The Green Parent

Ahhhh…you’re finally on vacation! Whether you’re on the slopes, at the beach, or on the couch, here’s how to go green on the go:

At The Hotel

• Turn off lights, air conditioning units, TVs, and other appliances before you leave for the day.
• Most hotels have a policy in place to limit unnecessary bedding and towel changes. If yours does, take advantage of it…if it doesn’t, ask if they’ll consider it.
• Bring along your own bar of soap and reusable bottles of shampoo, lotion, and condition.

Getting Around

• Walk, ride your bike, or take public transportation whenever possible.
• If you do need a car, consider using a car-sharing program such as ZipCar or Flexcar that offers eco-friendly cars for rent by the hour, day, or week. Or rent a hybrid or electric vehicle from EV Rentals.
• Carry your own reusable drink bottle and tote bag to avoid the need for disposables.

Low-Impact Activities

• No matter where you go, try to get outside as much as possible during your trip. Visit a local park or waterfront, take a walking tour, or rent a bike, sailboat, canoe, or kayak and go explore.

• If possible, use a digital camera to eliminate the chemicals and paper required to make unnecessary prints. If your camera requires batteries, use rechargeables instead of disposables.
• Don’t take maps of brochures unless you really need them.
• Slip the cheap plastic trinkets and cheesy t-shirt and look for sustainable souvenirs that are made locally and support the local economy. But be sure to avoid any products made from endangered and/or threatened species such as those that contain tortoise shells, ivory, feathers, coral, or animal skins.
• Rent or borrow gear that you will use infrequently instead of purchasing new.
• If you visit a natural area on your vacation, respect the environment by following designated trails, paying entrance fees, disposing of your trash properly, and not harassing the wildlife. Take only pictures and leave nothing but footprints.
• If you are traveling to another country, minimize your global impact by showing your respect for the local culture. Read up on the environmental, economic, and social issues of your destination. Learn a few words of the local language and be sure you understand and adhere to cultural norms.

Dining Out

Click here for tips on eating green on the go.