An eHow reprint: How to go Green in Traveling

Well, I was surfing through the internet, looking for more writing opportunities when I received my daily email alert from eHow. Going “green” is now one of the loudest cry of the modern world – thanks to the worsening greenhouse effect. If you’ve been following my blog, then you’ve probably read about Celebrate Green, a book written by a mother-daughter tandem which is aimed at a more environmentally friendly celebration. Of course, celebrations, with all those plastic cups and paper plates actually contribute to the environmental stress we are experiencing right now. And this isn’t only about the number of trees that need to be cut in order to produce those plates, but also, the litters left over by those party favors you are so fond of using.

Just like celebrations, travel can also add problems with the environment. With too many people watching the yearly carnivale in Brazil for example, you will also see a pile of garbage in the streets. Tourist destinations can also be polluted, thanks to the lack of discipline of many visitors. Okay, that’s a little too harsh, but this is true with my experience of the annual “Panagbenga” (Blooming of Flowers) here in the city. But trash isn’t the only problem with travel. There’s also air and noise pollution!

It’s a great thing someone finally thought of green travel. If you are planning to travel to Philippines and visit Baguio next month, please, read these travel tips first and consider doing them. It’s the least you can do to help keep the beauty of Baguio everyone loves.

Step 1: Walk. If you are traveling in short distances, this is the best way to travel. You help the environment and you also get your daily exercise. Isn’t that neat? Anyway, if you are in Baguio, walking is pretty easy since you don’t have to deal with a scorching temperature like in the low lands. Aside from that, walking is the only way you can appreciate the unique beauty of Baguio!

Step 2: Ride a bike. Hmm, okay, this mode of travel is practiced by my “it’s complicated” partner so I know this is possible. There’s also a cycling club here in Baguio. This can be difficult for those who are with their kids, but if you want a me-time, then riding a bike is the best way you can explore the hidden treasures of the city.

Step 3: Take advantage of public transportation. So true! And besides, what’s the use of a car if it’s going to get stuck in traffic for hours? Baguio is a small place; many visitors seem to forget that. It’s built for only 80,000 people. Today, there are about 300,000 people in the city, and the number goes up during holidays and especially during the Panagbenga Festival – that surely sounds like a crowd already. Add the number of cars traveling the streets, and that spells terrible traffic jam.

Step 4: Use the train if you can. Okay, so there are no train rides in Baguio, but there are several ones in Metro Manila – the most polluted city in the Philippines. If you’re living in that area, then you know that this is the best option. While it is true that you can get crushed inside the MRT/LRT train during rush hours, at least you’ll be able to get to your destination fast.

Step 5: Carpooling. See number 3 for better explanation.

Step 6: Rent a hybrid. Okay, rent a car is not popular here in the Philippines, and I doubt if there are any hybrids you can ride. This travel tip applies if you are planning to buy a car – buy a hybrid instead! For most Filipinos, this won’t be a big concern as very few can actually afford to eat, much more buy a car. So even if this last tip is not applicable for most people, there are still 5 travel tips you can use!

To read the complete ehow article by Miasavc, visit  http://www.ehow.com/how_4715309_green-traveling.html.