Sometimes we all need some open space, the road, and a good soundtrack. And if you’re craving a getaway without the price tag (or carbon footprint) of a plane ride, a road trip just may be the perfect escape for you.
Before you hit the road and load up the trunk, check out these planet-friendly tips to make your road trip good for you and the Earth.
Your planet-friendly road trip checklist
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Give your wheels some TLC
Make sure you have air in your tires, a quality air filter, and good oil levels. Also, try to maintain a consistent speed (avoid harsh braking and accelerating) while you’re driving. These little tweaks will improve your gas mileage from start to finish.
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Go gadget-free (whenever possible)
This is a hard one, but try to embrace the road with tech-free entertainment like good conversation, blissful silence, and the license plate game. But, realistically, we realize that we all rely on our devices pretty much everywhere, so try to opt for reusable batteries and solar chargers whenever possible.
Also, don’t forget to unplug your home appliance while you’re away. You won’t have a need for that TV or coffee machine when you’re out and about!
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Remember your reusables
Pack all your reusable supplies to save waste on the road:
- Bamboo straws
- Glass water bottle
- Bamboo utensils
- A biodegradable coffee mug (like our Live Gently Upon This Earth mug!)
- Tote bags
Want to go the extra mile? Bring a reusable container for meals on-the-go to avoid using any styrofoam and plastic containers.
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Embrace an itinerary
Of course, getting lost every now and then will happen. But having an itinerary in your back pocket will minimize back-tracking, which saves money and gas. Sketching a route in advance is the best bet for an efficient trip (especially if WiFi gets weak on the road!).
Here are some of our favorite scenic road trips in North America:
- Alaska Highway (Dawson Creek, BC, to Delta Junction, AK)
- The Oregon Trail (Missouri to Oregon)
- Pacific Coast Highway (Crescent City to San Diego)
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Eat locally
Check out local farmers markets, independent coffee shops, and hidden vegan restaurant gems. Exploring the local scene can turn a small town in an unfamiliar city into a forever favorite spot.
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Be green while you sleep
Camping is one of the cheapest and most sustainable ways to be green on the road. But if you’re not feeling a tent and sleeping bag, consider green motels/hotels and sustainable AirBnBs.
Checkout some green-friendly spots to consider on your travels:
- Kimpton Hotel Vintage in Portland, Oregon
- Habitat Suites in Austin, Texas
- The Hike Inn in Dawsonville, Georgia
- Hotel Felix in Chicago, Illinois
- The Argonaut in San Francisco, California
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Pack light
The lighter your load, the more fuel-efficient you’ll be. Creating a packing checklist is an easy way to avoid overpacking and by picking clothing items you can mix-and-match, you’ll be more likely to rewear things.
Travel tip: bring more neutral colors. They coordinate easily with lots of different outfits, which will make them easier to throw on with whatever is clean.
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Bring homemade snacks
Nothing beats a little taste of home on the road. Pack some of your favorite homemade snacks before you hit the road. Even better, transport them in reusable packaging like Square One bags.
Now that you have this planet-friendly road trip guide, check out these posts for more eco-friendly inspiration.
- How to plant a garden that will save butterflies and bees
- 8 Ways to have a planet friendly beach day
- 5 Planet-friendly activities for your next girls’ day
- Tips for reducing your carbon footprint when you travel
- 8 easy ways to make your summer vacay eco-friendly
And if you’re looking for vegan vacation ideas, don’t miss these posts:
