If you’re traveling this Holiday season, we’ve got some tips to make sure your getaway is greener. It’s not something we immediately think of when we’re going out of town but its still incredible important that we keep up the good fight no matter where our lives take us. Before you leave your home: • Turn off all electronics, appliances, pre-set heaters or air conditioners: Those last moments before flying out the door can be so hectic With a suitcase in one hand, documents in the other, we rack our brains trying to make sure we’ve remembered everything we’ll need while racing against the clock to make your flight or train, etc.. Make this simple task a priority on your “Before I leave” to do list. By turning off all energy draining technologies before you go, you’ll be saving yourself money and the planet will give you a big thank you for reducing your energy waste. • Have your daily newspaper delivery put on hold: Although in the grand scheme of things, a couple extra newspapers being thrown on your doorstep may not seem detrimental, its these little waste reducing actions that all of us pledge to make that will make all the difference in the long run. So please, make the phone call. It will probably take 5 minutes out of your day and you’ll be glad you did when you don’t come home to heaps of newspaper. There are only so many newspaper upcycling projects one women can handle! Transport: • When possible take trains or buses as these have a lower carbon emission than planes. • When you’ve reached your destination consider walking or taking public transport as much as possible Accommodation: • Bed and breakfasts: Breakfast is included! Need I say more? Maybe not, but I will. Typical B&Bs, often owned by locals, offer superior customer service to their guests as is often their primary occupation. By staying with them you can support the area’s local economy. Ask them about the culture and great places to see or eat and you’ll probably learn more than you could never have online. • Eco/Wilderness lodges: There are a whole host of websites that highlight the benefits of staying in an ecotourist location. While vacationing, you can become more connected with the natural land around you, learn about the area’s native flaura and fauna, and protect an area from destruction. It’s the no-guilt way to travel! • Hotel with a “green policy”: A lot of hotels are adopting greener management policies. When booking, pay close attention for signs or responsible water, waste, and energy use. • House-swapping: This is a great way to avoid hefty accommodation fees when traveling. You can live with the locals in almost any destination you choose; bush, beach, or city. Staying in a fully functioning house, with laundry and a kitchen, decreases the usual complications or limitations of traveling. Activities: • Eating the area’s local cuisine: Take the opportunity to rise out of your usual eating habits by embracing the native crops and catch. Chances are it’ll be higher quality and more nutritious to stick to. • Travel light: You can save checked baggage fees and spend that on a gourmet locavore dinner! Less weight also increases your mobility. You can save yourself time by not rifling through your entire bag in search for the shirt you thought you brought. In an unfamiliar area, things can be unpredictable, you can stay calm and collected if you’ve got a firm grip on your belongings. • Support the area’s local economy: At 1MW this is a common conversation topic. Have you ever traveled through a “ghost town”? It’s kind of unfortunate but by buying from local growers, craftspeople, and staying at locals owned accommodation you keep the money in the community. This is ultimately what will help them sustain the wonder of the area that brought you there in the first place. • Respect the land and nature: As always, leave no trace. Adhering to local recycling and waste disposal policies, not disturbing native plants or animals, and increasing your overall awareness are the most surefire ways to shrink your ecological footprint.
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