DEP Launches Green Travel Web Site

With Memorial Day and the summer travel season approaching, DEP encourages Florida residents and guests to travel close, clean and green with the launch of a new green travel Web site and Florida Green Lodging Program locator map. The newly launched green travel Web site offers resources for families and travelers looking to get away without depleting their wallets, gas tanks or the environment.

"With a state park or a Green Lodging facility within just a short car ride of any location in the state, there are plenty of opportunities for affordable, eco-friendly travel this summer,” said DEP’s Deputy Secretary Bob Ballard. “The new green travel Web site is a valuable resource that allows visitors to locate state parks within a 100-mile radius, track down Green Lodging facilities, and provides tips on how to conserve gasoline and exhibit environmental stewardship while on vacation.”

When planning a vacation this summer, travelers should consider visiting one of the 161 Florida State Parks and staying at one of the nearly 200 Florida Green Lodging properties throughout the state. A new tool on the Green Lodging Web site allows visitors to view designated properties and Florida State Parks all in the same interactive map. The easy-to-use map shows environmentally friendly travel destinations for the entire state.

“Florida residents and guests can use the newly launched Florida Green Lodging Program map to locate designated lodging facilities near a state park or recreation area,” said Director of Sustainable Initiatives Deas Bohn. “Properties range from local bed and breakfast’s to five star resorts with more than 1,000 rooms to suit any traveler’s needs.”

The Florida Green Lodging Program requires each designated property to meet a minimum set of environmental practices in areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, clean air practices and waste reduction. The specific set of practices varies from one hotel to another. Since each hotel will have a slightly different program, guests should ask hotel staff about their “green” practices.

As gasoline prices continue to rise, close-to-home and affordable Florida State Parks offer the perfect avenue for relaxation and recreation. Travelers can plan their affordable getaway by indicating a starting point and the website’s “One Tank Adventure” feature will locate all Florida State Parks within a 100-mile radius. World-class beaches, springs, rivers and lakes, historic and cultural sites, and abundant wildlife watching are all available alternatives to high-cost summer vacations. ...more