Or Blogs

Spring is here, or so we hear. (In Florida our weather is pretty much the same – gorgeous – all year round.) I understand that in other parts of the world, the cold is giving way to flowers and warmth. Spring means renewal: as the earth wakes up from ice and cold, so do we. Renew your eco-joy with these springtime steps.

Eco-Bags in Light Colors

Ditch the dull black and brown travel bags for fun and funky luggage in light, festive colors. Crisp white eco-friendly luggage can put a spring in your step. So can eco-friendly purses and backpacks in hues of pinks, greens, or yellows.

Declutter Before You Depart

Before you leave town, give your house a fresh sense of renewal by cleaning the clutter out of closets and garages. Go through what you find. Contact Goodwill or your local shelter and give away any old clothes, dishes, or furniture that have seen better days. Have an upcycle party and invite friends to trade their old stuff. One green traveler’s trash is another green traveler’s treasure – and if money is tight, trading items is a thrifty way to save your green.

Before You Leave, Clean

I like to tidy up before I leave town. There’s nothing more annoying to me than coming back to a dirty house, so before I leave I make sure that counters are scrubbed and bedsheets are changed. Ditch the toxic house cleaning products as well! Instead of glass cleaner or disinfectant, use vinegar. Instead of toxic scrubbing powders, use baking soda.

Spring Showers

Not only does spring bring color and renewal – it also brings the rain. If you’re hitting the road, protect yourself from blustery days and surprise showers with cute, non-toxic raingear. This umbrella is made of recycled steel and aluminum and has a bamboo handle.

Spring Friendly Travel Apps

If you need to track the ever-changing weather, check out The Weather Channel’s app – perfect for road travel. Going to be on the road? Try Roadninja – a travel app that lets you know what’s coming up off the next highway exit. You can look up exits from anywhere on the road and it’s handy if you need to find a potty or a vegetarian restaurant in a hurry.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By notamaiar

For some of us, vacation is a welcome reason to ditch the sweats and sneakers for a few days, and resolve to return to regularly scheduled workout programs when we return home. Some of us have our schedules ingrained in our heads: Mondays are swimming days or Saturday mornings are times to do yoga. But what if you want to keep the motivation going during your travels and stick to your routine when you go on vacation?

Map It

If you’re staying in a hotel, travel on foot and get to know the area around your hotel. Check out local maps and phone apps to find out where you’re going. Check with the front desk for tips about the surrounding area. (Some cities may even have downloadable walking tours.)

Ditch the In-House Gym

No matter where you go, try to ditch the in-house gym for the outside world. If you’re on a green cruise, forget the ship’s workout room if at all possible.  One of my favorite workout memories took place on a 2007 cruise. I jogged around the upper deck. The deck was gigantic and it was refreshing to look out and see ocean surrounding me as I worked up a sweat. There’s no way I’d have experienced that kind of beauty if I went into the gym and used the stairmaster. Here’s another green reason to leave the gym alone unless you can help it: according to statistics, treadmills give off four pounds of CO2 for a one hour workout.

Water

As always, make sure you stay hydrated! Grab a stainless steel or BPA-free water bottle for both your workout and your travels. Coconut water can also give your system a natural lift while keeping you thirst-free.

Workout Clothing and Accessories

When it comes to workout clothing, you have two choices. The first is to invest in workout clothing made from natural fibers. Gaiam’s line is one of my favorites. The second green clothing option is to go with what you already have, since saving your green is also eco-friendly. If you’re looking for small, green workout accessories to take on your travels, this eco-friendly workout company has everything from green bags to tiny, 1.5 pound hand weights, perfect for throwing into a suitcase.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By Perfecto Insecto

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

The winter holidays are just around the corner. If you’re one of the millions of Americans planning on holiday travel, here’s a refresher course in some of the best and most important eco-friendly travel tips.

Carbon Credits

Terrapass helps airline travelers offset their carbon footprints and many travel websites also offer carbon-offset options for a nominal fee. Credits can be purchased according to the number of people traveling.

Cars

If you’re going on a holiday road trip, take your car for some regularly scheduled maintenance. Oil changes and properly inflated tires can go a long way towards increasing fuel efficiency by 40%, according to the Department of Energy. If you’re driving to your holiday destination, see about carpooling to reduce carbon emissions – just make sure you travel with someone whose company you’ll enjoy for a few hours on the road!

