12 Kilos or Bust: Stories That Travel: 20 Tips for 'Green Travel'

Green Tourism, Eco-Tourism, Responsible Tourism, Sustainable Tourism, Cultural Tourism, Nature-Based Tourism...these buzz words are becoming more popular worldwide.

The ideas behind these buzz words all vary slightly when it comes to answering these key questions:
How can we travel sustainably for future generations to enjoy the same experience?
How can we care for the environment and help the local people in a positive way?

We're a new generation of travelers, more aware of our environmental impact and more keen to experience remote destinations in their 'natural' setting.

And yet...it seems that without proper government & international regulation, any company or hotel or travel agent can slap the word 'eco-friendly' on their product and attempt to lure unsuspecting tourists in.

So, how do we know what 'green' travel really is?

Making educated choices that minimize negative environmental impact: choose destinations or tours that operate with a philosophy of conservation and education, apply 'Leave No Trace' principles, try to minimize energy consumption, be aware of where resources are coming from and where the waste goes at the end of the day.
Respecting the locals: be polite and minimizing negative cultural generalizations (i.e. the English drink too much, Americans are ignorant, the French are stuck up, etc...)
Learning the local customs and culture: learn the language, dress appropriately (look to the locals for cues), read up on the religions, holy places and local customs (are there social taboos, like the placement of feet in Asia, to be aware of?)
Responsible purchasing: support local businesses, buy local products directly from artisans (avoid souvenirs made in China), avoid souvenirs made from animal products, corals or shells, eat local foods supporting local farmers, hire local tour guides.

Health & hygiene: pay attention to the chemicals used in your water bottles, shampoos or laundry detergents, use biodegradable soaps when available. Awareness will help to minimize toxic waste in the region you're visiting.

Here's a list of 'Travel Green' tips to remember next time you're on the go:

Before you go, unplug everything in your house. Many electronics use a high amount of 'vampire energy', meaning they consume energy even when on stand-by or plugged in (TVs and microwaves for example.)

Use public transportation in country whenever possible.

Don't eat at international chains like Starbucks or McDonald's, explore and experiment in local markets and eateries.

Use rechargeable gadgets, avoid single-use or disposable products (i.e. batteries, disposable hand wipes)

Don't throw away electronics when they malfunction. Batteries contain toxic materials that need to be recycled properly when you return home.
Travel with a stainless steel water bottle and refill as you go, since many developing countries lack adequate recycling infrastructure.

Brochures and maps provided by hotels or travel agents can be returned if kept in good condition.

Travel with a tote bag, something of durable fabric to avoid using plastic.

Use your own soap and washing liquids, since the disposable ones in hotels are wasteful.

Turn off all electric devices when leaving your hotel room.

If your hotel does not recycle or dispose of rubbish responsible, write a comment in the 'comments card' since hotel reps and managers do read them.

"Do Not Disturb": tell the hotel staff you don't need your room cleaned every day. This saves energy from vacuuming and reduces toxic waste from using chemical cleaners. Cut down on water waste by re-using towels and linens.

Know your carbon footprint, and make a financial donation to help reduce the greenhouse gases while you're away. Use Sustainable Tourism International's Carbon Calculator and help support projects investing in wind energy, tree planting, and many more examples here.

Keep the window closed during a daytime flight, this reduces the energy needed to keep the plane cool.
Choose a biodegradable sunscreen, one that's reef friendly and won't bleach the corals.
Keep to the hiking trails and stay off the buds and plants. (At high altitudes native flora is slow-growing and can take years to properly regenerate.)

Never feed the wildlife, and avoid adventure operators who offer up-close and personal encounters with wildlife that are not in the field of conservation, internationally recognized or reputable.

Don't support the wildlife trade, avoid buying products made from threatened or endangered wildlife. Buyer Beware and WWF's Souvenir Guide are great resource for research into the area you're traveling to.

Stay in home stays or small guesthouses when available, this will allow you more intimate interaction with the locals and support small family businesses.

Volunteer while you're abroad. There's no better way to interact and learn from the local culture and customs, and your work will be a direct contribution to something positive--whether you're interested in community development, wildlife conservation, or environmental care, you'll find millions of volunteer organizations eager to have you. (Some example resources: Woofing organic farming, International Student Volunteers, Projects Abroad, Neohumanism Volunteering.)