Monday, November 21, 2011

The Greener Way to Travel



With help from National Geographic and other trusted sources, we are bringing you ways to help you enjoy your traveling days more sustainably.  We want to give you simple tips that are easy, but can make such a large impact on our world.  Enjoy the tips, travel safe, be sustainable…remember, It’s the right thing to do.



Staying in a Hotel, Driving, or Flying??? Here are some tips that work for everyday life too!


Towels and Linens
Reuse your towels and linens for your stay.  They do not need to be washed every day; you don’t do that at home so there is no need to here either.

Pack Your Environmental Ethic
According to the telephone survey of travelers conducted by the research firm STUDYLOGIC, 60 percent reported that they are more likely to leave the light on when they leave a hotel room compared to when they leave home. And while 70 percent say that they attempt to conserve water at home "as much as possible," less than 20 percent practice water conservation when traveling.  Even though this won’t save you money on your hotel bill, it can save the world.


Unplug Your Home and Office
Responsible traveling begins at home. Before you head out, unplug any appliance that won't be in use while you're away such as computers, chargers, televisions, video game players, and microwaves.


Lighten Up
Packing lightly will make it easier to get where you're going, while also reducing your negative impact on the environment.  "In our research for The Green Book, we discovered that every additional ten pounds per traveler requires an additional 350 million gallons of jet fuel per year," says Thomas Kostigen. "That's enough fuel to keep a 747 flying continuously for ten years, which is pretty amazing."


Bring Your Own Water Bottle
According to the Container Recycling Institute, more than 60 million plastic water bottles are thrown away in the United States each day. Recycling or reusing those bottles instead would save enough energy to power a 60-watt light bulb for an entire day in 15 million households. Travelers can help by recycling and reusing existing water bottles, and refusing to purchase or accept new bottles; instead refilling a single bottle or other dishwasher-safe, reusable bottle with filtered water.


Bring a Reusable Shopping Bag
Packing a basic canvas tote, or other similar sturdy, washable bag, in your luggage is an easy way to help keep trash out of landfills and off roadsides, conserve energy, and protect marine life. Use the bag—instead of the paper or plastic bags provided by stores—to carry souvenirs and other purchases made during your trip.


Make a Suggestion
Little things mean a lot when it comes to lessening our impact on the environment, so speak up and let hotel and restaurant owners know what more they could be doing.


Check Your Ride
Doing some very minor, simple, and inexpensive maintenance to your vehicle before embarking on your travels will go a long way toward reducing fuel consumption, increasing gas mileage, and saving both the environment and money. 
1. Replacing a clogged or dirty air filter will increase a vehicle's gas mileage up to ten percent.
2. Rocks, bits of twig, and other bits of road debris are all things that can lodge in the treads of your tires. Keeping your treads clear of debris will decrease your rolling resistance and increase your miles per gallon.
3. Make sure your tires are inflated properly


Next Time you Change Tires, Get Nitrogen
Nitrogen in tires is becoming a popular replacement for standard air. Nitrogen is all around us... the air we breathe is 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and the rest is small amounts of other gasses. When it comes to tire inflation, nitrogen has many advantages over oxygen. With nitrogen tire inflation, improvements can be noted in a vehicle's handling, fuel efficiency and tire life through better tire pressure retention, improved fuel economy and cooler running tire temperatures.  Check it Out: www.getnitrogen.org


GET MORE AT http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/sustainable-travel-tips


THANKS FOR VISITING US HERE AT SUSTAINABLE SEAHAWKS…ENJOY YOUR TRIP!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Residents "Marched" out for chili!

On Wednesday, November 9th at 6 PM, over 70 residents enjoyed a sustainable experience in the Big Backyard behind Galloway at the HRL Sustainability Committee hosted event, "Chili Night in November."

The event kicked off with several "green" trivia questions which included facts about both UNCW and the publics' efforts in being sustainable. Correct answers to these trivia questions earned awesome prizes such as t-shirts, water bottles, and vouchers for movie tickets!
This sustainable water bottle is one of the many prizes
you could win by attending a Sustainable program!

"Chili Night" continued with- you guessed it!- CHILI! Various kinds of chili were served in bread bowls with limited usage of dinnerware made from recycled products...all fit for a green meal! If you missed this event, you should probably be aware of the fact that you missed hot apple cider made from local vendors as well (sad day!).

Attendees also enjoyed a special viewing of March of the Penguins on a huge, inflatable screen! This documentary, narrated by Morgan Freeman, highlights the lifestyle of penguins and also addresses problems occurring due to changes on our Earth.
March of the Penguins in the Big Backyard

If you missed "Chili Night," be sure to check back in with us for news about our upcoming events!

As always,

Keep things green.