Monday, August 13, 2012

Vacationing the Earth Friendly Way

Just because you are going on vacation doesnt mean that all of your hard work to be earth friendly has to stop.

Before you leave:

Unplug your electronics. 
If you are not going to be home, you dont need your coffee pot, tv, dvd player, etc... plugged in.  These electronics are like energy vampires, sucking small amounts of electricity all day and all night long.

Pack Light: 
The lighter you pack the better, a lighter load on your vehicle means it has to work less to get your from point A to point B, thus requiring less fuel.

Pack Reusable Shopping Bags:
Most families like to go shopping while on vacation, use reusable shopping bags instead of getting plastic bags everywhere you go.

Check your thermostat and water heater:
Does it need to be set on 74 if you are not there? 
Are you going to need hot water in your home if you are on vacation?

While on vacation

Once you get to your hotel room, check your thermostat again, most that I go to are set on 69, I can comfortably make it higher to use less energy.

Use your reusable shopping bags

Use public transportation if possible, especially if you are new to the area.  If this is your first time in a new place, your are more likely to make a wrong turn, get lost, etc... wasting fuel.  If you are able to take public transportation and walk to your destination, it is much better for the environment.  Plus, taking public transit can be a big part of the actual vacation, I know when I get to New York, I want to take the Iconic Subway.

If you eat at fast food places while on vacation, go in and eat instead of taking the food again.  This way less packing material is used and it doesnt make its way to the landfill.  It would be even better to maybe find a local farmers market, and eat at one of the food booths there because the foot will have a smaller carbon footprint if the produce is sources locally!

All of these things can be done easily without affecting your vacation.  It will even help with your bills if you are able to cut energy usage at home when you are gone.

Do you have some tips: let me know in the comments section!