It shouldn’t take a recession to force us to appreciate the vacation paradise that is our home. If hordes of New Yorkers and Massachusetts folks think our fair Granite State is worth spending a week or two of vacation in, why shouldn’t we?

Yes, some may see staycations as a less-desirable alternative to a real vacation – one during which you spend lots of money jetting off to an exotic destination. We at Green Living, however, view staycations as a way to help cut down on carbon emissions (airplanes aren’t exactly helping global warming) and support local businesses at the same time.

We could go on and on about why staycations are a lovely shade of chartreuse, but instead we’ll suggest some ways for you to enjoy your very own staycation – because we’ve persuaded you to take one, right? And on page 11, we’ve included a calendar of Earth-friendly events happening in the state – maybe you can even ride your bike to one or two.

Without further ado, here are our suggestions on how to make the most of your staycation:

Take a hike
We’ve got a mountain-filled national forest for a back yard, and breathtaking views can be had for as little as a parking-lot fee and some hard work. It’s a great way to spend the day with family or friends – and if you want to really make us proud, bring a picnic lunch of locally grown food.

The website www.hike-nh.com lists the top 10 hikes for families, top hikes with waterfalls and the top 10 loops. If you want the ultimate hiking resource, the Appalachian Mountain Club’s website, www.outdoors.org, is offering a free trial of its online edition of the White Mountain Guide – take advantage and map out a hike for yourself.

Go for a swim
Almost every town has a lake, river or pond that was probably put there specifically to cool off its residents on hot summer days.

You probably already know where your town’s swimming spots are, but for the sake of adventure you should branch out: the website www.swimmingholes.org lists dozens of spots in the state to take a dip. Listings describe the settings, warn about potential dangers, give directions and sometimes even offer photos.

Be a day tripper
You’ve always wanted to visit Exeter or Walpole or drive around Lake Winnipesaukee, and just think – now you can.

Day trips can be as planned or as laid-back as you want them to be, and you can either save money by packing a picnic or splurge on lunch at a local eatery. Most towns offer less-traveled roads with nice views for driving, cycling or walking, and almost every one has one or two main attractions.

For some suggestions, visit www.visitnh.gov or www.nhsummer.com: The former offers suggested itineraries, maps, driving directions, family attractions and more, and the latter features a string of editor’s-choice recommended destinations as well as a summer events calendar.

Get back to the land
Who doesn’t enjoy picking blueberries or apples on a beautiful day or strolling through a farmers’ market?

Both are great ways to cut down on fossil-fuel consumption and support local growers. The website www.pickyourown.org lists “u-pick” farms and orchards by county, and The New Hampshire Farmers’ Market Association, www.nhfma.org, offers a downloadable list of farmers’ markets in the state.

Park it
We saved the best for last: State parks offer venues for hiking, swimming, camping, boating, picnicking, riding horses and just hanging out. The extremely helpful website, www.nhstateparks.org, lists parks alphabetically, by region and by activity.

It has lists of beaches, campgrounds, natural areas and historic sites. And, if you click on the “Bureau of Trails” tab, then on “Trail Uses,” you’ll find a slew of recommended hiking, biking and equestrian trails. (The hiking trails section contains helpful maps as well.)