In your own home, you can be just about as eco-conscious as you want. You choose the food, the cleaning products, the furniture, even how often the air conditioning goes on (of course, you might battle with your housemates over that one). However, once you hit the road for a trip, you have less control over your carbon footprint. Sometimes those eco-friendly options just arent out there. In order to reduce the guilt factor next time that fuel-guzzling plane takes off, green your house in these ways before leaving for vacation:
Heating and Cooling Systems: You really dont need these on while youre away. I know some people love to come home to a toasty home in the winter or a cool one in the summer, but if you can brave a couple of hours of less-than-desirable temperature when you get home as your systems kick back up, you can save a ton of energy while youre away. Remember to shut these off:
Turn down your thermostat
Turn the water heater to vacation mode
Turn off air conditioner units (if pets are staying home, leave air conditioner on low)
Turn off fans.
Photo: Fedor Patrakov
Photo: Alin Popescu
Unplug Kitchen Appliances: Most people know today that the seemingly innocent lamp that is off or phone charger that isnt charging anything is actually sucking up energy. What we may not realize is just how many of these silent energy suckers we have! Be sure to unplug all of these:
Coffee maker
Blender
Lamps
Ice Maker
Toaster
Rice cooker
Microwave
Raise refrigerator temperature to 38 degrees
Espresso machine
Electronic food scale
Photo: Rodgrigo Junqueira
Other Home Appliances: This list will make you realize just how many things have gone electric today.
Photo: Yury Shirokov
Scanner
Printer
Shredder
Cell phone chargers
Alarm Clock
Computer
TV
Pencil Sharpener
Photo Copier
Lamenator
Video Projector
Gaming Systems
Router
Stereo
VCR
DVD
Satellite TV box
Garage door opener
Fax Machine
Electrical toothbrush
Electrical Musical Instruments
Night Light
Electric Razor
Photo: Dreamstime
Other Green Ways To Prepare:
You'll most likely be shopping, so just as you'd pack some old grocery bags in your car before going to the market, pack some old shopping bags in your suitcase.
Instead of buying new travel-size bottles for your toiletries, see if you have any empty ones you can fill up.
Have a neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers for you so these don't fly away.
Photo: Oleg Pidodnya
Put outside lights on timers so people believe someone is home.
I know, these lists are long. But, hopefully the approximate hour to three hours you spend hunting down these energy-guzzling culprits in your home will make you cringe a little less as you sit in a cloud of pollution wherever your travels may take you.
More On Eco-Friendly Travel Preparation
"Greenest" Parking Lot Planned For Country's Largest Airport
5 Ways to Green Your Trip Preparation
5 Ways to Green Your Flight
Pack for a Trip the Green Way