By Kreg Weiss, B HKin • August 4th, 2008

For many of us, summer is vacation time. Vacations are a break from the stresses of work, an opportunity to see new places and meet new people, and to take time to relax. While vacations are meant to be carefree, it is important to consider the environmental consequences of your travel choices.

Here are a few ideas to reduce the environmental impact of your next trip:

Before you leave

· Unplug as many appliances as possible, especially the large ones

• A plugged appliance consumes electricity even when it is turned off

   

  · Make sure there are no water leaks

  *A leaky toilet can waste up to 800 litres of water per day

  · Turn the air conditioner off

  · Reduce the temperature of your water heater

  *Most water heaters have a vacation mode to help with this
  
  Planning your Trip

  · Consider using a mode of transportation that has a lower carbon footprint, such as a bus or a train instead of an airplane, where possible

  · Be a tourist in your own town, which saves fuel, energy, and money

  · Plan activities that don't require fuel use, such as hiking, canoeing, cycling, bird watching, or stargazing

  Once you've arrived

  · Try to purchase local produce whenever possible

  · If you venture into the wilderness, carry everything out that you brought with you and don't disturb the environment

  · Consider staying at a green hotel

  *Green hotels embrace environmental stewardship and strive to reduce their impact on the environment in all of their operations

  For more information on green hotels, check out the Audubon Green LeafTM Eco-Rating Program

   

  Kreg Weiss is a co-founder of My Yoga Online and certified Hatha Yoga Teacher. Several years ago, Kreg discovered yoga while teaching health and fitness. Yoga dramatically transformed Kreg's approach to teaching health and wellness as well as changed his personal life bringing new direction in finding physical, mental, and spiritual growth.

   

Location:  Montreal, CA

Kreg is a co-founder of My Yoga Online and certified Hatha Yoga Teacher. Several years ago, Kreg discovered yoga while teaching health and fitness. Yoga dramatically transformed Kreg's approach to teaching health and...