Virginia Green, 2011

It seems to be all the rage now for companies to “go green,” and for many, this is little more than a title to earn approving nods from others of the so-called green persuasion. However, there are those who truly care about the restoration and preservation of the the natural environment, and Virginia falls into this latter category: “Virginia Green is Virginia’s program to encourage green practices throughout the state’s tourism industry!” This includes recycling and waste reduction as well as energy and water conservation.

From eco-friendly lodgings to restaurants that emphasize recycling, there are many different volunteers participating in Virginia Green! If you would like to consider becoming a part of this green alliance, check out the Virginia Department of Environmental Equality's webpage, and fill out an application online! Even if you are not a volunteer of this specific organization, every little effort can help. (I promise you that it takes just as much effort to toss a plastic bottle into a recycling bin as it does to throw it away in a trash can.)

For a few friendly suggestions about how to go green, check out Virginia's Eco-Friendly Travel Tips.

By Tara Stoll