Tacoma Visitors Guide 2009

GET HERE. GET GREEN! [TOP 10 TIPS] [1] Use public transportation. See Pierce County in a whole new light, reduce carbon, and feel the health benefits of traveling on foot. travel green P urchase ice cream in a cone instead of a cup to avoid creating trash. Turn the water off while brushing your teeth to save four gallons of water per minute. Replace old bulbs with compact florescent bulbs to save 300 pounds of carbon dioxide a year. Use your computer’s sleep mode instead of a screensaver. Choose products with less packaging. Use recycled paper. Simple and affordable ways to reduce your carbon footprint are out there. By adopting just a few, you’ll become a green traveler in no time! Learn how Tacoma/Pierce County is reducing its carbon footprint. Tacoma is known for its forward thinking when it comes to recycling. The city was among the first nationwide to implement the use of fully automated trucks in the collection of garbage and recycled products [1978]. The Tacoma trend to be eco-friendly has since continued. Today, recycling programs are required at every official gathering event and sports facility in communities where curbside recycling services are available. So, the next time you’re attending or hosting an event, remember to be recycle-ready! [2] Turn down the heat and/or air conditioning before you leave your hotel room. Remember to also turn off all appliances and lights. reduce your carbon footprint More and more Pierce County attractions are becoming green-centric. Crystal Mountain offers $2 SkiGreen tags—renewable energy credits—that when purchased in addition to lift tickets, offset the amount of air pollution created when driving to the mountain. Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is known for its pollution prevention initiatives and recently earned a top-notch five-star green certification through the EnviroStars program. Pierce County also works hard to preserve Mount Rainier National Park, an old-growth forest of 500-1,000 year-old trees! Visitors will also find recycle bins along the park’s facilities, lodges, campgrounds and roadways. So what are you waiting for? Get here. Get green! When you visit, check out the plethora of public transportation options. Tacoma’s Link Light Rail [FREE] conveniently transports visitors to the Greater Tacoma Convention + Trade Center, hotels, restaurants and shopping. It’s quick, easy and takes cars off the road! If the Link isn’t your style, try the bus or rent a bike to see the sights. Online Green Reads: Ecy.WA.Gov; SkiGreen.org; EnviroStars.com [3] Conserve water. Ask housekeeping not to wash your linens and towels everyday. [4] Minimize waste. Reuse plastic bags or pack cloth bags. [5] Bring rechargeable batteries and a charger for your camera and other gadgets. [6] Shop local. Buy products from independent stores. Get fresh produce from farmers’ markets. [7] Tread lightly when visiting the beach or State Parks. Always pack your trash out. [8] Recycle your guide books. Give to a friend or leave at hotel for another guest to read. [9] Participate in “green volunteering.” Spend the afternoon planting trees in a community garden or helping out at a charity event. [10] Donate to your favorite environmental cause! TRAVELTACOMA.COM 2009-2010 | 63 DISCOVER [TRAVEL GREEN] http://Ecy.WA.Gov http://www.SkiGreen.org http://www.EnviroStars.com http://www.TRAVELTACOMA.COM

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Tacoma Visitors Guide 2009

Tacoma Visitors Guide 2009 Contents Unique Finds Caught on Camera Tacoma Puyallup Fife Gig Harbor Lakewood Waterfront Getaways Mountain Getaways Mount Ranier Festivals + Events Cinema + Theatre Art Scene Nature [Water + Land] Outdoor Adventure Golf Food [Wine + Beer] Peaceful Escape Travel Planner Where to Stay / What to Do Attractions Dining + Nightlife Who to Call Recreation Shops + Spas Where to Go Services Visitor Information Tours + Transportation Maps Travel Green Child's Play

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