by Amber Ellis, JRA Watershed Restoration Project Associate/Volunteer Coordinator


As you head out for vacation this summer, there are a few simple ways that you can tread a little lighter on the earth, conserve energy, and protect the health of our waterways.

Be a Friend of the River…travel smart.

Turn off and unplug: Before you leave home make sure to unplug household appliances, such as entertainment systems, microwaves, and computers. Do a walk through and make sure to turn off all the lights. After you are in your hotel room, turn down the air and turn off the lights when you leave the room.

Bring your own snacks and water bottle: Whether you are flying or going on a car trip, packing your own snacks and water bottle can reduce waste and be cost effective. Buy snacks in bulk and then break them into smaller reusable containers for each member of the family. Bring along your reusable water bottle to fill up for free along the way. If you are going on a car trip, fill up a large water cooler or buy a large jug of water that everyone can use to fill up their personal bottle.

Hang up the ‘Do not Disturb’ sign: To reduce water and detergent usage by hotels, most of them now offer guests the option of reusing their towels and linens more than once. They will have door hangers, pillow cards, or towel door rack hangers that allow you to communicate with the housekeeping staff that you wish to reuse your linens.

Be a Guardian of the River…choose a ‘green’ destination.

Reduce flying time or go carbon neutral: Some say the journey is more important than the destination, and flying is one of the most energy consuming means of travel. The best thing is to avoid air travel if you can. If you must fly, try to limit the distance or go carbon neutral by purchasing carbon offsets based on the tons of CO2 created by your flight. The donations are used to fund projects that reduce carbon emissions, like tree planting or investment in green energy.

Take part in ecotourism: When deciding where you want to go, either choose somewhere close by or select an ecodestination. Ecotourism is an alternative responsible form of travel that takes you to natural areas that conserve the environment and supports the health and well-being of the local people. This could include a trip that takes you to a new new,inspiring environment, somewhere to volunteer, and to places that are completely off the energy grid.

For more information on conservation travel tips and ecotourism destinations, go to:
The International Ecotourism Society
Go Green Travel Green Travel Tips
Independent Traveler: Green Travel Tips

For more information on carbon offsets go to:
Carbon Offset Companies
The Conservation Fund: Go Zero