Spring is the time we begin to think about family vacations and enjoying the beauty of Florida. Taking your green practices on the road may be challenging, but with a little preparation you can be comfortable and green at the same time.
Book your next hotel stay with a designated member of the Florida Green Lodging Program. Properties are located throughout the state and range from a local bed and breakfast to five star resorts with more than 1,000 rooms to suit any traveler’s needs. Designated properties have implemented a variety of environmentally friendly practices, such as: installation of low flow plumbing fixtures, linen and towel reuse programs, installation of Energy Star® appliances and programmable thermostats, recycling in guest and staff areas, bulk and recycled content purchasing, use of green cleaners and use of high efficiency air filters. Visit the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Green Lodging Program to find the ideal green hotel for your next trip.
Even with high gas prices, you can take a vacation that doesn’t deplete your wallet or the environment by traveling green. FDEP’s Green Travel Web site features an interactive map to locate Green Lodging properties and Florida state parks close to home, and lists dozens of tips on being green while enjoying Florida. Close-to-home Florida state parks offer the perfect avenue for family relaxation or recreation. Just outside your door, many state park adventures await within a short car ride. Plan your affordable family getaway by visiting One Tank Adventures to locate all Florida State Parks within a 100-mile radius.
A little maintenance on your vehicle before you travel can save on gas and problems later. Get an oil change, inflate your tires to the proper level, change the air filter and remove any unnecessary items in the trunk. You will save gas and your car will perform better.
Enjoy your trip by walking and biking through the area you are visiting to really get a close encounter. Visit local restaurants and farmer’s markets to support the local economy and remember to recycle your trash. Looking for ways to be green on the road can save money and be fun.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourages travelers to be green while on the road and choose hotels that have earned EPA’s Energy Star rating. Energy Star labeled hotels are independently verified to meet strict energy efficiency performance levels set by EPA. Hotels that have earned the Energy Star perform in the top 25 percent of hotels nationwide, use at least 35 percent less energy and emit at least 35 percent less greenhouse gas emissions than their peers – making an environmentally friendly lodging choice a snap when planning a summer vacation.
Resources:
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/green/tips/tips.htm#travel
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