Web Extra: Tips on Green Travel

In the past few years, “green” has taken on a whole new meaning. It’s not just a color, but an environmental catchphrase for a behavior or product that has little impact on the environment. The key ideas are: Is this behavior or product sustainable? Responsible? Respectful? Lonely Planet, the well-known go-to-guide for adventuresome travelers worldwide, defines responsible tourism thusly:

“Responsible tourism can be more-or-less defined as travel that takes into consideration the issues of:

Environment: travel that minimizes negative environmental impacts and, where possible, makes positive contributions to the conservation of biodiversity, wilderness, natural and human heritage.

Social/Cultural: travel that respects culture and traditions and fosters authentic interaction and greater understanding between travelers and hosts.

Economic: travel that has financial benefits for the host community and operates on the principles of fair trade.”

That’s a lot to think about. But here are a few things you can do on any trip to reduce your negative impact.

• If you drive to your destination, inflate your tires properly, keep your car tuned up, and don’t exceed the speed limit. (You’ll burn fuel more efficiently.) Avoid rush hour, and you’ll save energy as well as frustration and time.

• Pack light. The less weight you carry, the less fuel you’ll require to get there.

• To avoid buying (and disposing of) plastic bottles, bring beverages with you (and recycle the containers when you return home.)

• Eat at local restaurants rather than at familiar chains. You’ll support the local economy.

• Consider “giving back” in some way. Pick up a piece of trash in the street, visit the animal shelter, donate a few bucks to the local museum.

—Lori Moffatt

From the June 2012 issue.

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