Green Your Rafting Trip -- Getting There

You're floating the river in a reused raft--sounds pretty green so far. But how'd you get to that river? We've got a few suggestions to help you make it from your doorstep to the river bank with minimal environmental impact.

1. Go local:  If there are rivers in your area, start by rafting close to home. Eco-tourism doesn't have to take you across the globe.

2. Use public transportation:  Many outfitters have shuttle and bus services; ask your outfitter about the transportation options for your trip. For longer trips, skip the plane and embrace the train. The Los Angeles Times has the rundown on Amtrak, and Independent Traveler lists popular train routes.

3. Drive smarter:  If you must drive, rent a hybrid car. Both Avis and Hertz have added hybrids to their rental car fleets. You can rent a Prius directly from participating Toyota dealerships. Make the car trip greener by carpooling with friends or using rideshare.

4. Make it count: Even high-speed rafting enthusiasts can steal pointers from the slow travel movement. One long vacation is more carbon-friendly than jetting back and forth over a string of weekends. Make the most of your river rafting trip by visiting nearby towns and tourist attractions (save fuel by mapping out your side trips ahead of time). The Green Vacation Hub has tools to help you find eco-friendly lodging.

--D.W.

Sources:  eHow, LA Times, Earth 911, Green Guide, New York Times,

Comments

[Jets]

Hmmm... Rafting is really adrenaline sport..

[David]

Get a canoe, and recreate in your local watershed in which you live. Use the chance to explore and discover a world most residents rarely see or appreciate. While you are there, leave it better than when you arrived by picking up trash and junk that may have been thrown there by other careless folks in the past. Celebrate what's special about the local environment, you have an important thing in common with other watershed residents (human and other): your actions affect the river.

The rivers are important conduits of life, water and habitat in the city and in the country.

[bauer]

referencing #3
Hybrid's efficiency is in the city, stop/start etc. Hiway mileage more comparable to normal gas. engine. Perhaps not much of a differenc here

[Magda]

unfortunately Amtrack charges fortune for their fairs. It takes 15 hours to get from NJ to Detroit with 3 stops and train switches. It cost you around $300 one way.
You can fly for 1,5 for $200 both ways. We need to encourage Amtrack to lower their prices if they want to stay around

[Magda]

how about diesel? They seem to have more mileage?

[Travel Guide]

I love traveling to places where the nature is in its original state, unexploited. There is nothing else which could make me more happy than traveling. Rafting is a good way to feel the nature cosely. There is water, adventure, greenery and what else you need on a day out?

[hamdey]

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[hamdey]

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