Green Travel Tips
Throughout the summer, many people find themselves traveling more than usual. Moving long distances, no matter the mode of transportation, has an impact on both the local and global environment. In the United States, transportation takes up an estimated 30% of fossil fuel emissions. If possible, reflect on your preferred or traditional mode of travel, and consider finding an alternative that will lower your carbon footprint.
Carpool
Riding with coworkers and family is an easy way to lower emissions and energy consumption on a daily basis, but it is also applicable for vacations. If going to the airport, consider using a ridesharing app to carpool. If you have any friends who are going to the same place, consider riding together instead of using multiple cars.
Travel by Train
North Carolina has 16 passenger train stations across the state. When choosing your transportation, consider making use of public transportation. The closest Amtrak station to Greenville is located in Wilson, NC, and offers routes that extend as far north as New York City and south to Charlotte or Orlando, FL. Public transportation is one of the most effective forms of ride-sharing and has a much lower individual impact than traveling by car. In addition to this, taking a train ride provides a sense of adventure that might be otherwise missing from your life. It’s never too late to change travel habits, and you might find you enjoy the ride. Save a tree by utilizing their mobile ticket app instead of buying a printed ticket. Amtrak also offers a 10% discount to college students with a Student Advantage Card.
Rent an Electronic Vehicle
Not keen on crowded train stations? That’s alright; there are several other options. If renting a car is unavoidable, consider going electric! Electric cars are not only more environmentally friendly than the standard vehicle, but they are also more cost-efficient, taking an average of fifteen dollars to charge. If you do have a car and you must use it, remember to check your tire pressure to maximize fuel efficiency and use cruise control when possible to help conserve fuel. Avoid idling and fast start-and-stop behaviors as these can decrease your mileage significantly.
Take the Greyhound Bus
North Carolina is full of Greyhound Bus Stations. Consider traveling via bus to lower your carbon footprint and get to your destination! Traveling by bus is an experience that will let you appreciate the scenery, enable you to meet new people, and feel more in touch with your community. In addition to this, all buses have a free internet connection and individual power outlets, so you can continue to be plugged in while you travel.
Purchase Carbon Offsets
When flying, consider spending a small amount to offset any carbon emissions from your flight. Funds from carbon offsets are put towards carbon reduction projects, which come in many different forms.
Minimize Waste
There are many ways to minimize your waste as you travel that are also applicable in day-to-day life. Examples include traveling with reusable products, including water bottles, utensils, and straws, and preventing overconsumption of plastic waste. In addition to this, minimizing electricity consumption by turning off lights, unplugging unused electronics, and closing blinds when you leave your apartment, dorm, or rental house are all effective ways to continue reducing carbon waste. Set your thermostat up to 80 degrees so that the AC will only kick on if absolutely necessary to prevent mold. Unplug vampire energy electronic devices to conserve power. Travelling is the perfect time to practice new habits, so it’s a great time to branch into sustainable living!
Lodging
The N.C. Dept. of Environmental Quality has a directory of sustainable lodging options across the NC regions available on their website. The lodgings listed meet the NC GreenTravel green standard, a state-wide program that encourages environmental stewardship in tourism and issues star ratings based on their assessment of the business. If your family is coming to you instead of the other way around, check the NC GreenTravel website for local listings as well.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay outside of NC, check out the Green Hotels Association to see if they have locations near your destination!
With Independence Day around the corner, the roads are going to be especially busy this time of year. Many people will be visiting family across the state for celebrations or taking a road trip to some of our local tourist spots. When making your travel plans for the coming weeks, consider giving back to your local environment by making use of your state’s resources for sustainable travel.