Follow the Green Brick Road

There’s a reason why you’ll see longer lines at the airport during the holiday season: travel rates are up in November and December. The rates peak over Thanksgiving and Christmas, which show increases of 54 percent and 23 percent, respectively.

This visual example isn’t even taking into account the full story. The U.S. Department of Transportation says that 91 percent of holiday travel is done by car, which can also be some of the least eco-friendly transportation you can take. Before you take a holiday trip this year, consider the following suggestions.

Getting There

Evaluating your travel efficiency is largely based on calculating your carbon emissions, which will indicate that traveling by bus or train consumes the least carbon. In the winter, this is even more the case as weather forces road closures, airport delays and an increased reliance on car heaters.

The reality, though, is that a majority of travelers will fly or drive to their holiday destination this year for financial issues or a speedy arrival. If you insist on driving, check out Earth911′s 8 Ways to Green Your Road Trip, and frequent flyers should consider investing in carbon offsets.

No matter how you arrive at your destination, it’s important to keep your carbon emissions low once you’re already in town as well. Many cities will have public transportation you can utilize, and if you stay with friends you can share their car. If the weather permits, there is always walking as well.

Accomodations

Whether you’re staying at a luxury hotel or with your in-laws, there is plenty you can do to be a friend to the environment on your holiday travel. With green lodging, the key word to keep in mind is “reduce.”

The term “on vacation” used to mean living it up in your hotel, not worrying about how much water and energy is used in the process. Now hotels are getting greener, reducing laundry service on sheets and towels (is it really necessary to wash your sheets every day?) and installing lower energy lighting.

You can do your part by turning off lights while you’re out of the room and keeping the thermostat at a reasonable level. With winter weather it’s tempting to keep the room extra warm, but reducing the temperature by just two degrees can reduce 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year. These tips would also apply if you’re staying at a friend’s house.

If you’re really committed to green travel, there is also the carbon free vacation option. Similar to carbon offsets, carbon free vacations keep your carbon footprint low and eco-friendliness up.

This holiday season, whether you’re traveling to be with family or to take in some sights, there’s plenty you can do to put some green in your travel. For more information, check out Earth 911′s Green Travel section.