Author Archive

Five Green DIY Projects for Home and Garden

Going green starts at home, and contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Any number of green DIY projects allow you to get creative and make something useful for you and the planet.

Keep reading for five DIY projects for your home and garden that you and your family can implement this summer. Whether you prefer a simple task or something more complex, there’s something for you.

Raised garden bed. 

The spring and summer months are all about the garden. Kicking off your gardening journey can be exciting but also full of hurdles. 

  • What if your soil isn’t up to growing your favorite fruits and vegetables? 
  • What if you don’t have enough space for a garden? 
  • What if your drainage system isn’t effective? 

Setting up a raised bed garden can resolve all these problems.

Check out this video from The Crafty Gemini for tips on how to make an efficient yet inexpensive raised garden bed!

Homemade compost bin. 

Have you started composting at home yet? Compost from your backyard is one of the best ways to feed your garden and one of the best things you can do for the environment. The pile of dry leaves, yard trimmings, and kitchen leftovers can act as a natural fertilizer and promote the growth of your garden. U

Unfortunately, the compost pile doesn’t look attractive and could invite in some critters; a container to conceal your backyard compost pile is the way to go. Check out this simple tutorial from Young House Love.

Mason jar herb garden. 

If you’re looking for a project that’s a little more hands-on, try creating a mason jar herb garden like this one from Pepper and Pine! Not only will you love the convenience of having your own herb garden, but you’ll also be making good use of old mason jars and pieces of wood that might otherwise have gone to waste. Plus, you can get the whole family involved in this one!

Homemade cleaning supplies.

Some of the items in your pantry work as effective homemade all-purpose cleaners and, even better, cost next to nothing. So, the next time you’re staring down a big mess, but you’re out of your favorite cleaning product, try mixing up some DIY homemade cleaners. These natural products will kick grime, help the Earth, and keep your wallet happy.

Some cleansers you can make include:

  • All-purpose cleaner
  • Glass cleaner
  • Laundry detergent
  • Natural heavy-duty scrub
  • Floor cleaner
  • Carpet deodorizer
  • Air fresher

[Click here for more eco-friendly cleaning tips!]

Build a recycling center. 

Recycling is vital to our Earth, but it isn’t always the easiest. With unsightly bins hogging precious space in your kitchen. Streamline the effort with a DIY sorting station project.

 A family-friendly sorting station not only serves as a temporary storage place for recyclables but also encourages the use of scrap materials in future arts and crafts. This center from Handmade Charlotte invites your children to imagine fun uses for things destined for the dump by incorporating a pegboard and simple tools.

We hope you enjoy these green DIY projects for your home and garden. It’s satisfying to work on small, eco-friendly projects that eliminate the use of toxins and add a touch of nature to your home. You can make a positive impact on the environment and live a healthier life with each small change.

At Carolina Fibre Corporation, we believe in sustainability, whether gardening, composting, or recycling. Do you have any good ideas for sustainability? We would love to hear about them on our Facebook page!

Six Eco-Friendly Swaps for This Summer

Summer is the best season!

And we all know summertime means having fun, being lazy, and spending time with those you love. The worries and the stress of work, school, and responsibilities fade away with every weekend; nothing else seems to matter more than your tan or having a good time.

Except, that’s just not true anymore. Our planet is becoming ridden with plastic, pollution, chemicals, and more with every passing day. You might not know it, but you could be taking part in the destruction of our planet with the things you use every day – especially in the hot summer months. The items you use this summer could be doing more damage than you think.

But thankfully, there are easy swaps for more eco-friendly products that’ll help minimize the impact you have on the environment! Check out these six earth-friendly products you could swap for the things you use daily, so you can have a fun and eco-friendly summer!

Reusable water bottles and travel mugs.

Water, coffee, and lemonade are summer essentials. However, plastic water bottles and plastic to-go cups from your local coffee shop are a massive problem for our earth and landfills.

Reusable travel drink cups will not only save the planet but save you time and money. Plus – pro tip: a reusable travel mug is perfect for to-go cocktails. So, when you need to mix a summer for that beach day or festival, you’ll be ready!

Chemical-free sunscreen.

If you’re still using chemical-ridden sunscreen, do you even care about the environment, you are not only hurting the environment but also your skin.

