Go green: Tips for eco-friendly travel

Going green is all the rage. Here is how you can help.

With the environment at the top of everyone’s mind, especially in the corporate world, having less of a carbon impact on the Earth is desirable. This is true regardless of how you view global warming or climate change. Less pollution is a desirable outcome for everyone. A company’s motivation can be questioned: Are they doing it because it’s the “right thing” or are they doing it so they can use it as a marketing tool? Does it really matter? The fact that they are doing it is a good thing.

Here’s how you can get in on the action and make sure you are doing what you can to reduce your personal carbon footprint when traveling this year.

Think about the trip.

A lot of carbon reduction can be done before the trip takes place. Planning the specifics ahead of time can make a huge difference. See if you can combine your trip with another or if you can get more done while on it. Research ground transportation at your destination and see whether there is a shuttle or transit option. Research your hotel and airline options to find out their environmental commitments and programs. When you get all of your information together, don’t print it out but leave it digital. Less waste is the sure way to being more carbon friendly.

Before you go.

Turn off and unplug all of your non-essential electronics and appliances. Experts say that 5-10 percent of the average family’s electric bill is from electronics and appliances that are plugged in 24 hours a day. Televisions, modems, computers, DVRs and cable boxes, coffeemakers, toasters and even lamps can suck up power. The refrigerator, and maybe even that DVR, have to stay plugged in. But take a look around your house and I’m sure you’ll find a lot more that can be taken off the grid while you are away.

Turn down your thermostat in the winter and turn off your air conditioning in the summer. Heat and air conditioning use the most energy in your house, costing you money and negatively impacting the environment. If you’re gone for any extended period, consider turning down the temperature on your water heater since there’s no sense in keeping that water hot if you’re not going to be around to use it.

Mark Murphy is a noted travel expert, author and founder of TravelPulse.com.  You can follow him on Twitter at @murphytravels.