Six Ways to Green Your Summer Vacation

Summer is just around the corner, and for many of us, thoughts begin to turn to our summer vacation plans. But between packing, booking flights, shopping for new clothes and all of the other preparations that stand between you and a much-needed getaway, you may begin to wonder about the carbon footprint of your vacation plans. You're certainly right to wonder--we undeniably make a heavier footprint while traveling than we do at home. But that doesn't mean that you should let eco-guilt ruin your summer plans. Here are six ways you can reduce the environmental impact of your travels.

The single most effective way to reduce the negative environmental impact of your vacation is to travel a shorter distance. The fossil fuels consumed to get you from point A to point B account for a large percentage of the total impact of your trip. Rather than going to another continent, maybe this is the summer to explore a nearby city. How many of us have been to the tourist spots in our own hometown?

You’ve made all the necessary arrangements, packed up the car and you’re ready to set off. Wait! Have you left all of your electronics plugged in and running? Make sure you unplug all of those electronic devices so that they do not continue to draw power while you are gone. A vacation can be expensive enough without your home running up a bill while you're away.

Rather than flying, consider traveling to your destination by car. This method results in much lower emissions per passenger. Look into traveling by train, which has an even lower carbon footprint than driving. The added benefit here is that you don’t miss out on all of the great things between here and there. Who knows what great sights are situated along your planned route?

If you must fly, look into offsetting the negative impact of your flights by purchasing carbon offsets. Several companies, including TerraPass, CarbonNeutral and Carbon Fund, offer carbon offsets to consumers at affordable rates. Most flights can be offset for $10 or less. These companies will take your contribution and invest it in ecological projects and renewable energy development.

Rather than staying in a brand-name hotel, look for an eco-friendly one. There is a growing number of green-conscious people such as yourself out there, and more and more hotels are marketing themselves to this group. Check out Environmentally Friendly Hotels and Green Hotels for some suggestions, or do additional research on your own. There’s no reason why your home away from home shouldn’t be as green as your actual home!

If you need to rent a car, rent a hybrid! Many of the major rental agencies now offer Priuses and other fuel-efficient cars to their customers. If possible, use local public transportation instead of a car. If you are located in a city, consider doing some of your exploring on foot. It's a great way to burn off those extra calories!

I hope some of these tips will help you reduce your environmental impact while you’re on the road, and help to calm your conscience as well. If you have any other ideas on how to green your vacation, please share them!

Happy travels!