of each per direction. Plus, direct flights tend to be a shorter overall distance and so less fuel is consumed that way too.

 

Walk Instead of Car When Getting Around the City

Only going a few blocks? Why don't you just walk instead of drive!

If you are going somewhere that isn't walkable or accessible by bus or train, then make sure to share the car if possible vs driving separately. This will not just save money on gas and parking but it's better for the environment too.

water glass restaurant

Consider Tap Water Instead of Bottled at Restaurants

I learned a new phrase recently at a restaurant "house water". Bottled water has reached a level in modern cuisine where restaurants feel compelled to offer not just a choice of "still or sparkling" but actually a variety of each. 

Unless you are in a special circumstance, simply ask for tap water. Almost everywhere you go in the United States, the tap water is just fine to drink and many restaurants have a water filtration system installed anyhow.

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Prepare Your Home Before You Leave

You aren't home, so why is your TV plugged in and your ceiling fan still turned on?

Even when your devices are plugged in - but not on - they are still drawing current and that means that the power plants are burning that much extra coal and natural gas. Turn them off and set your lights to a timer instead of leaving them on the whole time and you'll save some money as well as helping the environment out a bit too.

usa 11 san diego

Consider Activities Harnessing Natural Power

Ok, so I love NASCAR and Indy Car as much as the next guy, and driving fast is in my blood. However, in the interest of being a bit more green this year, how about we at least balance that out with a hike in a national park or kayak adventure through a bayou instead. Or if you are a thrill-seeker, how about doing a sailing experience where you get all of the fun of a high thrills race but it's all powered by the wind in your sails!