The hotel you choose to stay in while away may or may not be green itself, however there are things you can do to lessen the environmental impact of your stay. By using some of the programs and services offered by your accommodations and taking some initiative yourself, you can make your visit as green as possible.

- Most hotels generate enough waste that they have recycling programs in place. if your hotel does not, voice your concern. Ask to speak to a manager and if the hotel is part of a chain, find out who you can contact to suggest starting a recycling program.

- When checking in, inform the front desk that you do not want your sheets and towels changed every day (if you don't do that at home, why would you need to when you're traveling?). Alternatively you can call housekeeping once you've settled in and make this request. Often times, you'll see a little card in your bathroom or on the desk informing you that if you hang your towels back on the towel rack, housekeeping will assume you want to re-use them. So hang them on the rack! If you leave them on the floor, bed, counter or in the bathtub, chances are you'll have fresh ones when you return to the room.

- Just like you would do at home, check all electronic devices before you leave the room to ensure they are shut off. This includes lights, the television, radio and laptop. Adjust the temperature in the room to conserve energy as well.

- Those thick, heavy hotel curtains are there for a reason. The same way they block light that will allow you to get your beauty sleep, they also can be used to seal heat in the room on colder days and keep the sun from heating the room on warm days. Ensure they are drawn when you leave the room.

- If you use the complimentary bottles of shampoo, mouthwash and body lotion and still have some left at the end of your stay, take them with you. You can use them at home in a pinch if you suddenly discover you've run out of your regular shampoo or toothpaste. Plus those small containers can be refilled for the next time you travel! Leave any unopened toiletries in the bathroom.

- If you can use an electronic ticket while flying there isn't any reason you can't check out of your hotel electronically either. Find out when you check in if this is an option so you can reduce the paper waste of receiving a hard copy of your bill.

» Environmental Protection Agency