Backroads: Sustainable Travel – Stop No. 2

I’m doing this a bit out of order but I feel like it is an important thing to consider when on a road trip. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like the little things that we try to change do much but every little bit makes a difference. Here are some easy things you can do to make your road trip a little bit more sustainable and maybe something that you can change in your day-to-day. Something to remember too is don’t buy new things to replace decent reusable items that you already have, as that creates additional waste.

1. Reusable Water Bottle – most people have these but they are a good place to start.
2. Reusable Silicone Bag or Bees Wrap – these are great for storing snacks for on the road or a hike.
3. Carry Reusable Silverware – These are a great way to avoid using additional plastic utensils and are great if you camp out a night or two on the road.
4. Reusable Bags – If you go out shopping for souvenirs or to get groceries these allow for less plastic waste.
5. Solid Shampoo, Conditioner, and Soap – These are great for several reasons: no plastic, since its solid there are no leaks, and they take up less space! I typically use Lush shampoo bars but there are many good options.
6. Plan an Efficient Route – Avoid back tracking and using extra gas.
7. Eat Local or Prep Your Own Meal – Eating local is good to help with small business and prepping your own food allows you to stay where you are and not use additional gas.
8. Clean Up – After yourself and your pet especially if you are hiking. Bring a trowel and bury waste.
9. Stay with Companies that Work Towards Sustainability – Encouraging sustainably is better for everyone in the long run and it is best to support business that are working towards making their business sustainable.
10. Donate to Offset Your Carbon Footprint – This can get expensive but every little bit helps. If you rent a vehicle some companies have a carbon offset option that can be added.
11. Respect Natural Areas and Stay on the Trail – Don’t crush local plant life while creating social trails even if it seems fun to go “off road.”
12. Leave No Trace – Leave things better that you found them. If you brought it in, bring it out and pickup any litter you see.

Reusable things aren’t just better for the environment but they create less trash for you have to worry about in the car. Let me know in the comments how you travel more sustainably.

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Greensburg – A Green Town

For many years Greesburg, KS claim to fame was due to it housing the World’s Largest Hand Dug Well. The Big Well is 109 feet deep and rather impressive. However, in 2007 a tornado came through and destroyed 90% of the town. Instead of giving up and moving away the people of Greensburg rebuilt their town green and sustainable. The Big Well is still there but now the building that surrounds it illustrates a the history and the resilience of the people of Greensburg and their drive to build something better and lasting.

Greensburg, Kansas is a fascinating town with a long history. A town that is trying to make the world a better place – starting with itself. Have you ever visited the big well? What did you think? Let me know in the comments!

Stop No. 3

Can you guess where we are going? Safe travels.

Don’t miss any of the Backroads series!

• Introduction
• Planning
• Deep Dive into Travel Guides

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