Many sojourners today want to go green and minimize their travel impact. Here in Southern Vermont, we’re known for our green, lush mountains, natural beauty, and outdoor and cultural activities. We’re rich with “evergreen” opportunities involving natural and cultural resources for a day or week of fun and maybe a lifetime of living. It’s the kind of place that visitors love to come back to and has the very qualities that brought many who live here “from away.”

When visiting Southern Vermont you don’t need to sacrifice the comforts of home to help preserve and protect our beautiful corner of this unique state. We expect you’ll want to visit many times and will appreciate any efforts to maintain the same rewarding experience for many generations.

Here are a few suggestions for travelers to minimize their impact on Southern Vermont’s natural and cultural resources.

When staying at a B&B or other lodging property:

• Keep your showers short, and shut off the water while you're brushing your teeth.
  
  
• When you leave the room, turn off the television, lights or any other electric devices. Talk to you innkeeper about the policy of turning off the air conditioning, or heat in your room when you’re not there.
  
  
• Reuse your sheets and towels instead of having them changed every day. Many lodging properties will not replace your towels if you leave them hanging up neatly; if you're not sure, write a note or notify your innkeeper or the front desk.
  
  
• Bring your own toiletries and drinking cup rather than using the prepackaged ones provided. If you do use the hotel's toiletries, take them with you and use them at home or during the rest of your trip.
  
  
• Know your lodging property’s recycling program and sort your trash accordingly. If your lodging property doesn't recycle, consider taking your empty bottles or other items home with you to recycle them there.
  
  
• Think small: Stay at a B&B or local inn, it helps the local economy. If they have made efforts to go green let them know you appreciate it or encourage them to do so.
  

• When hiking or camping always stay on marked trails and maintain a safe distance from any wildlife you encounter. Don’t leave anything behind but your footprint. Use only biodegradable products like soap, toothpaste, etc, in streams and lakes.
  
  
• Deposit your trash in marked receptacles or take it with you when you leave.
  
  
• Light campfires only in established fire rings and be sure they’re completely extinguished before you leave.
  
  
• Purchase local products whenever possible – you’ll support the local economy and get a taste of Vermont’s farm fresh cuisine.
  
  
• Don’t litter.