Planes

If you’re flying to see friends and family this holiday season, try to book a direct flight. Direct flights use less gas – plus, they’re easier on the passenger. If possible, pack a carryon bag in order to avoid the carbon and financial cost of a checked suitcase. Pack travel snacks and take a stainless steel water bottle with you, in order to stay hydrated on your flight.

Trains

By far one of the greenest travel options, train travel generates less carbon dioxide than either cars or planes and are relatively inexpensive. Although travel time may be slower than other modes of transportation, I’ve always found train travel to be relaxing and interesting.

Pack Carefully

If you’re traveling by car, train, or plane, be mindful of what goes into your suitcase as extra luggage weight can add to your carbon footprint – and can make travel a bulky and potentially expensive experience. Wear your heaviest shoes on the plane or train, rather than packing them. (Those traveling by car can lose the shoes and chill altogether if someone else is in the driver’s seat.)

Presents

If you’re packing presents for family and friends but worry that the extra airplane weight will send your carbon footprint off the charts (and your budget into bankruptcy), consider shipping presents beforehand in one box. The United States Postal Service lets you purchase and print shipping labels or pay for postage from the comfort of your home. USPS is also taking steps to offer eco-friendly packaging and other helpful green deals that are perfect for the holidays.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo by archer10 (Dennis)

The Riverwalk is located in Fort Lauderdale, in the downtown historic district. It is a 1.5 mile long brick-lined walkway along the north bank of the New River. Many of the city‘s historical landmarks can be seen along the way.  The path starts near the oldest surviving structure in the city, the lovely pine and oak house known as Stranahan House. This gorgeous stretch of river front has been preserved by the city of Fort Lauderdale, ensuring the quaint park, which houses some interesting nautical ‘art’, is extremely clean and safe, and the outlining buildings, including the renowned Florida Grand Opera House, are showcased.

Take this pleasant stroll along one of the rivers of a network of canals known as the Venice of America, in the warm Florida sunshine, and enjoy a breeze and the view of the marina. It is truly one of the most romantic walks you will take along Florida’s most enchanting mile. The Riverwalk connects two main streets that run through the district- Las Olas Boulevard and Himmarshee Street. Along these streets, amidst lush tropical landscaping and wide, tree lined walkways link downtown Fort Lauderdale attractions, including the Broward Center for Performing Arts, the Museum of Discovery and Science, Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art and the Fort Lauderdale Film Festival- all within walking distance of one another.

If yachts and mansions float your boat, check out the year-around sightseeing cruise departing three times daily from the New River Docks. The cruise takes you along the Intracoastal Waterway and into Port Everglades, to enjoy the sights of large mansions, celebrity homes in Millionaires Row and massive yachts on the water. Visitors can also see some of the world’s largest cruise ships while in a smooth gliding tour cruise.

Treat yourself and loved ones to a scrumptious meal in one of the many restaurants right on the river or  hop on a water taxi and experience the marina’s fisheries across the way.  You can even become part of the Riverwalk landmark by purchasing a personalized, engraved signature brick.

The Riverwalk is the perfect place to unwind, fall in love or just have a truly unique experience. Even waiting for the various draw bridges along the way to be raised and lowered is a marvel. It is enjoyable anytime of the year, however if you are a music enthusiast, visit in February and dance to the Riverwalk Blues & Music Festival outdoor concerts.

By Nuria Almeida

Photo by Christopher Gosselin

What’s green guilt? Simply put, green guilt is when we start feeling like there’s absolutely no way that we can ever do enough for the environment. As a result, we begin to feel fed up. Suddenly, sustainable travel – and by extension, the entire green movement – takes on a whole different light and we start to feel burned out. Green guilt is real – and for those of us who take our ecoaware paths seriously, some of us get stuck in it.

Here are some warning signs that you may be headed for a green guilt meltdown.

You’re Lethargic

Perhaps this sounds familiar. You ignore recyclables and toss them right into the garbage when it would be just as easy to toss them into the recycling bin. You’ve given up traveling with your stainless steel water bottle and gone right for the plastic, non-biodegradable kind. Darn the torpedoes, you’re just tired and you believe that it won’t make a difference anyway.

