5 TIPS FOR A MORE ECO-FRIENDLY RESORT VACATION
It is the time that many Americans, including Minnesotans, to think about their New Year Resolutions. It is also a time when families are thinking and planning their next vacation. These two tasks can be combined. You can look for and plan a vacation and think about the environment and being more eco-friendly at the same time.
I was a resort owner for 17 years and have seen many families, friend groups, fishermen and fisherwomen and reunions. I think back to what I have seen and I can think of some items for you to consider if this is something you want to put on your New Year Resolutions list to try to be for eco-friendly while taking a Minnesota Resort Vacation.
Share the ride: Drive to the Minnesota Resort with as few cars as possible. Don’t take 3 cars if you can fit into 2 or 3. It might cause you to be a little tighter on the drive. But, it isn’t that long of a timeframe. If there isn’t room for groceries, then bring enough for the first day and take a quick trip to town after everyone is unpacking at the resort. If there isn’t room for lifejackets, ask the resort owners if they have some you can use. If you don’t have room for the canoe, ask the resort owner if they have one at the resort that you can use.
Bring reusable bags: Reduce, reuse and recycle. This works while on vacation too. Bring your reusable bags with you when you do your shopping. It is easy to think that you can use one-use plastic bags while on vacation. And you certainly can. It is easy. But it may be just as easy to pack your reusable bags too. They fold up small and should fit in the car.
Drink the local water: Depending on the location of the Minnesota Resort, they may have well water. Well water is safe and is generally tested annually for all licensed Minnesota Resorts. But, because it is well water, it may have a different taste than what you are familiar with at home or work. If you aren’t liking the taste of well water, then bring a filter and filter the water from the tap. Try to reduce the use of single use water bottles.
Use the resort dishes: For some it may seem easier to bring paper plates and plastic silverware for vacation at the lake. It is more eco-friendly to use re-usable dishes and Minnesota resorts have dishes provided in the cabin. Yes, paper may be convenient at times. But think about taking a couple extra minutes to wash up the reusable ones.
Stay closer to home: There are so many resorts in Minnesota. Pick one of them. You don’t have to fly somewhere to have an awesome vacation. We have many owner-operated Minnesota resorts to choose from. Take a more eco-friendly vacation closer to home. Enjoy the amenities at the resort or in the area. There is no need to travel far for that either.
Submitted by: Karen Senger
Retired Resorter and still loves resorts
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