Green and Alternative Travel Blog by Desoto Inn

We can learn a lot about green travel and nature from these two writers. We can learn how to love life a little more and launch into adventures with a sense of humor.

Thoreau and the Pond: Deliberate Life

Some, such as Henry David Thoreau, decided to live on Walden Pond for a period of two years, and then recounted his life in the woods in 1854’s Walden. My undergraduate English professor often joked that in the area of Massachusetts near Walden, one could buy tee shirts and buttons that said Thoreau Went Home On Weekends and while it’s true that Thoreau made his two-year home on land owned by his good friend Ralph Emerson, I don’t think that undercuts the beauty of what he managed to accomplish. Thoreau did something extraordinary and took himself out of society to get away from the hustle and bustle of 19th century Concord. (This fantastic blog post focuses on Thoreau as a master of perception-based travel – what we might today refer to as a ‘staycationer.’)
Thoreau’s major work had a “sit around and wait” feeling to it, but when he really gets going, his writing hits a nerve and stays there. As an undergraduate, I remember slogging through an excruciatingly boring section about watching beans grow, and then out of nowhere, Thoreau would transform before my eyes, becoming a magician of nature: I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to dig deep and suck out all the marrow of life.
The twenty-year old that I was willingly forgave Thoreau his notes about beans and farming to get to sections like that, where his writing practically becomes a spiritual dare to dive in to nature.

Bryson and the Woods: Laugh At Yourself

Bill Bryson is another writer who made nature come alive for me in A Walk in The Woods, though I have no illusions about my own ability or desire to hike the Appalachian Trail. But Bryson’s tale of a middle-aged man who ropes his best friend into the hike of a lifetime is utterly hilarious. If Thoreau double-dog dared you to live in your own local woods and see what life really meant, Bryson’s books promise that there is some grand, hilarious adventure just up ahead.

Green Travel Matters

Green travel matters . It seems that every moment technology is growing by light-years. At some point, here’s my personal dare. Figure out what joy means for you, hit the woods, do some hiking. Building your own cabin on a friend’s land is purely optional, but I believe it matters that you try something new, be open to Bryson-style hilariousness, and like Thoreau, make your own journey into a spiritual dare; allow yourself to get lost in your own backyard and see where you end up.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By Luke Wisley

Love is in the air. It’s time for hearts, flowers, and going green, gay-style. Here’s our guide to a romantic and green Valentine’s Day.

Nix the Big Trip…

Turn your Valentine’s Day celebration into a staycation of the best kind and explore the wonders of home – and each other. If you’re into bath time goodies, cozy up the bedroom with some eco-friendly goodies or soy candles.

…Or Find a Sustainable Resort

Our very own Desoto is a cozy, green, and very gay-friendly inn located on Hollywood Beach, mere miles from the thriving gay culture in Fort Lauderdale. Not sure where else to go? Check out the Keys for gems such as Pearl’s or The Banyan Resort, both of which are certified green lodgings.

Food

Open your big heart with some organic fruits and veggies for some homemade Valentine’s Day snacks. Try sprinkling some organic fruit with some all-natural, unsweetened cocoa powder and natural sugar. Want a lot more chocolate than that? Check out a nearby green foodstore for a host of organic or naturally sweetened gooey goodies.

E-Cards

Tired of adapting straight e-cards for your baby? Check out these adorable and free gay and lesbian e-cards from Twosome Gifts or go here. Send a romantic e-card while cutting down on the paper waste generated by traditional Valentine cards.

Getting Hitched?

Are you getting married? Having a commitment ceremony? Thinking about proposing to your honey for Valentine’s Day? Check out SoYou’reEnGAYged.com. This blog is one of my all-time favorites. It’s an open forum for photo albums and wedding plans for LGBT couples and straight allies. It also has some original green tips for your gay wedding and a great DIY section. If you’re planning a wedding and you and your honey like to travel, check out some of the great sustainable cruise options such as Sweet or check out Traveler’s Joy so that friends and family can help you create the honeymoon of your dreams, whether you want to build a national or an international trip.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By lynn.gardner

Looking for green ways to celebrate your relationship? Celebrate Valentine’s Day with these fun local tips.

