More Ways to Green Your Travels

Travel Blog  •  Joanna Kakissis  •  06.26.08 | 11:13 AM ET

imageForgoing a car or taxi (and its fumes) in favor of public transportation, walking or biking is one way you can green your vacation, says Grist magazine. Other tips include going on service-oriented vacations to work on an environmental project, buying locally-made goods (do those Greek warrior booties say “Made in China”?) and exploring an area near your hometown rather than on the other side of the world.

These eco-tips also have other benefits, too. Buying local helps the country’s economy, of course, and it also helps promote homegrown creativity instead of factory-line souvenir-making. Taking time to walk and observe even the very city you live in can compel a traveler’s sense of wonder.

And taking public transportation instead of taxis is not only economical but savvy. You’ll commune with crowds and really get a sense of city life. Unless, of course, you insist on becoming a David Sedaris character.

Photo by nogwater via Flickr (Creative Commons).