|
Choose a Green hotel: You can have a look at a number of websites that lists hotel, lodges, bed & breakfast (B&BS) around India that are environment friendly. As each site has their own criterion for rating properties it is better to be thorough with the standards that you are looking from the hotel. You can ask the following questions
- Is the ownership of hotel local and whether it is locally operated? If it is not the case then is it at least staffed by employees of the local region?
- What kind of recycling programs is followed by the hotel? (Plastic, aluminum, paper, gray water, composting)
- Whether there is an option for the guests to reuse towels and sheets instead of single day use?
- Is there any concerted effort or programme in place by the hotel management to reduce consumption? This can be alternative energy sources like solar or wind power, energy-efficient lighting, low-flow toilets and showers etc.
During your stay: While you stay in the hotel you can also reduce your carbon footprints. The following points may help you:
- Keep short your showers and close the water tap while you're brushing your teeth or shaving.
- As you leave the room, always turn off the air conditioning, heaters, TV, lights or for that matter any other electric/electronic devices.
- Reuse towels and sheets and do not insist on having them changed every day. Keep it tidy and hanging up many hotels will not replace your towels daily.
- Bring your own toiletries actually is an environment friendly idea. Incase you do use the hotel's toiletries, do not leave them but take them with you and use it at home or during the rest of your travel trip.
- Be aware of your hotel's recycling program and sort your trash based on it. If the hotel doesn't have a recycle programme, better taking your empty bottles or other items back home where you can give it to any recycle unit.
- Give genuine feedback to your hotel. Express your appreciation and concern for any eco-friendly programs undertaken by it. If it doesn't, have any encourage the management to go green in the near future.
Transportation:Transportation is a major way through which tourists contribute to environmental degradation. This is true especially for air travel. To minimize your environmental footprint, the following steps would prove beneficial:
- For shorter trips a train trip is best instead of flying in India Railways has a very good network.
- While renting a car, select the smallest vehicle which can comfortably accommodate you.
- Go for a CNG fuel based car instead of petrol or diesel.
- In case of a long road trip? If you find that your personal vehicle is large and does not score much on fuel-efficiency, consider renting an economy car instead. You'll save gas as well as avoid putting kilometers on your own vehicle.
- Whenever possible, use public transportation instead of going for taxis or rental cars. Better yet, walk it is good for your health or bike.
Shopping: Try to buy local products as far as possible instead of imported or those flown in from overseas or long distances. This way you'll support the local economy also. Never buy souvenirs or other products made from endangered animals or plants like shahtoosh shawls, or purse made from the skin of snakes.
|
