Summertime is vacation time. Whether you spend yours at the nearest beach or a more exotic locale, you can make your trip greener by acting like an ecotourist. That is: making responsible travel choices that help to conserve the environment and sustain the livelihood of local people. Here are some guidelines.

In nature spots:

• Leave only footprints (no littering).
• Take only photographs (no "souvenirs" from the wild).
• Stay on trails.
• Don't disturb wildlife or natural habitats.
• Don't introduce foreign plants or animals.
• Don't pollute water bodies with soap or detergents.

In all places:

• Don't buy things made from endangered animals (e.g., products containing ivory or tortoise shell).
• Don't waste water.
• Turn off lights and air-conditioning when you leave your room.
• When possible, walk -- it's the best way to see the sights anyway. When not, use the most environmental methods of transportation you can.
• Patronize hotels, airlines and tour operators that employ environmental practices, such as energy conservation and recycling.
• Support locally owned businesses.
• Follow local regulations.

For related information, see these pages:

ECOTOURISM EXPLORER - YOUR TRAVEL CHOICE MAKES A DIFFERENCE
http://www.ecotourism.org/travelchoice/index.html

ECOTOURISM GAME
http://www.eduweb.com/ecotourism/eco1.html

THE ECOTRAVEL CENTER
http://www.ecotour.org/