Each time you take a flight or drive a car, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. You can help neutralize this danger to our planet through "carbon offsetting" -- paying someone to reduce your CO2 emissions by the same amount you've added. Carbon offsets can be purchased in the U.S. from companies such as Carbonfund.org (www.carbonfund.org) and TerraPass (www.terrapass.org), and from Climate Care (www.climatecare.org) in the U.K.
Although one could argue that any vacation that includes an airplane flight can't be truly "green," you can go on holiday and still contribute positively to the environment. In addition to purchasing carbon offsets, you can take other steps towards responsible travel. Choose forward-looking companies who embrace responsible development practices, helping preserve destinations for the future by working alongside local people. An increasing number of sustainable tourism initiatives can help you plan a trip and leave as small a "footprint" as possible on the places you visit.
As in most other major destinations, eco-awareness is up all over Boston, notably in the widespread practice of asking guests to "opt in" when they want fresh sheets and towels. The "greenest" hotel in town is the Lenox, which goes so far as to furnish each room with a copy of the Consumer's Guide to Effective Environmental Choices. Boston is one of the cities in the Zipcar (tel. 866/4ZIP-CAR; www.zipcar.com) network, with vehicles parked near most centrally located hotels; if you're a member at home, you can reserve a Zipcar in Boston.
Responsible Travel (www.responsibletravel.com), run by a spokesperson for responsible tourism in the travel industry, offers numerous sustainable travel ideas.
You can find eco-friendly travel tips, statistics, and touring companies and associations -- listed by destination under "Travel Choice" -- at the TIES website, www.ecotourism.org.
It's Easy Being Green
We can all help conserve fuel and energy when we travel. Here are a few simple ways you can help preserve your favorite destinations:
Whenever possible, choose nonstop flights; they generally require less fuel than those that must stop and take off again.
If you must rent a car, ask the rental agent for the most fuel-efficient model available. Not only will you use less gas, you'll save money on refueling.
At hotels, request that your sheets and towels not be changed daily. You'll save water and energy by not washing them as often, and you'll prolong the life of the towels, too.
Turn off the lights and air-conditioning or heat when you leave your hotel room.