Recent research and studies show a common chemical in spray-on and lotion sunscreens — oxybenzone — contributes to coral bleaching, the killing of reefs, and the widespread destruction of ocean life.

In addition, studies have shown that the health effects of sunscreens with chemical ingredients such as oxybenzone and avobenzone can lead to skin irritation, hormonal disruption, and even skin cancer.

Go vegan at your next summer gathering. 

Instead of going for the regular, meaty hot dogs at your next barbecue, give the vegans ones a shot. Many people like the flavor of the vegan dogs and burgers even better.

Additionally, they are healthier and way better for the environment, as animal agriculture is a huge contributor to climate change. So, at your next barbecue, opt for an eco-friendlier product instead.

Eco-friendly and cruelty-free shampoo.

All those summer days lounging at the pool or beach have of washing and conditioning our hair in overdrive. But do you really know what’s in your shampoo? And do you know how they test the ingredients or what they test on?

According to Health Status, the chemicals found in shampoo can pose health risks such as memory and hair loss. Many other common ingredients have also been known to cause eye and skin irritation, hair follicle damage, and other health complications. It’s also important to consider, whatever goes down our drains ends up in our waterways and can pollute our drinking water, harming humans and animals alike.

There are plenty of organic shampoo products out there, but even shampoos with healthy formulas generally come in plastic packaging. Shampoo bars tend to be most sustainable, as they typically come in paper packaging and are often made from eco-friendly, non-toxic, and healthy ingredients.

[Get more tips on eco-friendly summer travels here!]

Pass on the Plastic Straw

Not only are we filling the oceans with plastic water bottles, but we’re also contributing to the global plastic problem by continuing to use plastic straws.

But sometimes that straw just makes everything taste better, not to mention helps minimize messes. We get it, so opt for reusable straws instead! They are both eco-friendly and practical products.

Utilize reusable grocery bags. 

Summer feels endless, but so can the trips to the grocery store. It’s time to make the switch to reusable bags.

Not only are they recyclable and way more sustainable than plastic, but they’re also usually powerful and will carry twice as much as regular plastic bags. So not only are they an eco-friendly product, they are practical! Buy a few and keep them in your car, so you never forget to bring them with you wherever you’re going.

With these easy swaps, you’ll be having an eco-friendlier summer in no time! You will be helping save this beautiful earth while also having a memorable summer and enjoying life. Stay tuned to our blog for more eco-friendly and sustainable living tips!

Four Benefits of Recycling Plastic

Plastic is inexpensive, durable, and lightweight, so it makes sense that it’s used abundantly in manufacturing.

Plastics are used to manufacture a staggering number of products we use every day – everything from food and beverage containers to trash and grocery bags and even children’s toys and diapers. But all this product has to go somewhere, right?

Each year, approximately 100 million tons of plastic is produced, and it usually ends up in landfills. When plastic is disposed of in landfills, it can take up to 1000 years to decompose. When burnt, plastic releases highly toxic gas. Keeping these things in mind, the best option for dealing with plastic is reducing the amount we use in the first place, and for the plastic waste we do use, it is essential that we are recycling.

Recycling is crucial to the future health of our planet, and here are four reasons why. Keep reading for four major benefits of recycling plastic.

It conserves natural resources and energy.

Tossing that plastic water bottle in the trash takes less than a second. Reusing it takes the same amount of time and has more benefits. Did you know that it takes twice as much energy to burn plastic as it does to recycle it?

Recycling saves energy by reducing or eliminating the need to make materials from scratch. Making products from scratch is labor-intensive and expensive. Using recycled materials instead of pulling new natural resources, manufacturers can make the same products with less energy and expense.

[Need some recycling tips for this coming summer? Click here!]

Recycling plastics saves so much landfill space.

Our American landfills are growing every day. Because they are so full, they take up large parcels of land which destroys essential natural resources. Waste dumps are also significant emitters of methane gas, one of the primary gases proven to be responsible for climate change. According to an article in EPA, “In 2018, landfills received 27 million tons of plastic.”

By recycling our plastic, we can help slow the rate at which our landfills are filling up and the number of greenhouse gases generated by them.

Helps protect ecosystems and wildlife.

