There are many ways to green your travel even if your transportation or location is not particularly green. From purchasing carbon credits to offset air travel to picking up trash in tourist locations, you can make your honeymoon an eco-trip.

To make sure you're not wasting any resources, implement the following tips:

Green Your Home

• Turn off your air conditioner or heater, or put it on the lowest setting possible if you have animals or plants to protect.

• Turn your water heater all the way down.

• Unplug all of your appliances that will not be in operation while you are gone — televisions, cable boxes, stereos, microwaves, toasters, computers, printers, and so on.

• If you have a newspaper subscription, set it to vacation.

• Get programmable lighting for a few lights or lamps. This keeps your house from looking deserted and is much more economical than leaving your lights on the entire time.

• Pack your own toiletries and leave the complimentary guest toiletries in your hotel room unopened.

Green Your Lodging

• Let your lodging location know that your sheets do not have to be changed every day.

• Keep track of your towel and hang it up to dry; you can reuse it a couple of times before sending it to the laundry.

• Turn off all the lights, appliances, and air conditioning or heat when you leave your room to conserve energy.

• Reduce the length of your showers to preserve water.

• Participate in the area recycling program and make sure all waste is disposed of properly.

• Don't take unnecessary paper products, return newspapers to the lobby, and put brochures and maps back on the racks when you are finished with them.

• Go paperless for tickets and billing.

• Avoid room service or carry-out options; at the very least, avoid Styrofoam containers and ask for paper or aluminum foil.

Green Your Vacation Habits

• Do not purchase products such as tortoise shell, ivory, animal skins, or feathers. They may be from endangered species or killed specifically for tourist souvenirs. Also avoid starfish and turtle shells; even sea shells are questionable.

• Take photographs to keep as memories. Do not take sand, shells, or other natural souvenirs from natural or historical locations. If you must have a memento, purchase something socially and environmentally responsible in a gift shop, such as something made by a local artist.

• Never litter. Leave the place cleaner than you found it. If you see trash, pick it up and dispose of it properly.

• Support local conservation programs.

• Instead of renting a car, travel the area by public transportation or bicycle or walk to locations that are close by. If you must use a motor vehicle, see if the hotel offers a van or transportation services that will shuttle guests to locations. If you must rent a car, choose a small fuel-economic one or a hybrid.

• Support the local economy. Eat in small restaurants, delis, and open cafes and shop in small, locally owned shops and stores. Avoid chain stores and corporate places like McDonalds that tend to pop up all over the world in large tourist areas.

• Treat nature with respect. When hiking, bicycling, or walking, always stay on the trails and pathways. Stay away from wildlife and don't try to feed animals.

• When diving or snorkeling, do not touch coral reefs, stir up sediment, or touch any of the underwater plants or creatures.

• Respect the local people. If they speak another language, try learning a few words and phrases before you go on your trip. At least make an effort to know the basics so you can communicate more easily.

The best thing for you to remember on your trip is an old saying: “Take nothing but photographs and leave nothing but footprints.”