You’re Rebellious

I’ll show you, nature, you think. Will it really make a difference if I purchase carbon credits? No, and I’m going to go off the green wagon. Before you know it, you’re eating from Styrofoam cartons and letting the kids play with PVC-laden toys. It’s time to show up Mother Earth, because you just can’t do enough for her and she’s never satisfied anyway, or so it seems. This viewpoint comes from frustration. When we feel this way, maybe we need a reality check in order to be reminded that what we’re doing is making a difference.

You’re Anxious

In the classic film Annie Hall, Woody Allen’s character flashes back to being a kid and having a full-scale existential crisis. He’s not doing his homework because, he tells his concerned mother, the universe is expanding and if the universe expands, that will be the end of everything. In much the same way, green anxiety can make sure that we never rest, always worrying about how much else there is to be done and how much of the planet you didn’t save today. It can stop us from enjoying the earth we’re trying to save – and the life we’re trying to enrich.

How to Get Your Green Back

Break it down and focus on small changes you can make. Can’t afford green luggage made from hemp? Go with what you have and reuse. Remember to unplug appliances when leaving the house – and try to balance green motivation with green realism. You may not be able to do everything on the green travel checklist every single time you plan a carpool or buy a plane ticket – but awareness is the most important thing to pack in your luggage.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo by pjohnkeane

It seems that being green is the new call to virtue. It’s how we try to be “good” and not “bad.” Is green guilt paralyzing your eco-positivity?

Be Green Your Way

There’s no one perfect way to “go green,” nor is there a letter-perfect way to travel green, no matter what anyone says. All we can do is make small changes from day to day and watch them add up. While some people view purchasing carbon credits as an integral part of travel, other travelers may find it easier to simply find other ways to cut environmental corners. So what would work for you in that situation? Try several travel sites that offer deals – or if you’d rather have a more hands on approach, stay aware of container and BPA-free bottles when you’re traveling. Above all, notice what works for your pocketbook and your conscience.

Overwhelmed?

When I first taught college level English, I knew I’d lost my students when they stared blankly back at me. The lesson? Sometimes the eco-traveler  can get overwhelmed on sheer information. We all know the reasons why we should go green – because we’re running out of resources and want to conserve them, or because we want to co-create a healthy environment for our kids. In order to avoid being overwhelmed by green guilt, take a balanced approach and focus less on the statistics and more on the number of eco-positive travel decisions you can make in a day.

Stick to Your Principles

Once you’ve decided what works for you, whether it’s making sure that a plastic bottle never touches your lips, purchasing eco-friendly backpacks or luggage, or carpooling weekly, try to stick with it. Popular wisdom says that it takes about one month to form a decent habit, so once you start a green travel rule do your best to practice it every day for a month.

Long Term Changes

Eco-friendly awareness is here to stay. Slow and steady wins the race. We can’t heal environmental issues overnight, but we can pay attention to our everyday decisions and watch them develop into long-term changes that can have a far-reaching impact.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo by glasseyes view

Leaving town to celebrate Thanksgiving with friends and family? If you plan to be one of the 38 million Americans traveling on Thanksgiving, here’s how to put the green in your Thanksgiving Day travel plans.

By Plane

Nonstop flights generate less fuel and are kinder to the environment than planning a trip that incorporates many different flights. Also, when boarding your nonstop flight, try to pack only a carry-on, which will not only be less expensive, it will also use up less fuel. Take part in a carbon offset program or look for a travel website that provides deals on carbon offset packages. As always, pack an environmentally friendly water bottle.

By Train or Car

Train trips may take longer than plane rides, but they are often less expensive and use less fuel. If taking the car, try to organize a holiday carpool. While road trips are usually the nightmare stuff of holiday movies (anyone ever see the Steve Martin/John Candy classic Planes, Trains, and Automobiles?), try traveling by car with friends if you’re all headed in the same direction. It might even become part of a new holiday tradition: the Thanksgiving Car Pool. Keep a small bag on hand for recyclable trash.