Recycling reduces the need to grow, harvest, or extract new raw materials from the Earth. That, in turn, lessens the disruption and damage done to the natural world: fewer forests cut down, rivers diverted, wild animals harmed or displaced, and less pollution of water, soil, and air.

And of course, if our plastic waste isn’t safely put in the recycling, it can be blown or washed into rivers and seas and end up hundreds or thousands of miles away, polluting coastlines and waterways and becoming a problem for everyone.

Our oceans are in trouble, and the numbers are astounding. According to National Geographic, “there are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris in the ocean. Of that mass, 269,000 tons float on the surface, while some four billion plastic microfibers per square kilometer litter the deep sea.”

Reducing climate-changing carbon emissions.

Because recycling means you need to use less energy on sourcing and processing new raw materials, it produces lower carbon emissions. It also keeps potentially methane-releasing waste out of landfill sites.

Reducing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases being emitted into the atmosphere is vital for stopping disastrous climate change.

The truth is we need to get into the habit of using less stuff. And the things we use need to be reused before being recycled to minimize waste. Many people think that one person can’t make a difference, but when it comes to recycling, one person can make a huge impact. Recycling is a simple way to preserve our natural resources and protect our clean air and water.

With the services and facilities offered by Carolina Fibre, it’s easier than ever to jump on board with green efforts here in eastern North Carolina. Contact us today to learn more about our recycling services!

Seven Tips for Honoring Earth Day

It’s that time again, and while most people love trick-or-treating or spreading yuletide cheer, we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate our favorite holiday of the year – Earth Day! 

Earth Day is a time to celebrate the planet, raise awareness about our need to protect it, and reflect on what we can do to show our respect. 

This year, we challenge you to go beyond contributing just one day this year. We want you to change a habit (or a few!) to take care of our planet all year long.

Turn off the lights. 

It’s pretty simple – if you leave a room and no one else is there, turn off the lights. If your done watching television, turn it off. Being mindful of your electricity usage is one of the simplest things you can do to protect our Earth. So, shut them off, pull back the curtains and let that natural sunlight pour into your home.

Decrease water usage. 

Believe it or not, leaving the water on while brushing your teeth wastes 5 gallons of water a day – yikes! It’s a small thing to remember, but so important that we all do it together because it makes a huge impact. 

Also, be aware of any leaky toilets in your home. Leaks can waste up to 20 gallons of water per day, so pay attention to your bathrooms and ensure everything is working correctly.

Go paperless. 

Does your bank offer paperless services? It may be time to give it a try. Receiving banking statements online means you’ll still get a statement every month, and you can review older statements at any time. Trust us; once you try paperless, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do this a long time ago!

Fortunately, there are many places where you can opt-out of paper. Some of those areas include:

  • Sign up for email billing statements and online digital payments.
  • Request no receipts at grocery stores and Fast-Food restaurants. 
  • Utilize apps for keeping a calendar and creating a to-do list.
  • Consider switching your favorite print media to an online version. 

[Want to know about recycling paper at the office? Click here!]

Avoid plastic when possible. 

It might be easy to buy bottles of water in bulk for your family, but it’s not good for the environment. All those empty bottles pile up in landfills, which release greenhouse gases. 

Want to know a secret? Bottled water is treated tap water, so why not invest in a filter to treat your water? They’re not expensive and overall will save you money compared to your monthly bottled water expanse.

Start composting. 

Composting is an excellent way to give back to the planet, and it’s fun to get the whole family involved to reach a common goal. There is a misconception that food simply breaks down in a landfill without any issue. However, those veggie scraps from that salad you made will rot and produce methane gas if not composted.

There are several ways to compost but if you don’t have a garden, try collecting your food scraps and keeping them in the freezer during the week. When you’re ready, bring the leftovers to your local farmer’s market if they have a compost station. You can also ask your local natural foods store if they compost.

Take electronics to a recycling center. 

Do you have old cell phones, computer parts, cords, headphones, and other electronics sitting somewhere collecting dust? Electronic waste is becoming the biggest category of trash globally, so gather your unused techy items and bring them to the nearest recycling center.

Green up your commute.

The ability to drive a car to any destination is convenient but not so great for the Earth. Each day you leave your vehicle at home, you’re saving over 750 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions each year! Try other means of getting to your destination, such as carpooling, public transit, biking, or walking. In addition to saving the Earth – you will be saving money! 

