Go Green Travel Green

You are browsing the archives of 2008 April.

Thousands of websites have launched carbon emissions calculators, but often these sites only lead to more questions like: How do you choose the most eco-friendly route? Does a bus, plane, train, boat/ship, or car emit less carbon? And why do some sites say that flying produces fewer carbon emissions than driving?
These are all valid [...]

We hopped on the bus to Tallinn, Estonia with nothing but our passports, wallets, and nearly-empty backpacks. We had planned to buy tickets for the next day, but they were sold out. It was either go now or don’t go. We opted for the former.
Europe on a Shoestring didn’t do us much good sitting in [...]

Now that we’ve laid out the why, what, and where of green travel, we’re going to discuss the how. For the rest of the 25 Days to Green Travel series we’ll talk about how to travel green in 3 parts: Before You Go, While You’re There, and Going Home. To kick off Before [...]

Traveling green isn’t just about packing light, shopping local, or sticking to direct flights. It’s also about choosing destinations that are already taking steps to be more sustainable, and supporting the economy in those communities. And it’s about giving back to the community (and the earth) by volunteering.
There’s a green travel destination on every continent [...]

To be a green traveler, you need understand exactly what you’re aiming to do and what green travel is. There are many definitions of green travel, but here’s what we believe green travel is really about.
The Environment
When most people think about green travel they immediately think of the environment and making choices that will minimize [...]

Every green traveler has those days where she just wants to give up. Pollution, global warming, bad environmental policy decisions - how much of a difference can one person really make?
We’re launching our 25 Days to Green Travel series with photos that remind us why traveling green - and living green - matters. We’re going [...]

We have a post up at Vagabondish today; check out 7 Unrivaled Earth Day Events Around the World

In honor of our first Earth Day here at Go Green Travel Green, we’re launching our 25 Days to Green Travel series. We’ll start with the basics - who, what, when, where, and why - and kick off today with 31 Reasons to Travel Green: In Pictures. This compilation of photos, mostly by amateur photographers, [...]

In case you’ve missed the news over the last few days. Bisphenol A (BPA) bottles are officially on the out. (For more information on the risks of BPA see How to Choose a Healthy Water Bottle: 34 Resources) You can also check out our Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Water Bottle Review.
Nalgene is [...]

This weekend I stopped by REI to look for some hiking boots or trail running shoes. Ideally, I want a shoe that is durable, supportive, breathable, extremely comfortable, and waterproof. Yes, waterproof. Someday, (and hopefully sooner rather than later) I’ll be taking a round-the-world (RTW) trip, and I have an occasion [...]

Ever since I moved to DC three years ago, I’ve wanted a bike. I thought it would be a fun way to commute to work. Plus, driving around here is intolerable and public transportation can be unreliable.
So I finally did it. I got an 80s blue Fuji road bike with a headlight and quick release [...]

A few noteworthy green links from around the web this week:
NY Post writes about 12 restaurants and hotels in New York City that have decided to ban bottled water.
Tim Ferriss author of Four-Hour Work Week discusses the Return on Investment of “Going Green” and environmentally friendly index funds that beat the market.
Jennifer at Brave New [...]

phthalates, polyethylene, polycorbonate, bisphenol A
What are these and what do they have to do with my water bottle?
I’ll admit, though I’m green, I’m not the greenest of travelers. And sometimes when people start talking to me about toxins, and thates and thyles, I cringe and tune out. I mean, isn’t some of this [...]

The New York Times reported yesterday that American Airlines canceled nearly 1100 flights due to technical problems with a fleet of its planes.
As a traveler, I empathize with everyone whose flights got called off, but as an environmentalist I can’t help but think it’s not all bad.

photo credit: Cubbie_n_Vegas
According to the Carbon Footprint calculator, a [...]

One of the easiest ways to be a greener traveler is to opt for a reusable water bottle instead of bottled water. However, one crucial concern of using reusable water bottles is the fact that some contain BPA and phthalates. (If you don’t know what BPA and phthalates are, not to worry, I [...]

Studying abroad is a life-changing experience. (And, no, I’m not talking about the record amounts of alcohol consumed by students on their semesters abroad.) You meet new people, try new foods, and experience a new culture. Best of all, you’re completely independent.
As a temporary resident of your new country, you have a responsibility to leave [...]

Global warming got you down? Stressed out because the only plane ticket you can find has four layovers?
Relax. It’s Friday so sit back and start your weekend early. Take these green travel quizzes to discover your travel personality, your eco anxiety, your celebrity travel IQ, and even whether or not you’re an Eco Warrior.
How [...]

Things have been a little slow over here at Go Green Travel Green this week; but we’ve got some great content coming in the next few weeks (and a surprise series which we guarantee you will love!)
Here are a few good links for your reading pleasure:
John Vidal at the Guardian has written about the recent [...]