Staying in a Hotel

If you’re planning to stay in a hotel for Thanksgiving weekend, remember to conserve resources in the room. Reuse  towels for a few days and remind the staff that they don’t have to change your linens every single day. As you would at home, be aware of using power. Switch off the tv if you’re not watching it. Remember to turn out the lights when you leave your home away from home. You may want to pack a small nightlight rather simply leaving the bathroom or closet light on all night.

House Prep

If you’re leaving home to celebrate Turkey Day elsewhere, remember to unplug small appliances before you leave and turn off the thermostat. Check windows and doors to make sure they are closed properly. Make sure the lights are turned off before you leave as well.

Photo by smcgee

By Marissa Cohen

While cruises are by and large not entirely eco-friendly methods of vacationing, sometimes we just can’t do without setting sail on the open seas. Are you a die-hard cruise lover? It’s understandable. The roar of the ocean, the smell of the salt air, and the rocking of the ship all contribute to a dream vacation. But ignoring certain guidelines can turn a dream vacation into an environmental nightmare. Stay environmentally responsible; follow these guidelines and learn what to ask your cruise company.

Green Listings

Is your favorite small “pocket cruise” or cruise line listed on eco-friendly websites? Try websites like Sustainable Travel International  or find an eco-friendly travel agent to point you to more eco-balanced cruises. Most cruise lines are members of the Cruise Line International Association. The CLIA has clear environmental regulations that members (such as Carnival, Celebrity, and Disney) must follow.

Recycling and Waste on Board

When researching cruise lines, ask about the line’s recycling policy. How do they handle waste, including paper, plastic, and glass? Several ships are making a concerted effort to become more respectful of the environment. Does your cruise line use LED lightbulbs? Is cooking oil reused as a fuel alternative? How is packaging waste handled? What are their on-board conservation efforts? Do they donate or recycle old, outdated items in lieu of putting them out with the trash?

Eco-Friendly Excursions

Ask the cruise line or travel director about eco-friendly tour groups or activities that are environmentally respectful. Some cruise lines are starting to actively give back to the community by introducing green shore excursions. When selecting a cruise line, make sure that your off-ship, on-shore fun disturbs as little wildlife or natural habitat as possible.

Who’s Eco-Friendly

For more information about which companies sail green, check out this cruise ship report card  in which cruise lines are graded on everything from sewage treatment to water compliance. Some cruise ships have their own environmental officers, there for the purpose of educating staff and passengers alike about the importance of being green.

Photo by chericbaker

By Marissa Cohen

In past years there has been a great deal of controversy surrounding cruises and the eco-aware community. Are cruises green? Well, in recent years, cruising has been one of the worst ways to travel if you’re trying to build a green lifestyle. Why?

Cruise ships are like miniature towns where everything is unlimited: food, water, and Internet access. Can every single person (of the roughly 3,000 aboard) monitor his or her usage of resources? It’s a challenge to be sure – and then, there’s the problem of sewage. As of 2011, over 20,000 gallons of sewage are collected per 24-hour period on a cruise ship, according to the EPA. The EPA also found that a cruise ship creates over 70 times more trash a day (food waste, packaging, cans, bottles, etc.) than other kinds of ships. That’s a tremendous amount of trash. And what if you, like many, many Americans, simply adore boarding a ship for a little relaxation on the high seas?

Go Small

Try to avoid the mega-ships and go with smaller, ecofriendly cruise lines, known as pocket cruises. Why? Simply put, the smaller the ship, the less waste it will generate.

Split Up Your Experience

Cruises are fun because they combine everything in one place, plus you can smell the ocean breezes. Try splitting up the cruise into two parts: water fun…and hotel experience. So if you know that you love mega-cruises for the gambling, then consider checking out a nearby casino. Love cruising for the food? Try finding a good local restaurant in lieu of unlimited cruise chow. Are you like most cruise lovers and just want to be on the water? Book a small beachside hotel for your vacation and prowl the sandbar to your heart’s content.

Water Sports

Want to avoid the green guilt altogether? Try taking part in modes of water worship such as sailing or kayaking, which have a far, far smaller carbon footprint than cruising. Combine this with the above tip and you may find that you’ve pieced together all that you love about cruises, but on a much smaller, varied scale.

Photo by Monica R.

By Marissa Cohen