Trains

Train travel is a greener option than car travel. Plus, there’s an inherent sort of romance to boarding a train bound for a nearby city. Amtrak has several South Florida stations (including stations in Miami, Hollywood, and Fort Lauderdale) in case you and your beloved want to travel while reducing your carbon footprint.

Parks

A little ways into Tree Tops Park off of Flamingo Road in South Florida is a small playground and a footbridge. Cross the foot bridge and you’ll find some picnic tables overlooking a lake. This spot is a beautiful place for a Valentine’s Day picnic. In the five minutes that I stood on the bridge, I watched a pair of ducks glide through the lake and even heard a loud splash as some fish jumped out of the water and then dove back in. Check out some of Broward’s parks to explore fun and green ways to be romantic.

Maximize Sunsets

South Florida has many wonderful and romantic places to watch the day come to a close. Any of South Florida’s parks – including my Tree Tops nook – would be a perfect choice for watching the mesmerizing golden-red of an early evening sunset. It’s only a short, two-minute walk from the front door of the Desoto Inn to Hollywood Beach, and the ocean is so close that you can watch the sunset just from standing on Desoto Street. Hollywood Beach is fairly intimate, a natural romantic getaway. Closer than the Keys, this section of Hollywood Beach can give you all the intimacy of Key West without putting all the extra mileage on your car.

Get Raw

If you’ve wondered about raw food and thought, “I can’t eat raw food! It tastes like garden clippings,” then think again. I defy you not to get addicted to the nearby wonder of The Green Wave Café. For couples looking for a casual green restaurant, you can’t go wrong. Located on Broward Boulevard in Plantation, proprietor Raoul runs the Green Wave with a mixture of charm and intelligence. He and the staff will answer any questions you have about raw food and they’ll go easy on you if it’s your first time. The cafe’s laid-back diner atmosphere brings to mind a green version of Cheers (where everybody knows your vegan habits) and it’s a wonderful casual place to take a date.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By joshDubya

We at the Desoto blog love Valentine’s Day as much as the next bunch of eco-friendly travelers. However, Valentine’s Day generates quite a lot of waste per year. Put your heart into making February 14th a green affair to remember.

Don’t Go Card Crazy

According to the U.S. Greeting Card Association, one billion paper cards are purchased for Valentine’s Day. That’s a lot of little red envelopes! Instead of buying your significant other a card, try to go with recyclable cards or e-cards. Free e-cards for Valentine’s Day are available online. Better yet, channel your inner five-year-old and get creative with a glue stick and some construction paper. You can easily create a creative and personalized card or poster by looking through old magazines to find pictures that represent your relationship. Maybe you both enjoy going to the beach? Clip some magazine pics of beachside sunsets or other fun things that are unique to your union. The sky’s the limit when lovers decide to make DIY cards.

Flower Power

Here’s another spooky, non-green fact. Everyone loves massive bouquets of roses, but over 180 million of those little red symbols of romance are bought for Valentine’s Day. Because they don’t last that long and need to be thrown away after only a few days, roses and other flowers generate a tremendous amount of waste. Make an empowered, eco-friendly choice and skip the flowers in favor of some cute plants that might last as long as a good relationship.

Earth Love

If you really love the old-time romance of sending cards, but also want to plant something with a strong foundation, try these adorable eco-friendly cards, printed on seed paper that grows into wildflowers. Talk about getting lovey-dovey with the earth.

Homemade Fun

Make the most of your Valentine’s Day dollar and stretch your money by getting busy with glue and construction paper. The decorations can be saved or reused next year, or recycled on February 15th. Better yet, if you’d like to find some funky, green decorations, check out homemade craft marketplace Etsy for natural or upcycled items.

Yummies

Valentine’s Day without chocolate is enough to make anyone’s heart break. Even if you’re ringing in V-Day solo style, chocolate is a must. For maximum green goodness, go for organic goodies.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By Old Shoe Woman

This past weekend, I went to Hollywood Beach, right near the Desoto. I almost never go to the beach, but all my work was done and it was time to play. I decided to make the nearby Hollywood Beach the setting for my solo adventure. I can’t remember when I’ve had so much green fun, and right in my own backyard! Looking to have some ecofriendly fun? Hit the beach!

