The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is encouraging Florida residents and guests to travel close, clean and green with the promotion of an all-new green travel website and Florida Green Lodging Program locator map.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is encouraging Florida residents and guests to travel close, clean and green with the promotion of an all-new green travel website and Florida Green Lodging Program locator map.

Travelers can explore one of the 161 Florida State Parks while staying at one of the nearly 200 Florida Green Lodging properties throughout the state. A new tool on the Green Lodging website allows visitors to view designated properties and Florida State Parks all in the same interactive map. The easy-to-use map shows environmentally friendly travel destinations for the entire state.

“With a state park or a Green Lodging facility within just a short car ride of any location in the state, there are plenty of opportunities for affordable, eco-friendly travel this summer,” said DEP’s Deputy Secretary Bob Ballard. “The new green travel website is a valuable resource that allows visitors to locate state parks within a 100-mile radius, track down Green Lodging facilities, and provides tips on how to conserve gasoline and exhibit environmental stewardship while on vacation.”

“Florida residents and guests can use the newly launched Florida Green Lodging Program map to locate designated lodging facilities near a state park or recreation area,” said Director of Sustainable Initiatives Deas Bohn. “Properties range from local bed and breakfasts to five-star resorts with more than 1,000 rooms to suit any traveler’s needs.”

The Florida Green Lodging Program requires each designated property to meet a minimum set of environmental practices in areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, clean air practices and waste reduction. The specific set of practices varies from one hotel to another. Since each hotel will have a slightly different program, guests should ask hotel staff about their green practices.

Travelers can plan their affordable getaway by indicating a starting point and the website’s “One Tank Adventure” feature will locate all Florida State Parks within a 100-mile radius. World-class beaches, springs, rivers and lakes, historic and cultural sites, and abundant wildlife watching are all available alternatives to high-cost summer vacations.

Going on vacation doesn’t mean travelers should stop being environmentally conscientious. Be it water, fuel or energy conservation, each little bit helps to cut down vacation costs and protect the state’s natural resources for future generations.

Launched in March 2004, the Florida Green Lodging Program establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. As reward for designation, the state is recommending designated properties in the Florida Green Lodging Program to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally conscious lodging and convention facilities. To date, the program has 181 designated properties and more than 345 applicants.

For more information, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/green/travel.htm.