Green Daily

While staycations are all the rage right now, the trend doesn't indicate that travel is becoming a thing of the past. When choosing your lodgings, you should be inquiring about green practices along with pricing, location and other amenities.

Many hotels do not offer recycling in-room. Between trips to the vending machine, using the disposable cups they offer, and the plastic bags and packaging that come with your souvenirs, you can end up with bags of recycling by the end of a couple of days.

Bring some 2L bottles of soda, reusable water bottles and coffee mugs, and consider requesting a room with a refrigerator for long stays. Pack some dish soap, and you won't think twice about having to use these items.

Just because you're on vacation doesn't mean that you can switch over to a wasteful alter-ego. Don't leave your green shopping bags at home, and if you can't find accommodation with in-room recycling, inquire about whether or not the cleaning staff could do this for you. Pack a blue recycling bag or two to clearly indicate recyclables. If you're driving home, just bring the bags back yourself!

Don't forget to ask about hotel power usage, water usage, and other wasteful practices. If they do their part for the environment, then paying them $100+ per night will weigh less heavily on your shoulders. If you have in-room climate control, then watch your thermostat like you would at home.

Check out these other tips for greener travel this summer.