Travel Tips – Carbon Conscious Tips
TIPS for becoming a carbon conscious traveler
Want more info? Check out the new book on traveling more responsibly here
When on holiday or a trip – reducing energy will reduce carbon:
Turn off your lights when you leave your hotel room
Put on a Sweater
Wear more clothes instead of turning up the thermostat.
Turn off Your Computer
Shut off your computer when not in use. Conserve energy by using your computer’s “sleep mode” instead of a screensaver.
Unplug Unused Electronics (even your mobile phone)
Take Shorter Showers
Take quick showers using less hot water means using less energy.
Air Dry Your Clothes
Instead of using the dryer, line‐dry your clothes which will reduce energy
Recycle
Recycle paper, plastic and glass.
Buy Organic Food
There are chemicals used in modern agriculture pollute that pollute the water supply, and require energy to produce.
Bring Cloth Bags to the Market
Use cloth or reusable bags when shopping instead of plastic or paper bags.
Buy Products Locally
Reduce the amount of energy required to drive your products to your store.
Buy Minimally Packaged Goods
Buy products with less packaging or buy in bulk.
Buy produce that is in season
Less energy is wasted for the production of out of season produce
When traveling by plane:
Fly less
Reduce how much you fly by even one or two trips a year that will reduce your emissions significantly – videoconference if you can… or if you need to fly:
Try to fly direct (this will reduce your emissions)
Pack less luggage – the less it weighs, the less carbon you emit
Offset your flight
Neutralize your carbon emissions by offsetting your flight.
When travelling anywhere else:
Use public transportation wherever possible, such as the train, bus, cycle, or just walk.
Plan Ahead
Do several errands in one trip, carpool, and use uncongested routes.
Change Your Air Filter
Check your car’s air filter monthly to increase your fuel economy.
Buy or rent a Hybrid Car
Hybrids save an enormous amount of CO2 and money. Plug‐in hybrids can save even more.
Buy a Fuel Efficient Car (Fuel efficient cars use less fuel per mile or km)
Inflate Your Tires
Check them monthly and keep them at the maximum recommended pressure.
Don’t Idle in Your Car
Except when in traffic, turn your engine off if you must wait for more than 30 seconds. Do not idle the car if it is cold, drive as soon as you start the car.
Lose weight
Remove car racks and other objects that add on unnecessary weight.
Reduce the air conditioning
Don’t keep the windows open when the air conditioning is on. Try to reduce the usage of air conditioning because it increases fuel consumption, use the air vents instead.
Cruise Control
Use the cruise control function when possible, especially on long journeys. Sharp breaking and accelerating wastes fuel.