Part I: Sustainable travel tips for preparing to leave.
Summer is around the corner, and there’s no better way to enjoy a break from the everyday than by experiencing new surroundings. In fact, there is a lot of scientific research that links the benefits of travel to improved mental and physical health, supporting the importance of vacations to our overall well-being.
As we make time to nurture ourselves through travel this season, let’s also remember to honor our goals of taking care of the planet. Part I in this two-part blog series will cover green ways to pack and things to remember as you prepare your home to leave.
Green Ways to Pack
Start off on the right foot by what you choose to take (or not take) with you:
BYO toiletries. Travel-size soaps, shampoos and lotions provided by the hospitality industry create a lot of plastic waste and pollution. Instead, bring toiletries from home, such as bar soaps or liquids in leak-proof, reusable containers. Chances are you will appreciate using your own products anyway.
Shop your own closet and pack only the clothing you need. It’s fun to purchase new clothing for vacation, but first consider what you have. Old favorites can be reinvented in new ways by changing how you layer, accessorize or pair textures. Seek the fresh eyes of a significant other or friend to help you see your closet in a new way. By selecting versatile pieces that can be worn in multiple ways, you will save money, resources and valuable suitcase space.
Assemble a zero-waste kit. Steer clear of common single-use items by bringing everyday essentials with you. A reusable water bottle is a great way to stay hydrated without buying overpriced plastic water bottles, and many rest stops, airports, parks and other attractions offer refillable water stations. Other useful items to have on-hand include reusable bags, cutlery, a silicon straw and reusable coffee cup.
Pack snacks. Instead of spending money on over-processed snacks wrapped in wasteful packaging, come prepared with your own assortment of healthy options in reusable containers. Trail mix, cheese, crackers, olives, cut up fruit and veggies are all great options for on-the-go, even if you are traveling by plane. Check the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) website for restrictions, but generally solid food items are permitted in both carry-on and checked bags.
Plan to recycle. It’s not always easy to recycle an item immediately while traveling, so have a plan in place until you can. Keep a bag handy to store recyclables and dispose of them responsibly at the next rest stop, gas station, airport or other recycling location.
Bring eco-friendly sunscreen. Studies have shown that sunscreens with the chemicals Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Parabens & Nanoparticles are harmful to aquatic life. If you are headed to the beach, choose mineral-based sunscreens that will offer the right level of UV protection without the negative environmental impacts.
Manage the Homefront
Why let your home consume energy or produce waste without you? Save money and resources by remembering to:
Unplug electronics and small appliances. Even when devices and equipment are idle or turned off, they still use energy if they are plugged in. Avoid phantom energy loss (sometimes called vampire energy) by scanning your home to unplug chargers, office equipment, media devices and small household appliances, which can consume an estimated 5-10% of residential energy use.
Adjust the thermostat. The smaller the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the less energy will be consumed while traveling. The Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat 7-10 degrees higher in the summer when you are away.
Set programmable light timers. To ease home security concerns, programmable light timers are an affordable way to manage lighting during limited hours. From simple plug-in styles to in-wall models that can be operated from a smartphone, there are a lot of options on the market to choose from.
Make it a “stretch week.” Shop your pantry, fridge and freezer to use up what you can—especially items that won’t last while you are away. Stir fry meals, chili, soups, salads and casseroles are all great ways to use up miscellaneous produce. Dairy ingredients can be used for muffins or cookies to pack for your trip. You might even throw leftover ingredients together for a freezer meal to have ready upon your return—a little extra work, but you'll thank yourself later!
Love your houseplants. Coming home to desperate houseplants can contribute to post-vacation blues. Create a plan to nurture and care for them during your absence so they will remain vibrant and welcoming when you get back. DIY drip irrigation methods and automatic watering systems can help plants stay hydrated, or consider trading watering favors with a plant-loving friend. To help make it easy, gather plants in one area with access to the right lighting. Pausing to nurture your plants and plan for their care while you are away is a great reminder to take the same measures for yourself before and during your trip.
With some simple sustainability measures in place before you head out, you can settle into a fun and relaxing trip. Check back on Friday for "Travel Greener This Vacation Season Part II: Road or air—Tips for getting there."
—Jill Span Hofbauer
Sources:
"Programmable Thermostats.” U.S. Department of Energy.
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