Green Lifestyle

Hollywood Beach supports a green lifestyle. From the green and comfortable Desoto Inn to the electricity saving lights that shine over the Broadwalk, Hollywood Beach supports an eco-conscious lifestyle.

The Turtle Café

Turtle Café borders Keating Beach (a part of North Hollywood Beach Park, located just at the end of Sheridan Street) and is a great place to sit and people watch. (The burgers aren’t bad either.) In front of the aptly named Turtle Café is a protected turtle preserve. 90% of sea turtle nesting happens right here in Florida, so I had fun watching some adorable baby turtles.

The Broadwalk

The Broadwalk is a 2.5 mile promenade of shops, restaurants, and hotels on the west side, and of course, the Atlantic ocean on the east side. First built in 1925, Broadwalk renovations were completed in 2007, and in 2010 the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk was named one of best broadwalks in America by Travel and Leisure editor Nilou Motamed, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a wonderful place to people-watch, soak in the cool ocean breezes, rent a bike for two, or simply wander around with a backpack full of green snacks to munch on. The Broadwalk is the perfect place for a beautiful stroll and is a great place to take a break from busy weekdays.

Green Yummies

Don’t forget a handy selection of green snacks for your beach afternoon. Trail mix, organic fruit, or raisins are perfect light snacks for a day of beach fun. Be sure to take a reusable water bottle with you – temperatures can soar, even in our so-called winter. If you’re there on a Sunday between 9 am and 5:31 pm, stop by Josh’s Organic Market (located on the Broadwalk and Harrison Street, by the Ramada Hotel) for a smoothie or some fresh produce for the week. Josh is something of a local treasure; his reasonably priced market is practically legendary among veggie lovers in South Florida.

From the crystal-clear ocean to the golden-red sunsets, Hollywood Beach is a laid-back, eco-friendly, and relaxing place to spend your weekend.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By Fabio – Miami

I’ve got a lot of books in my house. Most readers that I know, myself included, have very, very mixed feelings about the changing face of the publishing industry. With the rise of Kindles and iPads, books seem to be getting pushed aside. Nothing can ever replace the feel of a worn, well-loved book in my hands.

Reading Green on the Road

I admit it – I love taking my e-reader with me on long trips. It’s a little bit less of a hassle to pack one slender e-reader as opposed to three different books. This reminds me of my transition to iPod from portable cd player. Before I finally broke down and got an iPod, not only did I lug a portable cd player on trips, but I carted a mini-folder of cds with me as well. That added at least four extra pounds to my carryon, and I really had to adore those cds to cart them with me cross-country.

I feel the same way about books, in terms of weight. If I now know that the extra weight of my suitcase or carryon can actually increase my carbon footprint (and make my luggage ten times heavier), then bringing five or six books on the plane with me is a lot less attractive.

Eco-Bookworms Need Help

However, the jury is still out about who really wins the green award, in the knock-down drag-out fight between real, actual, honest-to-God paper books and e-books.

It’s easy to build a case against books. They’re heavier, publishers aren’t always able to recycle them due to the glue in the binding, and, of course, the more books you have in your house, the more trees have been cut down.

While e-readers save trees, you’re using extra electricity. Plus, with the exception of Apple, researchers found that not many e-reader companies declare how green their readers are.

Strike a Balance

What’s greener? Books or e-readers? It depends on how much you read, really. The more you read, the greener of an option the e-reader is for you. The less you read, the more time it will take you to offset the carbon footprint of a Kindle, according to the Cleantech Group. On the other hand, if you read more than, say, twenty-two books a year, consider a Kindle or an e-reader to save all those trees. Remember, Kindles or iPads are especially handy when you’re on the road or in an airplane.
But, if you’re like me and can’t seem to imagine a happy life without real books, just become book conscious and reuse them, which is a fantastic green option. Always go for secondhand books over new ones, don’t overlook the public library, and check out great online sites to get rid of old books or trade old book for “new” old books.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By Sutherland Shire Libraries

Being green and gay is all about being exactly who you are while giving back to nature. These two unique travel companies make sure you’ll have the time of your life while supporting eco-friendly travel.

