PREP LIKE AN ECO-PRO

• Downsize the load in your trunk. An extra 100 pounds of luggage can reduce your fuel economy by up to two percent.
• Pack travel mugs, refillable water bottles, cloth napkins, silverware and reusable containers for snack breaks.
• Keep a recycle bag and reusable shopping bags in your car.
• Use rechargeable batteries to fuel your camera and iPod.

• If you don’t own one, rent a hybrid for better mileage, cleaner emissions and lower fuel costs.
• Make sure that your tires are properly inflated and your air filters are clean to save 1,050 pounds of carbon dioxide and $970 in gas each year.
• Avoid idling. Ten seconds of idling can use up more fuel than restarting your engine.
• Sticking to the speed limit or using cruise control can save you up to 14 percent gas mileage.
• Avoid rush hour. Stop-and-go traffic burns more fuel and creates more emissions.

• Whenever you can, park your car and see the sights on foot or by bike or public transit.
• Visit eco-friendly sites such as parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
• Forget the hotel gym and burn calories by hiking and biking.
• Shop at farmers’ markets and flea markets.

• Check into an eco-hotel. Visit environmentallyfriendlyhotels.com or greenhotels.com for listings.
• Turn off the lights every time you leave the room.
• Turn off the tap when you’re shaving or brushing your teeth.
• Ask housekeeping not to wash your sheets or towels during your stay.
• Take used toiletries home and reuse the containers.
• Draw the drapes to keep your rooms cooler in summer and limit your use of air conditioning.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible.

• Nullify some of the negative environmental effects of your holiday by buying carbon offsets at terrapass.com, carbonfund.org and climatecare.org.