green guide for individual travelers

Start by carpooling if you can't walk, bike or take public transportation!

If you are driving, try to fill your empty seats, make sure your tires are fully inflated and don't drive too fast to avoid wasting gas. (http://www.scdhec.net/recycle/html/greendrv.html) has tips and information for green drivers.

If you live nearby, can you host someone staying overnight? Use spaceshare.com or craigslist.org to offer a room.

For food, bring your own reusable mug, plate, utensils & napkin.

Little artistic idea: Bring your own name tag!

If you're staying at a hotel, bring your own toiletries in reusable containers and hang a "do not disturb" sign so you can reuse linens and towels. Visit www.environmentallyfriendlyhotels.com to find out how green your hotel is. Visit www.greenhotels.com/grnideas for more tips.

Visit local restaurants and coffee shops to support the local economy. Visit www.organictravel.com for places to find natural and organic foods around the country. For a guide of vegetarian restaurants in your area, visit www.happycow.net or http://vegtravel.com.

Speak up to event organizers about how they can better green their event.

Links: "How to travel responsibly" article
http://www.ivillage.co.uk/travel/experts/travex/articles/0,,584741_697745,00.html
-This site has basic travel tips for vacationers. There is also a quiz people can take to find out how environmentally aware they are.
For a great resource on green transportation, visit http://www.ecospeakers.com/forspeakers/greentrans.html. It links to a number of rental companies as well as information on green aviation, alternatives to flying and carbon offset programs.
For an extensive listing of green lodging resources, visit http://www.ecospeakers.com/forspeakers/greenlodge.html.