Everyone loves a great vacation. It’s your chance to get away from work, school and daily life, but even while on vacation, we all need to be aware of the effect we have on the environment. Have fun and relax, but be sure to stay environmentally aware!  The options for environmentally friendly travel are endless. Read on to find out how you can be kinder to the Earth while you travel!

Go Carbon Neutral

While on vacation, try cutting your carbon emissions to zero!  Little steps will help you achieve this goal, such as unplugging appliances like the hairdryer while not in use and turning off the lights in your room when you’re out and about.  The David Suzuki Foundation warns us, “If you fly to Europe and back from the US, you’ll add about three to four tons to your (already large) carbon footprint.”  Consider offsetting your carbon emissions for a small fee. Fourty dollars now will help save your destination for future travellers.  Offset your emissions from air travel through not-for-profit companies such as Atmosfair or TerraPass.

Use Mass Transit

Ditch the car and take the train!  Although trains and buses do produce emissions, by joining other commuters and travelers rather than cruising around in your rental car, you can help cut down on harming the environment while on vacation.  On top of keeping everything green, you’ll be saving money on parking fees and at the gas pump. You’ll also have a chance to truly interact with the local population on your vacation. 

Ride your bike around accessible cities like Amsterdam.  By getting out of the car and joining the people in the streets you’ll cut down on carbon emissions and get a chance to really explore local sights.  You’ll find it more relaxing watching the mountains fly by on the train than trying to navigate through them in the car!

Green Hotels

If you’re not quite ready to camp your way across the continent, look into hotels that are doing their part to keep the planet green.  Be sure to stay at locally owned and operated hotels instead of big chains.  Check up on your hotel’s recycling and composting strategies. There should be recycling centres throughout the hotel and in guest rooms.  Are they using alternative energy like solar or wind power?  Ask about appliances like low-flow toilets. 

Investigate your potential hotel’s “green” policy before you book your rooms. While you’re a guest, do your part. Recycle your cans and bottles and reuse your sheets and towels!

Eat Well, Eat Local

The key to keeping your carbon emissions low in the area of food is to think about how far your food has traveled to get to your mouth. Eat local fruits, vegetables and meat to experience true local cuisine.  On top of tasting locally farmed food, you’ll be cutting down on carbon emissions and supporting the local economy!  Try to eat at least one vegetarian meal a week while on your trip; less meat means fewer carbon emissions.  Visit local farmers markets and look for your favourite treat!  The food will be fresher, better tasting and kinder to the environment.  After all, what’s the point in being halfway across the world eating Ontario apples?

Eco-Tourism Destinations

Try an eco-tourist destination rather than the same old trip across the ocean.  Eco-tourism is defined as  “Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.”  Look for destinations with minimal impact on the environment. Try cities and countries that are dedicated to environmental sustainability.  Eco-tourism means you, the traveller, will help with “green” initiatives, make a difference with local communities and get a better travel experience.  Imagine being on safari in Africa while being “green!”

Make your next vacation an eco-friendly trip with an ecotourism destination. Chances are, you’ll go somewhere few people visit and have the chance to make a difference in the community while you relax!

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global solutions

Naturally, you should practice environmentally friendly activities every day, both at home and abroad.  If you can reduce your ecological footprint while traveling by following these suggestions, you will be able to have a guilt-free holiday and come back feeling refreshed!