For Women

Lesbian travel company Sweet  offers the best of lesbian travel combined with green principles.

• Where They Go: If cruising to Italy or France or rafting down the Colorado River suits your fancy, then Sweet is for you. But, if you also dream of vacation adventures where you can give back to the locals, then look no further than Sweet.
• Carbon Neutral Cruises and Travel: All cruises are carbon neutral. Don’t worry about footing your own carbon footprint. Sweet will do it for you. All of their travel – whether by air, land, or water – is offset. Sweet is an entirely carbon-free company, and they even contributed to a reforestation project in Louisiana.
• Giving Back: Most of Sweet’s vacations come with an option to help support local areas in a variety of ways, such as taking part in beach cleanups or planting trees. The “Sweeties” travel the world, bringing green goodness to all, and on one recent trip, actually sterilized feral cats. (Can’t you just hear your friends asking, “So, what’d you do on your vacation?”) On an upcoming cruise to the Bahamas, the Sweeties will donate goods and time to the Rainfurly Home for Children.

For Men

If you’re looking for all-male trips, check out Out Adventures.

• Carbon-Offsets Included: As of 2011, all trip prices include a carbon-offset charge. Plus, Out Adventures operates on the core green principle of “leave no trace.” In other words, Out Adventures makes sure to carry away any trash and leave the environment just as they found it.
• Small and Supportive: Travelers with Out Adventures can look forward to small group travels (with a maximum size of 12) that support local leaders, businesses, and culture. With 2012 trips from Nepal to China, Out Adventures brings you into the adventure.
• Three Styles For You: Out Adventure travelers have a choice of booking three styles of adventures: Active, Comfort, and Inspire. If you choose an Active adventure, have a blast kayaking, walking, or biking your way through your unique vacation. If you want to relax and hole up in a cozy little B-and-B, then Comfort is the style for you; however, if learning about the locals and yoga on the beach sound more exciting to you, go with an Inspire vacation.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By muskva

A few weeks ago, we ran a post about kickstarting a new, green 2012. These basic, eco-friendly decisions were meant to brush the dust off our green attitudes and start the new year off on the right foot.

The three green 2012 kickoffs were walking anywhere, buying a reusable water bottle, and shopping with non-plastic bags. After only a few weeks, my green scorecard is more than lopsided.

The Event: Walking anywhere.

The Score: B-
The Explanation: While some members of my family have happily started walking more, we’ve mostly been walking to keep the pounds off and to bring more relaxation into our lives, rather than walking to anywhere specific. We’ve walked to close neighbors’ houses rather than taking the car. Since I work in walkable distance, I’ve started to walk to work at least once a week. Provided I’m able to leave the office during daylight hours, this works fine.

The Event: Cloth Shopping Bags

The Score: D
The Explanation: Remember the reusable bags. This should be easy, right?  However, it always seems that I’ve forgotten them at home – and so,  I easily contribute to the billion wasted plastic shopping bags a year. The best that can be said is that we’re able to get a lot of use out of them as garbage liners or puppy scoopers. Still, there’s a lot of room for improvement on this one, because I don’t want to become one of the shoppers responsible for the huge number of shopping bags in landfills. Once I travel again, I look forward to having a few empty bags with me for random purchases.

The Event: Buying a reusable water bottle.

The Score: A
The Explanation: I was able to find a BPA-free water bottle at a fairly inexpensive price (green on two counts!) and, even though it’s huge, I’m happy to take it with me everywhere. It holds 32 ounces of water, so one fill-up stops me from adding four, eight-ounce plastic water bottles to a landfill. But will I be able to keep it up? Absolutely. I just make sure that it’s always by the front door and ready to go before I leave the house. (I’ve taken this water bottle with me on a few trips recently and it’s held up quite nicely.)