Earth Day is about enjoying and appreciating the world around us. This Earth Day take a moment to remember why our planet is worth protecting and start giving back to our Earth every day. 

We hope you try some of our tips above and discover new ways to help our world. For more ideas, Carolina Fibre is here to help. Check out our blog for more information, or contact us today! 

Six Tips for Getting Your Eco-Friendly Garden Ready for Spring

The temperatures are rising, the birds are chirping, and the buds are blooming. Spring is almost here! It’s time to get ready for the upcoming season and prepare your garden. While working to create a beautiful and spring ready garden, you can also help to create a more beautiful planet.

You might not realize it, but gardeners play a crucial role in developing a healthy eco-system. In fact, eco-gardening can even impact energy use, reduce common waste and slow down climate changes. It’s time for you to play a part in this amazing environmental impact movement! There are various ways to create a more self-sustaining environment within your very own yard that can have an incredibly positive impact on the world around us. Here are a few tips on how to make your very own eco-friendly garden!

Bugs are not the enemy. 

I think most of us can agree that some insects are downright scary. Who doesn’t scream when they see a cockroach crawling across their kitchen floor? And who doesn’t jump when a spider is spotted on their desk? However, not all bugs are the enemy!

Many bugs can enhance the sustainability of our earth and your home garden. For instance, ladybugs, lacewings, and even ground beetles help reduce the population of bugs harmful to your plants. They play a part in eating aphids (small bugs that suck the sap and nutrients from plants). Let the “good guy” help you reduce the risk and damage that could happen to your gorgeous garden.

The early bird gets the worm.

The good bugs can’t handle all those nasty bugs on their own. They need a little help from their friends. With regard to defeating those slimy snails, caterpillars, and grubs – birds are there to step in and save the day!

These guardians of nature feed on the wormy creatures that tend to destroy your blooms. It’s time to put up bird feeders around your garden to encourage more visits from our beloved bird friends.

Celebrate the natives.

Native plants are those plants that grow naturally in your region, and we should celebrate them! It’s easier to grow and sustain these plants because they’re already suited to your region’s soil and climate. Some Native North Carolina plants include: 

  • Wood-Anemone
  • Carolina Lupine
  • Eastern Blue Star

Native plants will require less effort and even less water to maintain and grow. Additionally, by growing native plants, you will also help preserve the birds and insects in your area by providing food and shelter for them. Ask the local gardening experts about the native plants in your area for more information.

[Check out this post if you want to know other ways to help the environment!]

Keep it diverse.

Healthy gardens tend to be healthiest when filled with a diverse mix of plants. Also, combining specific complementary plans can even enhance growth. Growing a tall plant, such as sunflowers, can naturally provide shade for those sensitive to the bright UV rays.

Consider which plants you want to live in your garden because some plants can hinder others’ vitality. Do your research before planting so that you don’t risk the deterioration of plants in your garden.

Keep composting cool.

Although you can quickly run by Lowe’s to buy dirt, why not participate in composting for creating your soil? Composting is not only simple, but it is also becoming more and more common.

Plus, it provides additional nutrients that your garden needs to grow. Set up a composting bin in your yard, save money at the local gardening store, and protect the environment!

Remember the 3 Rs. 

Reduce, reuse, and recycle – our three favorite “R” words! Yes, it’s easy to use everyday packaging for your plants, but why not recycle your plastic bottles and use them to enhance your garden?

Protect your seeds with those used water bottles by cutting off the base and placing them around your future blooms. Or reuse your recycled plastic a make a DIY watering can for your thirsty crops.

Developing an eco-friendly environment this spring will not only brighten up your home garden but will also play a huge role in making Mother Nature healthy and beautiful. Home gardening promotes a healthier environment and sustainability. Sustainability is all about implementing good habits to help our planet.

At Carolina Fibre Corporation, we believe in sustainability, whether it’s gardening, composting, or recycling.

Fall in Love with Recycling This February – Five Benefits of Recycling

February may be the month dedicated to love, but it doesn’t have to be limited to your significant other. As a supporter of sustainability and an enhanced ecosystem, Carolina Fibre looks for ways in everyday life to show love to our earth and protect the environment. And one of our favorite ways is through recycling. 

