by Blake Frino

Camping is one of the most eco-friendly ways to vacation if you do it right. It’s enjoyable to sit by the roaring fire under the stars after a meal cooked on the grill and a walk on a nature trail, but don’t forget that all creates an imprint on the earth. Even when camping, we must remember that we are closest to Mother Nature and still need to be very mindful of her.

Many campgrounds nowadays have separate trash cans for recyclables and alert you to when fires are not permitted because of dry or windy conditions. Some campsites go above and beyond these basics to create a greener camping experience. (more…)

by Blake Frino

Around the nation, green spas are popping up, ensuring that they are not only thinking about the environment, but their clientele as well. With all of the water, paper, disposables, and toxic materials being used, it is a needed change. And who wants to give up a day of pampering? That is where these wonderful alternatives come in. Here are just a few spas that are making a change:

The Blue Marble Spa at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina in San Diego (photo shown above) sources as much as possible from other green companies, uses only recycled paper and eco-friendly cleaning products, offers its treatment menu in digital format, and provides eco-friendly literature for reading and further education. (more…)

by Greg Hardwick

Why drive when you can fly and arrive in only a fraction of the time? How else are you going to visit that far away destination other than by the comfort of an aircraft?

With air travel being more affordable, more people are choosing to fly. As a result, air travel is the fastest growing source of greenhouse gases. “Globally the world’s 16,000 commercial jet aircraft generate more than 700 million tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.”

Due to greater awareness of climate change, we are now seeing a host of ‘carbon-offset’ programs. We are also witnessing the rise of so called ‘carbon neutral events’ whereby we are told that the carbon produced in traveling to the event or powering a venue is offset by, for example, the planting of trees in some far off country.

In a sense, these carbon-offset programs are allowing us to continue doing what we’re doing. They are positives steps. But are they also just a quick superficial fix so we can feel good about ourselves? Should we be less willing to donate money and more willing to change our lifestyles? (more…)

by Blake Frino

Have a Valentine already lined up? Perhaps, not. Who really needs one when you have the Earth. It offers you support even when you’re walking all over it and is there to catch you when you fall. But, if you happen to have someone else’s heart and are looking forward to February 14th, don’t forget that the Earth’s got your back, too.

When you are pining over where you and your date will go for your Valentine’s Day dinner, think of your health, as well as the environment. Choose a place that suits both of your needs, like an organic or vegetarian restaurant. You may even choose a place that is having a special pre-fix dinner, so you can have an intimate, slow food-type of meal. (more…)

by Michael Chiacos

I often get asked what the best choice is for someone wanting a greener vehicle. This is a huge decision, as a person’s vehicle is often their largest environmental impact. Should you get a Prius, go biodiesel, or wait for a hydrogen car? The answer is ….complex.

The greenest way to get around is, of course, not to drive, and everyone has heard how walking, biking or taking the bus can make you healthier, reduce stress from traffic and parking, save money, etc. While we can all try to increase the frequency we choose alternative modes of transportation, often we want the convenience of driving.

The Toyota Prius so far has the lead as the most fuel efficient, least polluting vehicle. Real world mileage is around 45-48 mpg, more than double than the average American’s vehicle, which is 20.2 mpg. So if everyone drove a Prius, we’d decrease our gasoline consumption by more than half for the private transportation sector. Imagine that impact on emissions reduced, gas price demand, oil spills averted…. Not to mention the costs of going to war for oil. (more…)

by Liesl Bradner

“Give the planet a vacation the next time you take one”. That’s the slogan for Bio-Beetle, a car rental company in Maui and at LAX that rent cars fueled by 100 percent bio-diesel. More and more car rental companies are jumping on the eco bandwagon by adding hybrid choices to their fleets.

Now green travelers don’t have to feel guilty while away from their beloved hybrids. Even novices can use their vacation or next business trip as an opportunity to test drive the newest fuel efficient vehicle and perhaps be persuaded to purchase one. (more…)

by Blake Frino

I used to think that camping or going on holiday where nature was consistently in view was as environmentally conscious as they come. Oh, was I wrong! Green house gases pollute the environment just by driving to that campground and who knows what kind of destruction occurred at that resort on that lush island. Nowadays, there are a lot of alternatives to help us feel better about indulging in a vacation. Many green hotels and vacation trips have been created to show us that we can vacation with eco-consciousness.

It’s a matter of responsibility. When choosing destinations, accommodations and tour operators, consider which ones work to protect the environment and benefit local cultures and communities. Also, look for green certifications (www.greenseal.org).

The International Ecotourism Society has a mission to unite communities and offer conservation and sustainable travel. The organization’s website www.ecotourism.org allows you to search for eco-friendly trips, hotels and transportation. (more…)