The Window Seat: Earth Day, Every Day

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There has been a lot of talk about global warming lately – most of it focused on the shift from questioning greenhouse gases as the cause of global warming, to the acceptance that it's at our very doorstep. This year on Earth Day, the Earth Day network is launching a three-year plan to find global solutions for climate change, which may leave some of you thinking, Just what do greenhouse gases and climate change have to do with travel? The answer is a lot.

The Kyoto Protocol was signed in 1997 to set mandates and CO2 limitations for participating nations. Although the United States is a majority contributor of these gases, the U.S. government has not abided by the regulations set forth in the Kyoto Protocol. Of the many factors listed as contributors to greenhouse gases, air traffic is a major one. According to the Better World club, the average domestic U.S. airline flight releases more than 1,700 pounds per person of harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Now, I'm hardly one to recommend against traveling. On the contrary; I say travel away--just do so responsibly. There are actions we can take on the road, even when traveling in our own towns, to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that are being released into the environment. These reductions, while seemingly small, can add up to make a major difference.

When it comes to flying, one of the first things you can do is offset the amount of toxic emissions produced by airplanes by purchasing what is called a "carbon offset." There are several companies that now provide this service, and it's not terribly expensive. (I found that the cost to offset a roundtrip flight from NY to LA was under $20.) You can now "Go Zero on Travelocity through our program with the Conservation Fund or visit them at www.gocarbonzero.org. Or you can try Climate Care (www.climatecare.org), NativeEnergy (www.nativeenergy.com), or Trees for Travel (www.treesfortravel.nl). Most often carbon offsets allow you to buy trees (the planting and sustaining thereof for a year's time). Trees go a long way in decreasing the amount of CO2 that exists in the environment, which is literally the path to a greener world.

As for road travel, the Better World's auto club membership serves as an alternative to the more well known AAA and provides many of the same services such as roadside assistance, maps, and discounts while promoting environmentally friendly practices. (For more information, visit www.betterworldclub.com.) Additionally, by only renting the size car you need, you may be able to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. Larger vehicles, such as SUVs require much more gasoline.

There are also ways to support the environment while you're at home. For example, group your errands together to save time, energy and gasoline. Consider riding your bike to run an errand or walking instead of driving.

Whether at home or on the road, eating locally is another great way to support the local economy and minimize your environmental impact. The shorter the distance food has to travel to your plate, the fewer greenhouse gases are emitted. Besides, eating locally is a great way to experience a place by learning more about its culture and its people! I love low-country cuisine in Charleston and Texas barbeque in Austin, and nowhere are the artichokes better than in California.

When staying at a hotel, remember to shut off the TV and turn out the lights when you leave the room to conserve energy usage. (You can do this at home too!) Also take part in their green-friendly programs such as recycling sheets and towels if they aren't in need of daily washing. Recycling and supporting recycled products is always encouraged.

Experts say that if a third of the U.S. population were to take concentrated steps (many as simple as the ones I've mentioned in this column), we could collectively reduce the U.S. emissions targets to the levels that were established by the Kyoto Protocol.

Since I love traveling, I want to preserve all the precious places around the globe for generations to come. I'm already putting this plan into action and doing my best to make everyday Earth Day. This Earth Day, if you haven't already, why not consider how you're going to make the world a better place too?

To learn more about how you can conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions visit www.earthday.net.

Happy and green travels!

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