Published: March 15, 2016
Shadow of a plane over trees
Each month, CU-Boulder's Environmental Center provides eco-tips with the goal of promoting sustainable choices. March's topic is green travel.

Did you know:

  • 听indicates responsible travel practices that focus on economic, socio-cultural, and environmental sustainability.
  • A round-trip flight from听creates a warming effect equivalent to 2 or 3 tons of carbon dioxide per person, which is significant considering the average American generates about 19 tons of CO2 per year.

What you can do:

  • Book non-stop flights; the most carbon is emitted during takeoffs and landings.
  • Support local businesses that use sustainable methods
  • Buy products made by local artisans.
  • Travel with听听, which have less of an environmental impact.
  • Look for seals of approval indicating environmental certifications, such as听,听听,听, and听.
  • Stay in hotels that make it a priority to be as environmentally low-impact as possible.
  • 听your personal travel carbon footprint, then offset your impact through an organization listed below.
  • Pack light, and bring clothing you can use repeatedly.

Resources:

Carbon offset resources:

By Drew Searchinger, CU Environmental Center outreach and engagement assistant.