How to Take a “Green” Vacation

As you plan your family vacations for 2012, consider taking steps to make them “greener.”
We found a great list on eponline.com that outlined several easy ways to reduce your carbon footprint while traveling. Check them out!

Offset your flight: Calculating the carbon footprint of your trip is the first step to reducing its impact on the environment. If you’re traveling by air, you need to factor in the plane and engine type, cargo load, passenger weight and fuel usage. The good news is that many major airlines will do this for you and also offer to offset your flight’s emissions as an add-on to the ticket price. If your airline doesn’t have a carbon-offset program, there are easy online calculators to do it yourself, like TRX Travel Analytics.

Offset your drive: If you’re opting for a road trip instead, you not only need to factor the trip’s total mileage but also your vehicle’s year, make and model when calculating emissions. TerraPass offers an easy-to-use vehicle emissions calculator. Then you can balance out your trip’s emissions by purchasing carbon offsets. Here’s a list of reputable offset retailers.

Locally-grown/harvested foods: Vacations and road trips can mean more meals out. Look for seasonal, local options on restaurant menus. Transporting food over long distances requires large quantities of fossil fuels and generates significant carbon emissions. Eating locally-grown foods has the added benefit of supporting the local economy and helping family farmers and fishermen stay in business.

Green sightseeing: In order to minimize your carbon footprint, consider sightseeing by bicycle, public transportation or on foot. And when driving between sites, smart driving practices – like driving at the speed limit and turning down the air conditioner – can increase your car’s fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

Hilton Head Island has more than 50 scenic miles of public bicycle pathways and nature trails. The town of Hilton Head Island has a great map of the island and its “multi-use” pathways.
What tips do you have for a “green” vacation? Please share them with us!
For more information about Sunset Rentals, visit http://www.sunsetrentals.com.