According to a new report by the research firm Verisk Maplecroft, the average American produces 1,704 pounds of garbage per year, roughly three times the global average. These staggering number showcase that we need to fall in love with recycling. In addition to reducing carbon emissions, recycling has many benefits. Keep reading to find out about five more.

Increases property value.

Recycling promotes a healthy community and, in turn, can increase property value. 

Communities that recycle will reduce the need for local landfills. Landfills will lower property values because nobody wants to live near a garbage dump. The more you and your neighbors recycle, the fewer landfills your city will need. 

The little bit of effort it takes to separate and recycle your trash each week will eventually pay off big for everyone in the community.

Saves energy.

Tossing an aluminum can in the trash takes less than a second. Reusing a can takes the same amount of time and has more benefits. Did you know that it takes twice as much energy to burn plastic as it does to recycle it? It also takes 64% more energy to make paper than recycling and reusing it. 

Recycling saves energy by reducing or eliminating the need to make materials from scratch. Making products from scratch is labor-intensive and expensive. Using recycled materials instead of pulling new natural resources, manufacturers can make the same products with less energy and expense.

Recycling creates jobs.

Plants and industries are required for effective recycling. If we were to ramp up our efforts, we could create ten times more jobs than landfill management.

According to Eco-cycle, jobs are created in: 

  • Collecting, processing, and preparing materials. 
  • Making new products from recycled materials. Your recyclables then head to manufacturing facilities that use recycled feedstocks, such as paper mills and plastic manufacturing facilities. 
  • Reuse and remanufacturing. Some discards are sorted and fixed up to be used again through computer refurbishers, thrift stores, and auto salvage yards.

[Click here to learn how a recycling program can help your business and save you money!]

Ensures a sustainable future for all. 

There is only so much the environment can offer with its limited natural resources. Recycling ensures that we minimize the immediate effect on the environment and give it time to recover while creating sustainable habits.

Reduces air pollution. 

When companies choose to use recycled materials that come from paper products, plastics, and metals instead of using raw materials, they reduce the number of toxins released in the air. 

Many people think that one person can’t make a difference, but when it comes to recycling, one person can make a huge impact. Recycling is a simple way to preserve our natural resources and protect our clean air and water – and of course, show love to mother nature.

Five Eco-Friendly New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s resolutions are usually the perfect balance of terrifying, overwhelming, and cliché. They hold you accountable, will push you out of your comfort zone, and force you to reevaluate your life. Or it’s just the opposite, and you come up with something stale and boring – a goal you will forget about in two weeks and will never be reached. 

While most of the trendy New Year’s resolutions are based on personal betterment, the New Year is also the perfect occasion to think about ways you can positively impact the planet. Keep reading to check out five small changes you can implement in 2021 to help the environment!

Go paperless.

Not only will this contribute to your clutter-free resolution, but it will also help the earth. We live in a digital world, but there are still many things that inexplicably still use paper. Studies show that Americans use a lot of paper, and it’s hurting our environment. 

Fortunately, there are many places where you can opt-out of paper. Some of those areas include:

  • Sign up for email statements and online digital payments.
  • Request no receipts at grocery stores and Fast-Food restaurants. 
  • Utilize apps for keeping a calendar, creating a to-do list.
  • Consider switching your favorite print media to an online version. 

Green up your commute. 

Vehicles have a significant impact on our environment, and it’s not a positive one. According to the EPA, vehicle transportation accounts for more than 30 percent of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions.

Anything you can do to reduce your transportation footprint this year by walking, biking, taking public transportation, or telecommuting, even if it’s just one day a week, will help both the environment and your wallet.

Start composting. 

Composting is an incredible way to give back to the planet. There is a common misconception that food simply breaks down in a landfill without any issue. However, those veggie scraps from that salad you made will rot and produce methane gas if not composted.

There are several ways to compost but if you don’t have a garden, try collecting your food scraps and keeping it in the freezer during the week. When you’re ready, bring the leftovers to your local farmer’s market if they have a compost station. You can also ask your local natural foods store if they compost.

Invest in reusable items. 

