Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
IT'S EASY BEING green
Here are a few simple ways you can
help conserve fuel and energy when
you travel:
W Each time you take a flight or drive
a car, greenhouse gases release
into the atmosphere. You can help
neutralize this danger to the
planet through “carbon offset-
ting”—paying someone to invest
your money in programs that
reduce your greenhouse gas emis-
sions by the same amount you've
added. Before buying carbon off-
set credits, just make sure that
you're using a reputable company,
one with a proven program that
invests in renewable energy. Reli-
able carbon offset companies
include Carbonfund (www.
carbonfund.org), TerraPass (www.
terrapass.org), and Carbon Neu-
tral (www.carbonneutral.org).
W Whenever possible, choose non-
stop flights; they generally require
less fuel than indirect flights that
stop and take off again. Try to fly
during the day—some scientists
estimate that nighttime flights are
twice as harmful to the environ-
ment. And pack light—each 7kg (5
pounds) of luggage on a 5,000-
mile flight adds up to 22kg (50
pounds) of carbon dioxide emitted.
W Where you stay during your trav-
els can have a major environmen-
tal impact. To determine the green
credentials of a property, ask
about trash disposal and recycling,
water conservation, and energy
use; also question if sustainable
materials were used in the con-
struction of the property. The
website www.greenhotels.com
recommends green-rated member
hotels around the world that fulfill
the company's stringent environ-
mental requirements. Also consult
www.environmentallyfriendly
hotels.com for more green accom-
modation ratings.
W At hotels, request that your sheets
and towels not be changed daily.
(Many hotels already have pro-
grams like this in place.) Turn off
the lights and air-conditioner (or
heater) when you leave your
room.
W Use public transport where pos-
sible—trains, buses, and even taxis
are more energy-efficient forms of
transport than driving. Even better
is to walk or cycle; you'll produce
zero emissions and stay fit and
healthy on your travels.
W If renting a car is necessary, ask
the rental agent for a hybrid, or
rent the most fuel-efficient car
available. You'll use less gas and
save money at the tank.
W Eat at locally owned and operated
restaurants that use produce
grown in the area. This contributes
to the local economy and cuts
down on greenhouse gas emis-
sions by supporting restaurants
where the food is not flown or
trucked in across long distances.
3
You can find some eco-friendly travel tips and statistics, as well as touring compa-
nies and associations—listed by destination under “Travel Choice”—at the TIES
website, www.ecotourism.org. Also check out Ecotravel.com, which lets you
search for sustainable touring companies in several categories (water-based, land-
based, spiritually oriented, and so on).
 
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