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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
o A plugged appliance consumes electricity even when it is turned off
· Make sure there are no water leaks
o 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
o 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
o 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
Author/References Kevin Inouye - Environment Canada