Environment

It's hard to maintain a small carbon footprint when you're traveling. Airplanes are one of the biggest emitters of CO2, and hotels frequently guzzle energy while they cater to a traveler's every whim. That being said, there are simple things that eco-conscious travelers can do to reduce their impact on the environment.

World Environment Day was created by the United Nations to encourage environmental action and awareness on a local, national, and even global level. Over 100 countries celebrate the eco-friendly day, which is tackling plastic pollution as its special project this year.

Thanks to a growing coalition of green businesses, grassroots advocates, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), building deconstruction — as opposed to unsustainable demolition practices — could be coming to your community sometime soon. Here's what you need to know, whether you're a sustainability expert or just discovering this green alternative to landfilling demolition debris.