Rapid increases in vehicle travel can negatively affect your mental and physical health, as well as the health of your environment. Travel and transportation degrade air quality, impair water quality, use non-renewable natural resources and increase congestion. Transportation emissions contribute to 69 percent of the lead, 70 percent of the carbon monoxide, 45 percent of nitrous oxides, and 35 percent of the hydrocarbons released into the air that you breathe everyday. These emissions contribute to a variety of major air pollution problems, including global warming, acid rain and smog.
Tourism is the world's largest industry. Many countries, particularly developing ones, rely heavily on tourism money to fuel their economies. When we travel, we bring our notions of proper waste disposal, consumption, rights to clean air and water, and acceptable forms of transportation along with us. We have the capacity to both learn and teach about our culture's respect for the environment.
Top 3 of 10
1. Rideshare, bike or walk for your daily commute. Take the bus - check out www.bigbluebus.com or www.mta.net to see how and when to get around.
2. Keep your car well tuned. A car that is not tuned properly produces 10 to 15 times more pollution than a well running car.
3. Buy locally made or locally grown products. Buying items that are made or manufactured locally means that transportation costs are significantly reduced, fewer pollutants are spewed into the air and there are fewer vehicles on the road.
What You Can Do About Travel and Tourism Issues
1. Use Green Hotels. Green Hotels are hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts using sound environmental management practices to reduce their impacts on the environment and improve their bottom line.
2. Walk lightly on the Earth. Take on photographs - do not take "souvenirs" from natural areas, historical areas or hotel.
3. Practice conservation when traveling. Let housekeeping know that it is not necessary to change your towels and sheets every day. When you leave the room, turn off the AC/heat, lights and TV. Leave the little bottles of shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, etc.
www.commutesmart.info - "Southern California's Commuter Solution". This is your resource for alternative travel in Southern California.
Union of Concerned Scientists Guide to Clean Vehicles - A great guide to help you buy a greener vehicle. In purchasing a green vehicle, you have a variety of choices. This site helps you understand what they are and what the benefits and drawbacks of particular models are.
Better World Club - This is an eco-friendly roadside assistance service (similar to AAA).