Investing in reusable items like shopping bags and water bottles will make a huge difference. Because they aren’t easily recycled, plastic bags end up in landfills; however, they don’t always stay there. They’re so lightweight and end up being lifted by the wind and polluting nature, interfering with our water sources, our trees, and animal habitats. Buying a reusable shopping bag is a low-cost, one-time purchase that could significantly impact the environment and will greatly cut down on your plastic consumption.

While you’re at it, make a small investment in a reusable coffee tumbler to bring to your favorite coffee shop and a water bottle to fill up wherever you go. It will be a big investment in our planet’s future.

Revamp your family’s eating habits.

The food we eat is energy for our body, so it’s crucial to think about what we’re introducing into our diet.

Try buying fresh, organic food, fruits, vegetables, and eggs as much as possible. Visiting your local farmer’s market is great for your health and the planet. You’re supporting local organic farming that doesn’t involve pesticides or excessive transportation. You’re also helping out a local business owner who appreciates your support – it’s a win-win! 

Cutting down on meat, even just one day a week, is also an eco-friendly resolution. Get your whole family involved by introducing meatless Mondays and asking for their input on creative meatless menu items. 

Now that you’re equipped with some attainable and sustainable resolutions for 2021 pick some and start saving the world! It may not seem like much, but small commitments like not using plastic straws and buying reusable shopping bags can have a lasting impact on our environment for years to come. 

Hopefully, these ideas will get you started to a greener, more sustainable lifestyle for the New Year. However, if you still have concerns about recycling and eco-friendly living in general, Carolina Fibre is here to help. Check out our blog for more tips, or contact us today!

Five Tips to Make Your Holidays a Little Greener This Year

It’s getting colder (though not as cold as it should be here in Eastern North Carolina), the days are shorter, and nights longer. The holidays are here and with it an opportunity to have fun while creating an environmentally friendly celebration.

Make your holidays joyous in spirit and gentle on the environment with these five tips from Carolina Fibre!

Be conscious of gift wrapping.

When it comes to wrapping those gifts, consider natural, renewable materials over the shiny and metallic gift wrap. Newspaper, cotton, and woods are excellent options that add charming character and a personal touch to your gifts.

Sift through your Sunday paper and find stories that resonate with each gift recipient. For example, comics for the family clown, a sports story for the sports enthusiast in your friend group. Grab pages from old, worn-out, or damaged books for the co-worker who loves to read and write, or various advertisements from an old magazine for the marketer in your life. Old greeting cards are an innovative replacement for gift tags. According to a study at Stanford University, if every family wrapped just three presents in reused materials, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields.

Do holiday lights right.

Recent research shows that if everyone replaced their conventional holiday light strings with LEDs, at least two billion kilowatt-hours of electricity could be saved in a month. So, it goes without saying: at home, in the office, and around the tree, make it a point to use LED holiday lights.

They’re more energy-efficient and will save you money on your electricity bill this season!

Decorate with items found in nature.

Avoid buying cheap plastic items that fall apart easily, cannot be recycled, and take up space in landfills. Using green plants and fresh flowers, fruits, pinecones, and evergreens for home decorating are creative and stylish ways to protect the environment.

Natural holiday decor saves money and provides organic beauty. Green holiday decorating ideas are simple and classic, plus they create more time to enjoy the festive season and relax with family and friends.

Compost when the celebrations are over.

When the holiday season is over, try composting your pine garlands, dried up wreaths, and other flower arrangements.

Unlike fake Christmas trees, real trees are recyclable or compostable – so go real this year. If you already have a compost heap, your tree will have a happy home. Tree branches provide a generous base layer for composting. In both cases, chop the tree into smaller, more manageable sections, and add to your compost bin. If you don’t have a compost pile, some cities will convert your tree to mulch for free, which is fabulous for your garden later in the year.

[Click here for more Christmas tree recycling ideas!]

Set an earth-friendly table this year.

The leading cause of deforestation, and another massive source of greenhouse gas emission, is agriculture. The choices you make when you’re at the grocery store can help you reduce your agricultural carbon footprint.

Meat intake is an excellent place to start; just by slightly reducing your meat consumption, you can help reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions. You can also be environmentally conscience when the meal is over by:

  • Saving scraps.
  • Distributing leftovers.
  • Utilizing your freezer.

