When you come home from New Englan Communities.

"Write a letter or email to your hotel or tour guide telling them that you appreciate their efforts to minimize the impact on the environment. This will encourage them to promote and institute more environmentally friendly activities" suggests New England Communities.

When you are there from New England Communities.

• "If the hotel has an environmental program, participate as much as possible. If you have any questions about how, simply ask when you check in.
  
• Never leave lights on when you are not in the room.
  
• Lower the thermostat when you leave the room for long periods of time.
  
• If your destination is a warm climate then close the drapes. Or, if you have Venetian blinds, angle them up to bounce the sunlight off the ceiling. This will keep the room cooler.
• Conversely let the sun warm up your room during the day if you are in a cooler climate.
  Leave unopened shampoo, soap, and other items in the hotel unless you are taking it home to use.
  
• Avoid room service and carry-out which increase waste.
  
• Use water sparingly. In some places this is a very scarce resource.
  
• Never buy items made from endangered species.
  
• Walk or use public transportation.
  
• Grab only the maps and brochures that you will actually use. If in a large group, share brochures whenever possible.
  
• Take pictures and leave the location as you found it. Never remove wildlife from it’s natural environment including shells, flowers and coral.
  
• When hiking or camping, stay only in marked areas to avoid destroying vegetation.
  
• Buy locally produced produce in order to reduce the pollution required to import goods"said New England Communities.

Before you leave from New England Communiteis

• "Pull the plug on any unnecessary appliances - such TVs, VCRs, stereos, toasters, and microwaves. These items can still use energy in their off mode.
  
• Set your thermostat and water heater at low settings so that energy isn't wasted while you are gone.
  
• Stop your newspaper or donate the paper to a school while you are gone" said New England Communities.