• Originally published August 5, 2009 at midnight, updated August 5, 2009 at 4:10 p.m.

August is here. The first day of school is around the corner.

With summer's days coming to an end, some families are heading out for one last getaway. If you're on the road and want to remain eco-friendly, here are some ways to do so during your hotel stay.

I travel regularly with my job and have spent time in most major hotel chains. Over the past few years, I have been encouraged by more and more hotels proudly proclaiming their commitment to the environment. Some chains, such as Choice Hotels and the InterContinental Hotels Group, are members of Project Planet, an organization that provides the industry with environmental programs. Hotels that join Project Planet display cards in guests' rooms explaining the program and inviting guests to participate by allowing their linens to be changed every third day rather than daily. Linens are, of course, automatically changed between guests.

Project Planet estimates that this practice can save up to 70,000 gallons of water and 500 gallons of detergent each year in a mid-sized hotel, in addition to the money saved.

Some hotels have individual conservation programs, offering guests the option to leave any towels they need replaced on the bathroom floor. If you are staying at a hotel that does not participate in a formal conservation program, you can still save water on your own. Hang the "privacy" sign on the door or call housekeeping to let them know you do not wish to have the linens changed.

Most hotels provide plastic laundry bags, but you can avoid using these by bringing along a bag of your own. A soft, collapsible duffel bag or a reusable grocery bag stuffed into your luggage will do the job nicely. If you do need the plastic laundry bag, be sure to bring it to a local store that offers plastic bag recycling when you get home.

To conserve energy while at the hotel, don't forget to turn off the lights when you leave the room. I rarely come across a room that does not have a light switch near the door, so in most cases, it is not necessary to leave the room lights on if you plan on returning after dark.

Be sure to turn off the air conditioner, or at least increase the temperature, when you leave. If your room has a programmable thermostat, you can set it to remain warmer during the day and automatically begin cooling in the evening. Closing the drapes will help your room remain cool while you're gone.

Unplug appliances you are not using. The lamp, hair dryer, coffeemaker, microwave and mini-fridge all drain energy, even when not in use. Only plug them in when needed.

Bringing your own shampoo and conditioner, instead of using those provided by the hotel, cuts down on the plastic used in packaging those items. If you do use the hotel's products, make sure to use the entire bottle rather than opening a new one each day.

Finally, consider patronizing hotels that have demonstrated their eco-friendliness. Some chains' Web sites tout their environmental programs. Web sites such as www.environmentallyfriendlyhotels.com and www.greenlodge.org allow you to search for hotels by name or by your destination.

It's easy to be green, even away from home.

Meridith Byrd is a marine biologist and invites readers to contact her at meridith.byrd@gmail.com.

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