Make this holiday season one to remember by creating new traditions with your loved ones, saving the planet, and having a blast by bringing these earth savvy and festive projects to life!

What steps has your family or workplace taken to green the holiday season? We’d love to hear; let us know on our Facebook page.

Seven Tips for Greening up Your Travels

There is no disputing that travel is great for our economy. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the travel industry is one of the world’s most powerful as it supplies 10 percent of the world’s jobs, at 313 million worldwide.

Unfortunately, it comes with some adverse side effects, like tourists putting a strain on cities, environmental degradation, litter, and fossil fuels by major airlines.

With global travel mostly on pause during the Covid-19 pandemic, a sizeable drop-in travel has helped heal our planet.

But is it possible to have the best of both worlds? A strong economy, millions of jobs, and healthy Earth? Now is an excellent time to re-think our travel with our planet in mind. Check out these seven tips to help you stay on top of your green game, even during your globe-trotting adventures!

Book non-stop flights.

Filling your car with fuel is one thing, but have you ever stopped to think about how much a plane uses just to get off the ground? By booking a non-stop flight, you can help conserve some of that valuable fuel.

Just as it happens with cars, taking off and landing takes more energy than cruising along at high altitudes does. So, when you take a direct, non-stop flight instead of hopping onto multiple planes that have to start and stop, you’re actually helping to ensure that the minimal amount of fuel is being used for the duration of your trip. Plus, who doesn’t want to avoid the stress of making connecting flights?

Utilize sustainable accommodations.

Did you know that many hotels have adopted green policies to cut down on the amount of waste that vacationers tend to accumulate? Many of them will advertise these measures on their websites to become familiar with them before you even arrive at your destination. 

Instead of booking a high-end hotel full of every amenity, try staying somewhere that guarantees a lighter carbon footprint. There are tons of “green” and “eco” hotels out there that try to balance comfortable and luxurious accommodations with sustainability.

Bring reusable bottles, containers, and bags.

Instead of using disposable trash bags to store your dirty laundry on a trip, use a reusable laundry storage bag. This will keep any worn and dirty clothes from contaminating your clean clothes, and you won’t have to waste a garbage bag and contribute to the landfills. 

Be sure to grab a reusable water bottle for your travels as well. It will be especially handy for while you’re traveling. And it’s not just to keep plastic out of landfills; over a lengthy trip, the cost of buying disposable water bottles every time you get thirsty can really add up! Bringing your own along saves you the trouble of repeat purchases and keeps trash cans a few ounces lighter. So, when you’re putting together a packing list, make sure you include a reusable water bottle – for both the environment and your wallet.

[Need some green ideas for road tripping- click here!]

Eat and drink locally.

Eat and drink locally to support the community or country that you’re visiting and consume food items that didn’t have to travel far before reaching your plate.

If meals come prepared with local ingredients, think about all the carbon that’s saved when putting together breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Limit energy use and conserve water

Long, steamy showers are the perfect way to scrub off a long day of travel. Still, travelers’ staggering amount of energy and water negatively impacts locals much more than most tourists realize. 

Ask your hotel about their water conservation approach and what you can do to minimize your impact; it should be much more than washing fewer towels.

Linens and things

Speaking of washing towels, you wouldn’t change your sheets and bath towels every day at home, so why do it on vacation? Request that your sheets and linens not be changed out every day to save on water and other resources expended during each load of laundry. 

Most hotels have a housekeeping system anyway, so it’s a simple matter of conveying your request in the right way.

Leave a place better than you found it.

Communities need travelers more than ever, so while you are traveling, make a goal to contribute to the community and leave it better than you found it. So, soak in as much of the local flavor as you possibly can! It is a great way to experience a new place and doing so can help cut down on the pollution and waste products in that region.

Some other things you can do include: 

  • Cleaning up after yourself and minimizing your impact.
  • Clean up after others. For example, if you go to the beach for the day, remove all your trash and make a vow to take away four to five extra pieces of litter that you find. 
  • Support local causes that interest you. We know it’s your vacation, but setting aside a half a day to do something good is amazing for the travelers’ soul. 
  • Donate what you don’t need.

There are many simple ways we can give the planet its own sort of vacation while you’re off sightseeing and exploring. Stay tuned to our blog for more eco-friendly and sustainable life tips!