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Everyday we are reminded that
global warming has become a MAJOR issue
worldwide. We all would like to be good global citizens, but many times don't
know what changes to make. The good news is that small actions make big
differences!
Did you know that the travel industry is the
fastest growing industry in the world? Last year alone, there were over 715
million international arrivals worldwide according to the World Tourism
Organization. And, each arrival leaves its footprint behind.
Eco-Friendly
travel (also known as ecotravel and/or sustainable travel) is travel
which promotes a sustainable environment. Travel is a wonderful opportunity to
experience our planet, yet poses an enormous threat to it. Leah Powell,
president of Trade to Travel (www.TradeToTravel.com),
recommends the following websites and easy sustainable travel tips:
www.ResponsibleTravel.com,
www.GoodTravelCompany.com,
www.TravelWithConscience.com
Planning Your Trip -
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Seek accommodations and tours which
carry environmental-friendly certifications or memberships in green industry
associations - such as Green Seal or Green Leaf. Several organizations have
developed standards to measure the environmental initiatives of hotels and
tours.
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Standards vary depending on the organization; however, green hotels and
tours include reducing energy consumption through fluorescent lighting,
instituting recycling programs, conserving water either through installation
of energy star products or by asking patrons to reuse towels, and by
purchasing local organic foods. When hotels and tours meet these standards,
they are certified as “green.”
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Travel to fewer destinations and stay longer at the destinations you do
visit. Air travel leaves the largest carbon footprint of any form of travel.
Choose trains and buses over airplanes whenever possible.
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Don’t fly at night. Trails of
condensation from aircraft have a greater warming effect at night, trapping
heat but without reflecting any of the sun's rays back into the atmosphere as
they do during the day.
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Select accommodations close to public
transportation or near the places you are going to visit during your stay.
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When flying, book
electronic tickets. It reduces paper waste and you're less likely to lose
your ticket.
If you own a vacation
property (villa, chalet, condo, apartment, flat, boutique hotel, castle, estate,
bed and breakfast, spa, penthouse, private aircraft, yacht, or private island),
become a member of Trade to Travel (www.TradeToTravel.com). Not only will you
save 80% on fine accommodations worldwide, you'll be gentler on the planet.
Instead of building more and more properties, let's share the ones we already
have.
Before You Go:
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Pull the plug on any
unnecessary appliances such as TVs, VCRs, stereos, toasters, and microwaves.
These items may still use energy even in their off mode.
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Set your thermostat and
water heater at low settings so energy isn't wasted while you're gone.
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Stop your newspaper or
donate the paper to a school while you're gone.
When You’re There:
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- Never buy items made
from endangered species.
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Leave no trace. Do not
pick flowers, take rocks or break coral. Don’t litter. Be familiar with
cultural mores prior to arrival be respectful of cultural practices.
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Shop local: Head to
local markets, where you can purchase fresh food from local vendors (which
reduces the pollution required to import goods). This benefits the community
by increasing their economy, and you will get fresh fruits and veggies and
maybe even some handmade souvenirs.
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If your accommodations have
an environmental program, please participate as much as possible. If you have
any questions about how, simply ask when you check in or by calling the front
desk.
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Never leave lights on
when you're not in the room.
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Lower the thermostat
when you leave the room for long periods of time.
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If your destination is a
warm climate, close the drapes. Or, if you have Venetian blinds, angle them up
to bounce the sunlight off the ceiling. This will keep the room cooler.
Conversely let the sun warm up your room during the day if you're in a cooler
climate.
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Leave unopened shampoo,
soap, and other items in your accommodations when you leave unless you're
taking them home to use.
- Avoid room service and
carry-out which increase waste.
- Use water sparingly. In
some places water is a very scarce and precious resource.
- Walk or use public
transportation whenever possible.
- If you're driving,
please carpool and/or rent hybrid a vehicle.
- Grab only the maps and
brochures that you will actually use. If in a large group, share brochures
whenever possible.
- Take pictures and leave
the location as you found it. Never remove wildlife from its natural
environment including shells, flowers and coral.
- When hiking or camping,
stay only in marked areas to avoid destroying vegetation.
If you're staying in a
vacation rental property, leave the property owner a note letting them know that
he/she can become a member of Trade to Travel (www.TradeToTravel.com), save 80%
on vacation properties worldwide, and make a BIG difference for Mother Earth.
It'll almost certainly be the best tip that any of their guests have ever left
them!
Contributed By: Leah Powell is the
president of Trade to Travel (www.TradeToTravel.com), the world's most
prestigious exchange for owners of luxury vacation properties. Via Trade to
Travel, members enjoy one another's distinctive homes in 32 countries at 80%
savings.
antwoine@tradetotravel.com
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