Eco-friendly tips and tricks to minimize your footprint

The first Earth Day was in 1970, when a U.S. Senator organized a teach-in on university campuses nationwide following a visit to the site of the Santa Barbara oil spill. Today, the day is celebrated by upwards of a billion people in more than 192 countries all over the world. Do your part to protect the planet with our eco-friendly tips you can use at home and while you’re traveling.

Ways to go greener at home

• Donate old clothes, eyeglasses and electronics instead of throwing them away.

• Choose a shower head with a low GPM (that’s gallons per minute).

• Install energy-friendly light bulbs to use up to 70% less energy.

• Turn off the water when you’re brushing your teeth to save around 8 gallons of water a day.

• Clean with vinegar, instead of harsh chemicals. Just add some salt when you need to scrub.

• Instead of buying bottled water, carry your own reusable bottle to refill as needed.

Tips for eco-friendly travel

• Refill your travel-size containers instead of buying new ones each trip.

• Unplug your appliances when you go on vacation—many common appliances still sap electricity when they are off.

• Set your thermostat and water heater to low before you leave.

• Grab only the maps and brochures that you will actually use—consider sharing with others in your group.

• Never remove wildlife from its natural environment including shells, flowers and coral—take a picture instead.

• When hiking or camping, stay only in marked areas to avoid destroying vegetation.

• Buy locally produced souvenirs in order to support the local economy and reduce the pollution required to import goods.

Do you have more suggestions on eco-friendly travel tips? Tell us on Facebook!