If a trip – whether long-haul or short – is on your spring break agenda, there are ways to help Mother Nature…and save some money too.

•Go direct: If you are flying, book a direct flight. It might cost more, but, since 50% of carbon emissions are from take-off and landing, a direct flight costs the environment a lot less. And while you’re at it, schedule a daytime flight. According to some scientists, the warming effect of night flights on the environment is twice as bad.

•Plan some “stone soup” meals before you go: Up to 15% of our fridge’s contents wind up in landfill. Like the story, a “stone soup” meal consists of whatever you can offer up…to empty your fridge of food that’ll go bad while you’re away.

•De-energize: Adjust your thermostat so you’re not heating/cooling an empty house. And unplug all those appliances with the blinking red eye: DVD, television, computers, printers and so on. They still draw power (as much as 75%) when they’re not being used.

•Water Wise: Turn your water-heater thermostat to “vacation” setting if you have it, or just turn it down if you don’t.

•Pack light: Not only will your muscles thank you, but Mother Nature will as well. Lighter loads reduce fossil-fuel consumption, whether you’re traveling by plane, train, car or bus. And rather than buying more of those tiny travel size bottles, refill the ones you have.

•Skip the paper: More travel guides are available online as apps for your mobile device. Both Lonely Planet and Frommer’s, two kings in the travel guide world, offer apps. Or check out “Ten Travel Apps That Made a Difference” here.