Green is the new black. Aware people realize that much of our lifestyle is having a negative impact on the environment, particularly travel.
Luckily, many of these same people want to do something about it. They're willing to adjust their habits in favour of proactive solutions that favour sustainability.
I've gone and collected a number of these tips (along with sources) that you can apply directly to your next ski resort vacation, in both summer and winter. Enjoy!
1. Go Carbon Neutral
"Carbon neutral" has become the new buzz word. Increasing numbers of us are understanding the damage done by the greenhouse gases that are created by our getting from Point A to Point B.
And, also increasingly, we are using carbon-offset programs to balance the impact of our travel. The best programs are those which fund cleaner, greener energy supplies from wind, solar and other renewables. (source)
2. Support the Locals
Support independently-owned hotels, inns and B&Bs, rather than staying at the multinational chains. Eat at local restaurants, shop at markets and use public transportation and/or take walking tours. (
source)
Bonus Tip: Book your accommodation owner-direct and support local homeowners!
3. Leave Only Footprints
If you're hiking, canoeing, or otherwise spending time in wilderness areas, take everything out that you brought with you. Try to avoid the use of disposable plates, mug, toilet articles, canned drinks and plastic bottles. (
source)
4. Reign In Your Pet
Be careful where you allow your pet to roam to make the least impact possible on the terrain. In many areas, the impact may be merely cosmetic, but you can also carelessly crush nesting birds, lichens and other vegetation, or compact the soil. (
source)
5. Forget the Bottled Water
Bottled water is healthy water -- right? That's what the marketers would have us believe. In reality, bottled water is just water. It's costly, wasteful, and distracts from the brass ring of public health: the construction and maintenance of safe municipal water systems. (
source)
6. Bring Your Own Toiletries
Rather than buying travel-size toiletries or using the ones provided by the hotel, fill small reusable containers with shampoo, soap and other necessities for your suitcase.(
source)
7. Pack Your Own Reusable Bags
Take along plastic bags to collect your empty beverage containers until you reach a recycling bin. They can also be used to separate dirty shoes or a wet bathing suit from the rest of your things when you pack up to go home. (
source)
8. Travel Light
Travel light, especially if you're driving to your destination. Hauling an extra 100 pounds can reduce fuel economy by up to 2 percent. Keep baggage inside the car, rather than on the roof or trunk, to minimize drag and increase gas mileage. (
source)
9. Recharge Your Batteries
When traveling or trekking in sensitive places use a solar powered battery charger for cameras, ipods or global positioning systems to avoid wasting batteries. (
source)
10. Don't Hire A Car
Even if you can't avoid taking the plane to get to your destination, not hiring a car when you arrive will greatly improve your carbon footprint.
source)
11. Walk, Take the Shuttle, Or Ride A Bike
On a bike you can take in the scenery and easily stop to take in the view. You can hear and smell the countryside - something you miss if you are sealed in a car. Plus, burning all that energy during the day gives you a hearty appetite for local food in the evenings. (
source)
12. Dirty water sports
Boating season may feel too short, but it doesn't take long for the environmental impact to add up. Fisheries and Oceans Canada. estimates that nearly one billion litres of unburned oil and gas are discharged into North American waters every year-that's 15 times the Exxon Valdez spill. (
source)
Do you have any tips of your own? Share in the comments!
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