Going Green
Going Green on Vacation
  • Use public transportation when available.
     
  • Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gas.
     
  • When you use overdrive gearing, your car's engine speed goes down. This saves gas and reduces engine wear.
     
  • Use the hotel van instead of renting a car, or share a taxi.
     
  • Participate in hotel linen programs, or let the hotel know that it's not necessary to change your sheets and towels every day.
     
  • When you leave your hotel room, turn off the AC/heat, lights, TV and radio. Close the drapes.
     
  • Check out of the hotel via the hotel's electronic program available on the TV in some hotels. You can view your bill, approve it and help reduce paperwork.
     
  • If possible, send children to school on the bus. If that's not an option, organize a carpool with other families. This saves gas, cuts down on auto emissions and saves time.
     
  • Keep your engine tuned. Fouled spark plugs, failed oxygen sensors or bad catalytic converters can affect mileage by 4 percent.
     
  • Don't let your car idle. Ten seconds of idling uses more gas than stopping and restarting the engine.
     
  • Check tire pressure. Proper inflation can save 3 percent in fuel costs, plus the tires last longer and are safer.
     
  • Check and replace filters regularly. A clogged air filter can affect mileage by 10 percent. A clean air filter also keeps out impurities that can damage internal engine parts.
     
  • Use the proper grade of oil. If you put 10W-30 weight oil in an engine designed for 5W- 30, mileage will be reduced 1 to 2 percent.
     
  • Use Internet travel booking engines that can steer you to eco-vacations, such as www.eco.orbitz.com that provides information on eco-friendly hotels that use solar power or wind power, natural soaps and energy-efficient lighting.
     
  • Consider a volunteer vacation such as clearing trails in national parks, or join a tour with groups such as the Sierra Club (www.sierraclub.org).

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