DEP launches 'Green' travel Web site

With Memorial Day and the summer travel season approaching, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection encourages Florida residents and guests to travel close, clean and green with the launch of a new green travel Web site and Florida Green Lodging Program locator map. The newly launched green travel Web site offers resources for families and travelers looking to get away without depleting their wallets, gas tanks or the environment.

"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 Web site 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."

When planning a vacation this summer, travelers should consider visiting one of the 161 Florida State Parks and staying at one of the nearly 200 Florida Green Lodging properties throughout the state. A new tool on the Green Lodging Web site allows visitors to view designated properties and Florida State Parks all in the same interactive map. The easy-touse map shows environmentally friendly travel destinations for the entire state.