Traveling The Green Way

I have been to a lot of different places all across the globe, and every time I travel to a new, interesting and beautiful location I always wonder how people can be so careless and put these places in jeopardy. Too many people do not realize how their careless use of the earth’s resources is already putting our great planet at risk. While I could never eliminate my carbon footprint by cutting out my traveling altogether, I have found several ways to reduce my toll on the earth and “green” my travel. There are many ways to travel with less of a carbon footprint; these are just a few of my favorite ways to do so.

Green Tips I Use Before Traveling

When planning my trips, I always try to book a nonstop flight to my destination if possible. Not only do non-stop flights get me to my destination faster and save me time spent at an airport, waiting for and trying to find my next flight, but they are also better for the planet as well. A plane’s landing and taking off causes a significant amount of carbon emissions. The fewer times a plane lands or takes off, the fewer carbon emissions that are produced.

Once I have booked my flight, packed my bags and am ready to go, the last things I do before leaving my house are unplugging all the electronics, turning off the water and turning down the thermostat. Heating a house that no one is using is just plain wasteful. The same thing applies to leaving lights and televisions on that no one is watching. Not only does turning these items down or off save me money on my utility bills, but it also reduces the amount of the earth’s natural resources that I use.

Green Trips I Use While Traveling

One of my favorite ways to travel in an eco-friendly way is to eat, shop and buy locally while I am on my trips. Instead of shopping at large, global companies and purchasing cheap items that I could get anywhere, I buy the local cuisine, hand-made goods and souvenirs that are specific to my destination. Not only does this practice help support the local economy of the place where I am staying, but it is also a great way to immerse myself in my destination.

English Market in Cork, Ireland.

Anytime I travel to a place with great hiking trails, I always find myself going out for a relaxing hike. Hiking is a great eco-friendly activity as it uses none of the earth’s precious resources. When hiking, I always stay on the trails so as not to disturb local plants and wildlife. I also bring a reusable water bottle that I bring back home with me, and I never leave trash on the trails.

Green Travel Destination: Upstate New York

Fingerlakes Wineries.

When I am looking for a quick getaway that is not too far from home, I love visiting upstate New York. Upstate New York has wine tours, the world’s largest green shopping mall and the beautiful Finger Lakes. I love the Finger Lakes, especially Skaneateles Lake, for their beautiful and pristine waters, perfect for enjoying on a sunny afternoon. Destiny USA is another exciting find in this area as it is the world’s largest green shopping mall and the largest LEED certified shopping mall as well. From city life and shopping to the nearby country life and beautiful outdoors spaces, upstate New York truly has something for everyone.

Destiny USA.

Green Travel Destination: Portland, Oregon

Another great destination for people located on the other side of the country is Portland, Oregon. America’s Greenest City for the second year in a row, according to some sources, Portland is a great place to rent a bike and ride all around the bike-friendly community. You can exercise, sight-see and be green all at the same time! I love going to the Saturday Market, the Oregon Zoo and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry any time I get a chance to visit. The Lan Su Chinese Garden is a must-see as well. The whole family can enjoy a wide variety of eco-friendly activities in this friendly and eco-friendly town.

Biking in Portland.

While many people associate nice vacations with huge airplanes, lavish hotels and spending without a second thought, I am here to tell you that it is possible to have a great vacation and still be respectful of the planet. Going green does not have to mean going without. Instead, going green means enjoying the best of what the planet has to offer without being wasteful of the earth’s limited natural resources. By taking care of our beautiful planet today, we can all ensure that it will still be around to enjoy for generations to come.

Guest blogger Cliff Barre, of Vermont, lives with his wife Tiffany and son Steven. He would like to think of himself as an eco-friendly, responsible traveler who supports all things green. Check out his blog Responsible Tourists.