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Summer’s always a popular time to hit the road and see the sights. But it also seems like
just when you thought you could settle in and relax, the holidays arrive and send you
gallivanting around the globe to visit family and cash in your vacation days. As fuel prices
rise (or fall) and we become more aware of the impact of the internal combustion engine
on the trajectory of global warming, it makes sense to get creative about how and when we
get around.
Reducing the number of miles we travel in the first place is a sure-fire way to reduce our
environmental impact, so we might mull over the possibility of "staycationing", or
vacationing closer to home this year. (This also tends to be a money saver, so it’s got dual
benefits!) How many times have people come to visit and asked you if you have ever
ventured out to see the sights in your own backyard—museums, parks, galleries,
restaurants, historic markers—and you've sheepishly admitted never seeing them
yourself? Think of it as a local treasure hunt of sorts when you clock out of work this time.
When you do hit the road—consider you means and make them green. On foot,
horseback, bike, motorcycle, train, bus, car or plane—all have their pros and cons for
convenience, cultural experiences, and impact. Ponder the mileage of your mode of
transport, how much will you see and experience along the way, what will the carbon
footprint of your journey be? Can you increase your efficiency in some way? Maybe by
tuning up your car, not driving like Mario Andretti, or properly inflating your tires. Can you
share the ride with others who are going the same direction? Can you take the train this
year?
On your trip explore ways to limit the negative impact of your presence on the locals and
their home. Support their neighborhood economy by purchasing goods from independent
shopkeepers rather than big box stores. Conserve energy and water, recycle, eat regional
and organic foods, and use public transportation. Look into eco-travel and environmentally-
friendly resorts. Ask friends and family how you can support their own sustainability efforts
on your visit. (Try www.ecotourdirectory.com for more tips and resources.)
Finding creative ways to limit our greenhouse gas output and our environmental impact at
the source is the best way to go, but when travel is imminent (and desirable!) we can also
offset our emissions with Renewable Energy Credits. For instance, a 1,000 mile car trip (in
a car that gets 30mpg) produces 652 pounds of carbon dioxide—for $7.00 we can offset
those emissions with wind power. A 2,000 mile plane trip produces 2,720 pounds of
carbon dioxide and would cost only $28 to offset. (See www.drivenbythewind.org for more
details.)
They say life is a journey too so remember that traveling light can also refer to keeping
stress and clutter from our lives and just nurturing a happy heart. All of these small steps
make the world a better place, us better companions, and everything more fun.
© 2007 JENNIFER H. WHITE, ROOT SYSTEMS INSTITUTE, LLC ~ ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
just when you thought you could settle in and relax, the holidays arrive and send you
gallivanting around the globe to visit family and cash in your vacation days. As fuel prices
rise (or fall) and we become more aware of the impact of the internal combustion engine
on the trajectory of global warming, it makes sense to get creative about how and when we
get around.
Reducing the number of miles we travel in the first place is a sure-fire way to reduce our
environmental impact, so we might mull over the possibility of "staycationing", or
vacationing closer to home this year. (This also tends to be a money saver, so it’s got dual
benefits!) How many times have people come to visit and asked you if you have ever
ventured out to see the sights in your own backyard—museums, parks, galleries,
restaurants, historic markers—and you've sheepishly admitted never seeing them
yourself? Think of it as a local treasure hunt of sorts when you clock out of work this time.
When you do hit the road—consider you means and make them green. On foot,
horseback, bike, motorcycle, train, bus, car or plane—all have their pros and cons for
convenience, cultural experiences, and impact. Ponder the mileage of your mode of
transport, how much will you see and experience along the way, what will the carbon
footprint of your journey be? Can you increase your efficiency in some way? Maybe by
tuning up your car, not driving like Mario Andretti, or properly inflating your tires. Can you
share the ride with others who are going the same direction? Can you take the train this
year?
On your trip explore ways to limit the negative impact of your presence on the locals and
their home. Support their neighborhood economy by purchasing goods from independent
shopkeepers rather than big box stores. Conserve energy and water, recycle, eat regional
and organic foods, and use public transportation. Look into eco-travel and environmentally-
friendly resorts. Ask friends and family how you can support their own sustainability efforts
on your visit. (Try www.ecotourdirectory.com for more tips and resources.)
Finding creative ways to limit our greenhouse gas output and our environmental impact at
the source is the best way to go, but when travel is imminent (and desirable!) we can also
offset our emissions with Renewable Energy Credits. For instance, a 1,000 mile car trip (in
a car that gets 30mpg) produces 652 pounds of carbon dioxide—for $7.00 we can offset
those emissions with wind power. A 2,000 mile plane trip produces 2,720 pounds of
carbon dioxide and would cost only $28 to offset. (See www.drivenbythewind.org for more
details.)
They say life is a journey too so remember that traveling light can also refer to keeping
stress and clutter from our lives and just nurturing a happy heart. All of these small steps
make the world a better place, us better companions, and everything more fun.
© 2007 JENNIFER H. WHITE, ROOT SYSTEMS INSTITUTE, LLC ~ ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Travel Light: Wandering the Good Green Road
by Jennifer White
by Jennifer White
© 1997-2008 JENNIFER H. WHITE, ROOT SYSTEMS INSTITUTE, LLC ~ ALL RIGHTS RESERVED HOME | ABOUT | SERVICES | RESOURCES | CONTACT |
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