Best Eco Stuff

Quick, convenient travel is a modern way of life. Unfortunately, it also produces unbelievable amounts of pollution – smog and carbon from motor vehicles and airplanes, and trash from all those disposables you use while on the road. But, it is possible to step lightly on the earth as you make your way to and fro – you’ve just got to be smart about it. Eco-friendly travel helps raise awareness and appreciation of the earth. Here are some quick, easy tips to take with you the next time you venture out.

Unplug it – There’s no good reason to leave electronics plugged in while you’re away. They’ll suck up ‘phantom power’ the entire time, adding dollars to your electric bill and wasting precious energy. Keep things like your television, stereo and gadget chargers plugged into power strips, and just turn the whole strip off before you leave. Quick, simple and smart.

Choose greener transportation – If you’ve got to fly, book direct. Since taking off and landing uses so much energy, it’s greener to avoid stopovers if you can. Of course, taking a train is the greenest method of transit, if it’s an option for you. Once you get to your destination, use public transportation whenever possible. Walking and riding bicycles are also not only eco-friendly choices, they let you see things up close and personal, giving you a more intimate connection with the place you’re visiting. Make sure to pack light, so you can easily hop on and off buses and subways.

Bring reusables – There’s no reason to suddenly start relying on wasteful disposables when you’re traveling. Instead, bring a reusable beverage container, a cloth napkin and a set of utensils with you. You should also have reusable bags for shopping – get the kind that fold up super small, making them perfect for travel.

Conserve, conserve, conserve – Don’t let being away from home turn you away from your eco-friendly ways. Stick to the same habits you strive for at home – taking short showers, reusing towels a few times before washing them, and overall only using what you need.

For more green travel tips, including how to find green hotels and recommendations for eco-friendly luggage, check out my recent post on Eco Chick – ‘Traveling in Earth-Friendly Style: Accommodations, Gear and Other Tips’.