How about you? Did you walk more places? Did the reusable bags make it with you into the store or did you (like me) forget them at home? Did you always remember the water bottle? How has your Green 2012 Kickoff held up?

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By Paul A Hernandez

There’s such a coolness factor when you’re on a motorcycle. The wind in your hair, the screech of the tires…There’s nothing more awesome than strapping on a helmet and gunning through the streets on a massive motorbike.

But are motorcycles green – or not? It’s a little bit of both. In the first place, a traditional motorcycle is basically an engine with wheels. Are they actually green, even with all that exhaust? It’s six of one, half a dozen of the other, as the saying goes. There are some serious eco-friendly pluses, such as their fuel efficiency. However, your average motorcycle emits anywhere between ten to fifteen times the amount of carbon dioxide as your basic car.

Traditional Motorcycles vs. Electric Motorcycles

If you’ve ever sat in your car behind a group of motorcycles, waiting for the light to turn green, then you’ve experienced the gigantic cloud of exhaust that lingers around them. And with hot ecobikes all around, there’s no reason to go traditional anymore.

The Green Bike

When swapping out your traditional motorcycle for a green cycle, you can choose between an electric motorcycle and one that uses alternative fuel. Electric bikes are quieter and, of course, exhaustless (no more idling in an thick, dark cloud at the traffic light). What’s hot right now? The electric motorcycles from this company recently released their 2012 line, featuring bikes that are both eco-friendly and eco-cool, producing approximately 90% less smog than your average motorbike.

Safety is the Same

Safety is still paramount when riding a motorcycle, no matter what kind you decide on. Helmets are tremendously important, preventing an estimated 69% of head injuries. Whether you’re taking a spin around the neighborhood or revving it up on the highway, wearing a helmet is a must. It’s even illegal in some states to ride without one.

Federal Tax Credit

Starting in 2009, most electric motorcycles became eligible for federal tax credits (up to 10% of the cost of the motorbike), under section 1142 of the Energy Provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Wondering if your electric motorcycle fits the bill? Check with your tax preparer or CPA.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By lynneluvah

Sustainable travel is important. As we learn about green travel, we come into contact with the many ways we can help protect our environment. For example, we already know that carbon credits are a good way to offset a plane trip. Another ecofriendly travel tip is to travel light (your wallet will thank you for it) and travel nonstop, in order to cut down on your carbon footprint.

But protecting our health is also an important part of green travel.

Sometimes, when I’m on a plane, I can already feel the tell-tale signs of impending illness: headache, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. I know that if I don’t take simple precautions, I’ll feel rundown after I get off the plane, and nothing – not even the knowledge that I’ve flown nonstop to reduce my carbon footprint – will make me feel better for at least a week.

Anti-Sick Gel, Please

To cut down on my chances of getting sick, I’ve learned to make sure that I’ve got handy anti-bacterial gels or wipes with me at all times. Some anti-bacterial gels are even eco-friendly, without fragrance and with green ingredients. Prefer to take wipes instead? I love these green ones. Remember your plastic baggies so that your ecofriendly anti-bacterial gel can fly with you.

Manners

Go by the good-neighbor rule. If you’re the one who’s feeling sick, please cover your mouth or nose if you have to cough or sneeze.

Socks

Going through pre-flight security? Since I know I’ll have to take off my shoes as part of most security checks, I’m never without socks when I’m traveling. Make sure you wear socks in order to avoid walking barefoot on the same carpet as the last several hundred travelers who flew the friendly skies. (Can you imagine all those germs? Oh no, thank you.) If you’re traveling in flip-flops or sandles, stow the socks in your purse or backpack and pull them on when you’re in line. Socks will also come in handy if you want to take off your shoes and get comfortable on your non-stop, green-friendly flight.

Water, Water Everywhere

It’s easy to get dehydrated in the dry air of the cabin, so be sure that you’re drinking from your stainless steel (or eco-friendly, BPA-free) water bottle. If possible, avoid caffeine or alcohol, neither of which will keep you hydrated. If for some reason you don’t have your travel bottle with you, remember to ask for water frequently.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By victoire_za