Tips for Green Getaways (and Staycations) from SustainLane.com

05-11-2009

Summer’s warm weather and sunny skies beckon everyone to leave behind the daily grind. These nine tips from green living Web guide SustainLane.com will help travelers plan fun, eco- and budget-friendly getaways.

 

Hit the Rails. Amtrak offers rail passes good for unlimited travel in the U.S., so you can enjoy America’s landscape while keeping carbon emissions and costs low. Check out terra-cotta deserts, crystal-blue mountain waters and the Rocky Mountains from Amtrak’s California Zephyr Line, which travels between Chicago and the San Francisco Bay Area.

 

Cut Carbs (Carbon emissions, that is). Mile-for-mile, road travel is actually less polluting than air travel. According to TerraPass, a family of four traveling from New York City to Los Angeles would save 20,460 tons of CO₂ by driving in a gas-guzzling Ford Explorer instead of flying. If you do need to fly, purchase a carbon offset to make up for your air time. For road warriors, use a fuel-efficiency calculator to keep track of your mileage—and ditch that lead foot for good. The new Fuel Efficiency Adviser gadget helps drivers alter their habits to reduce gas usage by 33%.

 

Take a Staycation. Gas prices might be down, but with high unemployment and a still-shaky economy, the staycation is as relevant – and green – as ever. Skip pricey hotels and rediscover local gems: think parks, museums, organic farms, rivers, lakes and amusement parks.

 

Turn Off. Unplug appliances before you head out. Electronics, including clocks and cable boxes, draw electricity and run up your electric bill even when off. Also, turn down the temp on your water heater to save on gas, and place a hold on your newspaper subscription to save paper.

 

Pack Responsibly. Be sure to pack a reusable water bottle to avoid drinking out of single-use plastic bottles. Fill up at the airport, restaurants or your hotel. For daytrips, pack up a picnic basket with reusable utensils and dinnerware, and sample fresh produce and foods from farm stands or small markets you may pass along the way.

 

Green Your Hotel Stay. Ask staff not to change your linens every day to save water and energy. The Hilton Hotel Corporation, for example, estimates that it saves 12 million gallons of water each month simply from guests choosing not to have their linens replaced daily. Also make sure all the lights and air conditioner are off when you leave your room.

 

Pack Some Juice. A solar backpack charges your cell phone or PDA as you walk around and explore the sites. Energy from the sun is waste-free, and it’s an especially good option if you’ll be camping or spending a lot of time outdoors away from an outlet.

 

WWOOF It. Agrotourism is taking off as a unique and budget-friendly way to visit a new place and give back to the planet. WWOOF stands for World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. You can volunteer to work on organic farms all across the globe in exchange for room and board.

 

Don’t Buy Junk. Skip plastic snow globes and key chains and take plenty of pictures instead. If you’re buying souvenirs, buy local treats, like artwork from a local artist or regional candies.

[Back to Press Releases Main]