How to Stay Green While Traveling

Keeping up your eco-friendly habits while away from home can be simple and easy, if you plan ahead. Sure, your routine may be off kilter, but that doesn't mean your best green practices have to fall by the waist-side. Whether you are out of town for business or on summer vacation with your family, here are some tips to help keep your family thinking green and feeling less guilty.

Before you leave home, turn off your AC/heat, or adjust the thermostat to a comfortable, yet appropriate setting to protect pets, plants, etc. Unplug appliances such as the coffee pot, and even your TV and computer. Ask a neighbor to get your mail and newspapers.

Your car matters. Drive a vehicle that gets good gas mileage. You want a car that's easy on the environment and on your wallet.

Increase fuel efficiency. Keeping your tires inflated, driving at a consistent pace, using the highway instead of inner city streets, and packing lighter (avoid towing) can all decrease your fuel intake.

Trash the trash. Instead of packing a cooler with plastic water bottles and soda cans, use a refillable water bottle made from aluminum and reusable food containers. That's right – pack your own snacks.

Keep track of your trash. Long hours in the car mean drink cans (if you didn't follow the tip above), food wrappers, and napkins, lots of napkins if you travel with little ones, can easily accumulate. So designate one trash bag for the vehicle and make sure all items get discarded in that one bag. If you want to go the extra mile, have a second bag for recyclables so that you can recycle those specific items once you reach your destination.

Once you have reached your destination, park the car. Take public transportation – it adds to the experience, or rent a bicycle. If you're at the beach on vacation, biking can be fun for the whole family! You'll be able to site see and enjoy an active bike ride on the beach each morning.

“Stay” Green. Did you know some hotels offer eco-friendly accommodations and practice green initiatives? Check out the Green Hotels Association to see if one is available near you. During your hotel stay, it's easy to leave the air conditioning running and the lights and tv on. Even though you aren't technically paying the electric bill (I know, it's built into your bill), it's still nice to make a conscientious effort to reduce harm to the environment. Many hotels encourage you to re-use towels, unless noted by placing the towel on the floor. Some hotels even offer a designated van to transport guests in effort to reduce rental car needs.

No matter what, you can take your best green practices with you while on vacation or away from home. Your efforts matter to the environment and set a great example for your children. So stay green and teach your kids to do the same!

For more information on how to stay green, visit http://qualityansweringservice.com/careers/going-green.

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