Issue No. 13
7 July 2014
Eco-friendly travel tips
T
ravel industry is the fastest growing industry in the world. Last year alone, there were over 715M international arrivals worldwide according to the World Tourism Organization (WTO). Each arrival leaves its footprint behind. You can be conscious of your impact on the environment whether you are travelling to a conference, important meeting, island retreat, or an amusement park. Try to minimize your impact on the environment while travelling for business or pleasure. Here are some green travelling tips to help you have a fun and an eco-friendly trip.
Planning your trip: • Book electronic tickets to reduce paper waste and you are less likely to lose your ticket. • Look for hotel accommodations and tours that carry environmental friendly certifications or memberships in green industry associations. • Select a hotel close to public transportation or near the places you are going to visit during your stay. Before you go: • Unplug any unnecessary appliances such as televisions, computers, toasters, and microwaves because it can still use energy in their off mode. When you are there: • Avoid room service and carry-out which increase waste. • Buy locally produced products in order to reduce the pollution required to import goods. • Do not buy items made from endangered species. • Grab only the maps and brochures that you will actually use and share it whenever possible. • Leave unopened shampoo, soap, and other items in the hotel unless you are taking it home to use. • Lower the thermostat when you leave the room for long periods of time. • Never leave lights on when you are not in the room.
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Participate if the hotel has an environmental program. Stay only in marked areas to avoid destroying vegetation when hiking or camping. Take pictures and leave the location as you found it. Never remove wildlife from its natural environment including shells, flowers, and corals. Use water sparingly. This is a very scarce resource in some places. Walk or use public transportation.
When you come home: • Write a letter or email to your hotel or tour guide telling them that you appreciate their efforts to minimize the impact on the environment. This will encourage them to promote and institute more environmentally friendly activities.
Source: http://www.epa.gov/region1/communities/traveltips.html
Published by the Knowledge Management and Information Service (KMIS) for the DTI ENERCON Management Team in support of the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program. If you have Enercon tips to share, other suggestions or requested topics, please e-mail us at publications@dti.gov.ph.