GREEN TRAVELS

We all travel; some of us for vacation, some for work, some as part of a multi-nation tour with a multi-platinum band. Regardless, whenever we find ourselves staying at a hotel (or motel, as is usually the case for us) the temptation is strong to abandon the rules we've established for our home life.

Running faucets, strewn towels, A/C left blasting all day and night are just some of the indulgences we allow ourselves while on the road. Yet waste is waste is waste, no matter where we may be, even at the Grand Hyatt. So we've compiled a quick list of painless ways in which you can help protect the environment while living out of a suitcase. Happy travels! Oh, and if you should stay at a Motel 6, please tell Tom Bodett not to leave the light on for you.

7 TIPS FOR GREEN GUESTS

1. Don't put down the towel mat You know that big, thick mat they leave draped over the tub? It's nice and all for keeping your feet dry when you exit the shower, but it doesn't do anything a smaller hand towel or even a washcloth can't. If you can survive without foot fabric, better still. And make sure to leave the mat neatly folded on the edge of the tub where you found it so housekeeping won't be compelled to replace it.

2. Use only the hand towel(s) you need Don't use them all for the novelty of using a clean hand towel every time you wash up (as novel as that is).

3. Reuse your bath towel You probably don't wash your bath towels after every use when you're home...

4. One bar only Most hotels provided separate sink and tub bars of soap. No need to open both when a quick transfer between porcelain basins will suffice.

5. Refrain from using ALL of the glasses and mugs in the room.

6. Put... the lotion... down! Do you really need all those sample sizes of conditioner? Leave the tea bags, coffee pouches and sweetener packets too, unless you're really ga-ga for Mini Moo creamers, of course.

7. Lights out And the TV and turn down the A/C or heat when you leave the room for long periods. Again, think of how you would leave your house in the morning. The hotel bedbugs don't need the thermostat set to 72º (although they do prefer it).

Of course it's easy to not consider conservation when you're on the road, and especially when on vacation. But the compromises are pretty small compared to the benefit. And that warm, fuzzy feeling you'll get knowing you were sponsible, even while living it up at the Duluth Holiday Inn (where there happen to be NO bedbugs we hear) will make your stay that much more rewarding. Really.

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LINK OF THE DAY
TransfairUSA.org

Fair trade is a term used to cover a lot of aspects of commerce, all of them grounded in practices that are equitable and just for all. Sustainability and respect for worker's rights are just two principles behind fair trade companies. Fair Trade Certified™ certifies companies who adhere to these practices. Their site highlights many companies that practice Fair Trade, including Starbucks, Peet's Coffee and Ben & Jerry's. Apparently fair trade can be delicious too.