Travel Tips for a Greener Future
- Transportation
- Accommodations
- Eco-Attractions
- Activities
- Voluntourism
- Dining & Food
- How Keys Communities Are Becoming More Green
- Use a portable, refillable coffee or soda mug (preferably ceramic) instead of disposable styrofoam or plastic bottles and cups. Not only is providing your own containers more cost efficient, it helps reduce pollution and the use of fossil fuels and toxic greenhouse gases that result from manufacturing plastic bottles.
- Book flights with minimal or no connections. Save time as well as avoiding contributing to carbon emissions that are mostly emitted from airplanes during take-off and landing.
- Chart the most economical cost of driving, before you leave home.
- People visit the Keys out of respect for the natural ecosystems and tropical beauty, however extensive contact can threaten the land and marine habitats such as coral reefs. Be respectful of the islands while using walking trails, exploring national parks, and never walk or stand on the reef while snorkeling or scuba diving. A variety of plants and animals make their home in the Florida Keys.
- Florida has a variety of green hotels, bed & breakfasts, or inns to choose from. Many accommodations throughout the Keys have been committed to conserving natural resources: water, energy, as well as significantly reducing the amount of waste produced. Towel and sheet changing cards are provided that ask guests to consider using linens more than once.
- Eating locally not only helps promote our communities, it also allows you the experience of tasting local ingredients and amazing new foods. Seafood markets are abundant, and because of the favorable fishing climate, many gourmet restaurants use local catches in their cuisine.
- Local shops often feature Keys artisans, which makes for a truly unique shopping and souvenir experience. You can find tropical treasures as well as support the small businesses in the Florida Keys. Remember your reusable bags!
- Walking tours, trails and hikes maximize the islands' natural surroundings, with minimal impact on the environment.
- Conserve on vacation as you would at home: avoid running the water while brushing your teeth, shut off the lights when you leave, turn up the thermostat to reduce air conditioning when you're away, and recycle cans, glass and plastics on property.
- Volunteer to help clean up and preserve the local environment. Finding local projects is as simple as reading the newspapers, checking media sites and asking around. There is always something the average person can get their hands on and do, and show positive results in real time, such as island cleanups and coral reef restoration.