Green Holiday Travel Tips
The following is a guest post by Kelly Kilpatrick
With the holiday season in full swing, many people will be hitting the road in droves over the coming weeks in order to visit friends and relatives. With the recent drop in gas prices, travel is once again affordable, as far as fuel is concerned. For many out there who are trying to live a more sustainable lifestyle, travel can be seen as a wasteful, yet necessary component of the holiday season.
Certainly, travel means more use of fossil fuels and pollutants being put into the atmosphere, but there are some things you can do along the way and once you arrive to make sure you are being as green as possible. Take a look at the following green travel tips for the holiday season.
Take Your Own Food Along
Chances are you are not going to be able to find a decent restaurant on the road that will have the organic foods you have grown accustomed to. Take along snacks and drinks to ensure that you maintain the healthy nutritional intake your body is used to.
Additionally, your hosts may not have some of the things you and your family require, so taking the things your family is used to is an essential part of keeping it green and organic on the road.
Use Premium Fuel
The kind of gasoline you purchase has a direct correlation with the kind of environmental impact your vehicle makes, especially on longer trips. Higher octane fuels burn cleaner, and help your car get more miles per gallon. You may spend a few cents more per gallon, but it’s well worth spending the extra money when you weigh the advantages and disadvantages.
Clean Up During Pit Stops
Helping save the planet is a full-time job and holidays are no exception. Many rest stops and picnic areas are littered with garbage. Do your part and help clean up these roadside refuges for other travelers, as well as Mother Earth. This is a great family activity that may get other travelers to join in the effort as well.
Carpool
Traveling light or alone? If you are, perhaps posting an ad on craigslist.org can help you find a travel companion. You will be able to save money on gas expenses, have some company on the trip, and help to minimize the number of cars on the road, ultimately doing your part to reduce pollution. You may even make a new friend in the process.
