Inspired Awareness and Appreciation For The Earth's Environment...
Sponsored by the good folks at Anna Maria Island Accommodations. Your one stop vacation rentals and property management authority for all Anna Maria Island, inlcuding Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and Anna Maria City.
What is Earth Day?
Earth Day is celebrated in the United States on April 22.
Whether you're planning a vacation to Anna Maria Island or some other island paradise in the sun, if you want it to be more earth friendly, the information that follows will help.
Keeping Your Family Vacations Earth Day Friendly
It's that time of year once again. Vacation planning time that is.
With the warmer weather upon us, its time to start planning your next family vacation. Hmmm you think, are there travel options that could leave less of an impact on the environment?
Family travel and travelling with children of any age is a challenge in itself, but making your vacation both family and earth friendly... now that's a real challenge.
After doing a little research it turned out there are some pretty basic and common sense things you can do that really do make a difference. Here are just a few of the many ideas for making your family vacation more Eco-Friendly.
Unplug the Electronics and Appliances Before You Leave on Vacation
Before you leave on vacation, be sure to unplug any appliances, chargers and electronic equipment that won’t be used. Things like the microwave, televisions, computers and stereos waste electricity while you are away.
Of course you can't unplug your refrigerator, but your heating and cooling system can and should be unplugged and given a rest any time you and your family go away on vacation. Besides, why would you want to waste both money and energy heating and cooling an empty house or apartment?
Lights and Security Illumination
If you have lights you want on for security purposes, hook them up to a timer so your home is illuminated when and how you want it to be, and powered off the rest of the time.
Your Mode of Transportantion and It's Impact on the Environment
When it comes to the environmental impact your vacation makes, your mode of transportation can be an important decision to make. For example, keep in mind that air travel leaves the biggest impact on the environment compared to the same distance travelled by rail car, bus or car. Of course for many of us air travel is the only option.
If your destination requires a very long distance, try to choose a flight that is direct. Those jumbo jetliners use a lot of fuel to take off and land, so a direct flight can make a difference. Not only that, but your baby (and you) will have a chance to catch some zzzzz’s on a direct flight you may not have if you have to get on and off the plane mid flight.
Carbon Offset Credits
Something else the modern day traveller might consider is the purchasing of "Carbon Offset Credits" against their flight. This is a system that was set up to enable travelers to purchase "emission reduction credits" from a company that will then use that money to do things like plant trees and support renewable energy products like solar and wind power.
This approach may not reduce the impact of your vacation flight directly, but it does help reduce your environmental footprint overall.
Your Vacation Accommodations and Their Impact On The Environment
Another aspect of your vacation planning worth considering when attempting to reduce the environmental impact is your family vacation accommodations.
Choosing accommodations for you, your family and your guests can be done with an eco-friendly state of mind too. We’ve all seen hotels that ask guests to reuse towels but have you ever stayed at a hotel that uses compact fluorescent bulbs, has a recycling program, or using non-toxic or biodegradable cleaning products?
Simply ask your hotel if they are an "Eco-Friendly Accommodation". And if, like a lot of people, you have a favorite place to stay that is lagging behind the green movement? There are still ways to reduce your impact. Turn down the heating or air conditioning when you're not in your room. Turn the lights off and ask housekeeping not to change your sheets every day. Unecessary laundery is a waste of both water and energy.
Transportation While on Vacation
Of course once you arrive at your vacation destination, there is always the matter of how to get around.
Well, on Anna Maria Island you always have the Free Trolley to tour the island on. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for most other vacation spots, so you may need to rent a car. If so, then why not rent from a car rental agency that specializes in providing hybrid vehicles or vehicles that run on alternate types of fuel.
Lets All Do Our Part
To Reduce The Impact We Have On The Environment While On Vacation
We all have to do our part, even when planning our family vacation. It's easy and its fun. Keep it Earth and Family Friendly. Happy "Earth Day"! Think I'll take a break and plant some seedlings out back and enjoy the day.
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