This blog’s content was adapted from a cross-post on Climate Progress by way of the Center for American Progress.

There you are, in a bathing suit enjoying a soft breeze, sipping on a coconut under a swaying palm tree. Or maybe you’re padded like a polar bear, blasting down the slopes on what’s left of the powder from last month’s blizzard. Or better yet – you’re in your pajamas, eating a locally-sourced bagel (i.e. from the kitchen counter), watching “Planet Earth: Deserts” – and it’s only 11:30 a.m. – on a Monday.

Wait, what’s happening? Oh yeah, it’s SPRING BREAK!

That’s right, folks. The week or two you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived. Whether you’re taking a vacation or staying at home, there’s no reason to put Earth on the backburner. Keep it cool this spring, and check out the following options for a planet-friendly break from the books:

1. Take a “staycation.” Staying at home will save you money, make less of an environmental impact, and allow you to explore your own hometown. Why not take a behind the scenes tour, visit a museum, observatory, or planetarium, check out a concert, or even go camping – in your living room or backyard! Did somebody say ‘snow fort’?!

2. Pack light. Traveling lighter = less weight. A lighter load = less fuel needed to power the plane or your car.  Reduced fuel = less CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions!

3. Enjoy the great outdoors. Take your bike out, camp outside, or hang out at the beach. Just remember to use resources wisely: Recycle, look for ways to cut waste, and leave no trace when you camp (Bonus: If your tent looks like the one to the left, you can count on the sun to handle breaking down your campsite!)

4. Travel green. Your mode of transportation has the biggest effect on the environment. If you’re flying, try to avoid booking your tickets at night. The contrails of a plane at night have a bigger impact on global warming than those left in the day. As an alternative to flying, you can also take a train overnight while you sleep, carpool, or take a road trip with a rented hybrid car. Or a trayboard.

5. Go alternative. Choose to participate in an alternative spring break. Volunteer opportunities like partnering with Habitat for Humanity or local community groups that plant trees, beautify local schools, or engage in other green activities are worth your while (I’m sensing a Star-worthy project here!). Other opportunities include traveling out of state or even out of the country. Sometimes you can even get school credit for your week spent “working.” Check with your local campus community service and/or volunteer office to see if they have anything in the works.

No matter your plans, there’s an option out there for you. So, where are you headed for Spring Break? Drop us a line after you’ve finished that coconut…