# Making Small Footprints with Large Vacation Plans

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/04/making-small-footprints-with-large-vacation-plans/
- Published: 2020-04-18T23:18:32-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

**_In addition to Green Seal or Green Leaf Hotels. Follow these easy eco-friendly
tips to help the environment and maybe even SAVE MONEY._**

_By Kelsey B._

We know this will end. We will also be able to travel. Eco-friendly travel or “traveling
green” can mean different things to different people. Maybe you prefer to focus 
on clean eating by purchasing locally grown products when you’re on vacation. So
while someone else may choose to reduce their [carbon footprint](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/03/reducing-your-carbon-footprint-in-8-different-ways/)
on the road by renting a hybrid car or electric car. Also maybe only biking and 
walking once they reach their destination.

![Go biking for recreation. ](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/
2015/03/img_2593.jpg?resize=680%2C320&quality=52&ssl=1)

The truth is: you may not be able to [travel green](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/12/donna-distefano-recycled-precious-metals-for-great-jewlery/)
in every aspect. However personalizing your strategy is a great way to adjust to
a new lifestyle change. As well as ensure that you don’t just give up altogether.
So even if you’re not interested in eco-friendly travel for environmental purposes.
Cause these tips will save you money and free up funds for the things you’re really
interested in doing while on vacation!

Regardless of the ways you choose to live green, doing so while traveling doesn’t
have to be a hassle. Determine the way that works best for you and make an effort
each time you head off to a new destination!

**_If you like to eat clean and green:_**

1. Buy local. Pick up fresh fruit and veggies at the local farmers market or eat
at restaurants that use locally grown ingredients in their food.

2. Resist the urge to get carry-out. Getting fast food or taking leftovers home 
with you creates more waste. If a restaurant serves large portions, share entrees
to avoid taking doggie bags home with you, or cook your own meals when possible.

**_If you prefer green lodging:_**

### ![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img_2594.jpg?w=780&quality=52&ssl=1)

3. Look for Green Seal or Green Leaf certified hotels. As the popularity of green
travel grows, so do the number of “green hotels.” If a hotel is Green Seal or Green
Leaf certified, it means the daily operations are run with a certain sustainability
strategy in mind. Green hotels focus on things like water and energy conservation.
As well as solid waste management, indoor air quality, building infrastructure, 
land use and community outreach. As you research lodging options, make sure to ask
hotel management if they are green certified.

4. Choose a hotel that recycles. Before you book your stay, check to see if your
hotel recycles. Green certified or not, many hotels have recycling services.  So
therefore you can appropriately deposit the waste. If you have accumulated during
your stay.

**_If you like to conserve energy:_**

### ![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img_2595.jpg?w=780&quality=52&ssl=1)

5. Before you leave home, make sure to lower your thermostat and water heater. This
both conserves energy and saves you money.

6. Turn off lights when you leave the hotel room for the day. Just like you do at
home, make sure those lights are shut off and any microwaves or TVs are unplugged.
Appliances like that still use energy when plugged in, even if they aren’t being
used.

7. Request that room service doesn’t wash your linens every day. If you’re only 
staying at a hotel for a few days, request that your sheets and towels are not washed
daily. This will conserve water and energy.

8. Walk, bike or use public transportation. Once you make it safely to your vacation
destination, make an effort to walk or bike everywhere when possible. When it’s 
necessary to travel by car, use public transportation like buses or trains.

9. Rent a hybrid or electric car. Reduce your carbon emissions by renting a hybrid
vehicle when you plan on driving long distances. A Toyota Prius produces about 55
percent less carbon dioxide than other vehicles of the same class with emission 
control devices, and it still provides the same comfort and a decent amount of trunk
space for luggage.

**_If you strive to maintain a green lifestyle with your activities:_**

### ![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img_2596.jpg?w=780&quality=52&ssl=1)

10. Choose eco-friendly tour companies. Many companies support community sustainability
initiatives or take extra steps to reduce its ecological footprint. If eco-friendly
vacation activities are important to you, do the research and choose a company that
stands for the same things you do.

11. Leave nature the way you found it. When hiking, biking or walking, take as many
photos as you want, but make sure to stay on marked trails to avoid destroying vegetation.

12. When snorkeling, don’t shuffle the sediment around or touch the coral. Doing
so can disturb the ecosystem.

13. Don’t go brochure crazy. Only take the brochures that you know you’ll use. Even
then, share with others if you’re traveling in a group.

**_Additional Tips:_**

1. Book nonstop flights. The majority of carbon emissions are created during takeoff
and landing, so avoid all the stops by booking nonstop flights when you can.

2. Use electronic tickets. Whenever possible, check-in with electronic tickets instead
of printing them out on paper.

3. Pack lightly. The more weight a car, plane or train has to carry, the more [fuel it uses to transport](https://greenlivingguy.com/2007/08/new-standard-for-cleaner-transportation-fuels-released/)
you and your luggage.

4. Forego the plastic water bottles. Consider using reusable bottles to reduce waste.

Making small changes to your normal travel routine can really make a big difference.
If you’re interested in finding out just how big your carbon footprint is, visit
[The Nature Conservancy](https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/consider-your-impact/carbon-calculator/)
online and use the carbon footprint calculator. All to measure your individual impact
on the climate.

**Source: ****[Making Small Footprints with Large Vacation Plans](https://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/TheBLT/MakingSmallFootprintswithLargeVacationPlans.html)**

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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