During this holiday time of year, there are lots of greens decking the halls, which reminded me to look into what Florida’s resorts and attractions are doing to help the environment.

Families traveling in large numbers can really be wasteful. Just think about how many towels a family of four might leave for the hotel staff to wash and dry, including pool towels.  I know firsthand. I’ve been known to trip over at least four bath towels in one day while on vacation! (I do teach my boys to hang them after use, but my kids, like most, can be forgetful.)

I confess that I like to brainstorm for story ideas in the shower. (Hey, at least I don't sing!) So, it was very convenient when I hopped in the shower at Universal’s Royal Pacific Resort and noticed a note hanging on the shower bar that read: “SAVE OUR TROPICAL PARADISE!” Talk about a captive audience for a plea! 

Upon closer examination, I noticed it read: “Your choices can help reduce the amount of water, energy and detergents we use daily. Please decide for yourself.

• Leaving towels hanging on the rack means “I will use them again."
  
• Leaving towels in the tub, shower or on the floor means, “Please replace them.”

The hotel boasts that they are conserving the earth’s resources “One night at a time.” I believe them. I was definitely converted to a green mindset once I read that notice. The guilt of not hanging them for re-use was way too much!

When we are traveling, it’s easy to get caught up in the luxury of not having to do the wash ourselves. It takes a conscious effort to think about the fact that it is still very wasteful, even though someone else is doing the cleaning.

I thought I'd take this opportunity to remind families to please remember to recycle when on vacation in our lush, green tropical state!

Florida has a Green Lodging program that is dedicated to conservation. You can check out their website to see what they are doing and what properties made the list.

For instance, The TradeWinds Island Resorts – the Island Grand Resort and the Sandpiper Hotel & Suites – located on the Gulf of Mexico on the island of St. Pete Beach, is family-friendly and eco-friendly.

The resort recently introduced the “It’s Easy Being Green” package.

The eco-friendly package includes three-nights accommodations in a smoke-free room, two tickets to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (where they rescue and rehabilitate sea animals), one day beach trolley pass for two, dolphin watch or sunset sailing cruise for two, and a double travel hammock as a take-home souvenir.

Regardless of which resort you choose, there are plenty of things your family can do to conserve energy before you even leave the house for your holiday vacation.

Here are a few tips from your surrogate “nagging” mother:

• Turn off your screen saver.

Did you know the EPA has estimated that using a computer's "sleep mode" reduces its energy consumption by 60 to 70 percent? The best screen saver is also the best energy saver. Turn off your monitor when you're not using it.

• Buy rechargeable batteries for your kids' travel toys and games.

About 40 percent of all battery sales occur during the holiday season. Buy rechargeable batteries to accompany your electronic gifts, and consider giving a battery charger as a gift as well.

• Reduce your driving speed on the road.

Driving the car 75mph instead of 65mph increases your fuel consumption by 20%. Slow down on the highways.

Blogging for VISITFLORIDA.com has made me realize that I have a responsibility to other parents, our kids and the global community. I hope you'll take these tips as a gift and share them with your friends and families.

I'll get off my soap box now and finish my shopping!