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The Renaissance Festival has come to South Florida! The Deerfield Beach festival is located at Quiet Waters Park until the weekend of March 11 and the Miami festival (weekends from March 31 to April 8 ) will be at Cauley Square Historic Village on Dixie Highway.

The 20th Annual Florida Ren Fest isn’t only a chance to experience the drama and excitment of the 16th century. It’s a wonderful way to explore eco-friendly crafts and learn about a less technology-driven way of life.

Being Green in Another Century

I love looking at all the goods made by Ren Fest vendors. It’s a green dream for those who are looking to support local artists or buy a few eco-aware items. While I wandered around the fair over the weekend, I noticed many signs advertising natural products, everything from handcrafted instruments to hand-made, all-natural clothing. While most of the clothing being sold was representative of the Renaissance, there were many simple long-sleeved shirts or tee-shirts made from natural fibers, perfect for wearing around town.

The Renaissance Faire is eco-friendly because you’ll help support local or regional artisans by buying their crafts, clothes, or jewelry. Those who are interested in natural health should check out Mr. Freedman’s “Apothecary Shop,” where patrons can learn all about herbs and natural remedies for colds and aches.

Chow Down Like It’s 1599

For the most part, the Renaissance Festival offers typical fair food: funnel cakes, burgers and fried goodies. If you’re strictly vegetarian or vegan, however, the choices may be limited to the occasional salad or pretzel.  You may want to pack a sandwich or other green munchies to be on the safe side.

Ren Water and Other Tips

In the Renaissance times, you’d be lucky to find enough clean water to keep you hydrated, but at the Ren Fest, you can have all the water you can drink. Water bottles and recycling bins are everywhere. If you don’t want to spend the extra money on water, go ahead and bring your reusable bottle. Mine was a life-saver. Don’t forget your green sunscreen. After all, nothing saps the romance of the Renaissance faster than potential heat stroke.

If You Go

This year’s Florida Renaissance Festival has two locations. For directions, information, and hours, please go here. Adults pay $20 to get in, kids between 6 and 11 are $7, and little ones five and under are free.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By ColorblindRain

Camping trips can be beautiful and restful, allowing us to experience nature away from our busy lives. Staying hydrated is one of the most critical factors in any camping trip. So how to best stay hydrated and still be environmentally friendly?

Staying Hydrated

Don’t let yourself get thirsty, as thirst can be a sign that you’ve already begun to dehydrate. Other signs that it’s time to reach for the BPA-free water bottle or hydration pouch include headaches, weakness, and irritability. Experts recommend drinking at least one liter of water for every mile that you hike – and make sure you’re drinking water, as opposed to alcoholic or caffeinated drinks which won’t keep you hydrated.

Water Bottles and Water Purifiers

Make sure to bring your favorite stainless steel water bottle or thermos with you and make sure it’s BPA-free. Several BPA-free water bottles have built-in filters that are perfect for camping. This one caught my eye, as its internal filter is almost 100% likely to get rid of dangerous bacteria and protozoa found in drinking water. Plus, it’s made entirely of recyclable materials. There’s also this hand powered water purifier. It kills bacteria and many kinds of viruses, and it takes under two minutes to purify one liter of water. Many other pump water purifiers are also available and those with ceramic filters can be used several times without being replaced.

 The Beauty of the Water Hydration Pack

Water hydration packs – a backpack with a hydration system inside it and a drinking tube attached to the outside- is a very convenient camping option as well if you want to avoid toting water bottles during a hike or a nature walk. While these can be expensive, they’re also a welcome addition to outdoor gear as you can carry large quantities of water. Hydration packs can be bought according to individual hydration needs (including body size and gender), how long you’ll need the water, and type of activity. Whether you’re camping in winter or at the height of summer heat or if you plan to be hiking steep or gentle terrain, there are many ways to stay green and hydrated.

Photo by slinky2000

By Marissa Cohen

What do you need to camp the green way? Isn’t being outside enough? Nope, not at all. Here’s a list of what you need to green up the camping, from plates and cups to respecting trees, we’ve got some great tips to help you keep your fall camping trip environmentally friendly.

Cups and Plates

When you’re vacationing in the woods, it can be temping to bring along paper cups and plates. When packing for the trip, make sure that your tableware is either made from recyclable paper or simply bring a lightweight, non-disposable plate and cup.

Carry It Out

Remember to take all trash back home with you or to get rid of it properly. If you’re going to be camping in an area with strict rules about trash disposal, you may want to bring recycled or biodegradable garbage bags with you so you can easily pick up after yourself and leave the area as you found it. Seventh Generation offers recycled trash bags and BioBag offers biodegradable trash bags both brands come in all sizes and can be purchased in most grocery stores. Also, follow the rules. Certain campgrounds or parks have specific rules about the disposal of waste.

Tree-Loving

Don’t use branches for barbequing food, to play fetch with the dog, or to try to create a natural fishing pole. (I’m sure someone’s tried that.) Try not to rip or tear anything off the trees or plants. Similarly, stick to the designated paths for campers. Going off the trail could harm wildlife or the natural environment.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo by Jennifer Smith

Now that you have some green cleaning car tips, it’s also important to know how to give your car eco-friendly love. There’s plenty we can do to conserve resources while still having a great family road trip.

Don’t Let the Car Sit

It’s typical of any family vacation. One of the kids forgets something and runs back to the house to get it. Maybe your son forgot a favorite magazine or your husband forgot his eco-friendly phone charger. They jump out of the car to go get it – and the car is still running. In order to reduce the amount of carbon emissions caused by this, turn off the car when someone goes on a pre-vacation dash back into the house.

Pile ‘em In

While cars overstuffed with relatives is truly the stuff of hilarious vacation stories, there’s an up side to cramming yourself into a car with Great-Aunt Edna and Cousin Charley – you’ll use less carbon emissions and the decision to carpool is kinder on the environment.

Clean it Out

Believe it or not, all that accumulated car trash from the week can add weight to your car, making it use more fuel and release more carbon emissions into the air. Want to save some gas? Toss the car trash. Keep a bag for compost (food scraps) in the car so that your fruit and veggie peels can be used to help a garden grow. Also consider keeping a bag just for recycling and empty it into a recycle bin.

Check the Tires

Car experts advise that you check your tire pressure once a week to make sure that tires are inflated properly. The more deflated your tires are, the more gas you’ll use. If your tires don’t have the right pressure, your car’s fuel consumption can feel the impact.

Offset the Trip

Check carbon offsetting sites like Terrapass in order to find ways to offset the cost of your car trips. The environment will thank you!

Photo by Wetwebwork

by Marissa Cohen

I was packing for a cross-country airplane trip when I realized that I just didn’t need those four extra dresses when one would do.  There are many benefits to traveling light. Not only will you avoid having to sit on your suitcase to close it, but by only packing what you need, you’ll reduce your carbon footprint. Here’s how it works. The heavier your suitcase is or the more suitcases you bring, the more fuel that car, train, or plane will need to use and the more carbon dioxide emissions are produced. In order to shrink your carbon footprint, follow these simple travel tips.

Carry It On

Airport luggage fees can get sticky, so aim to pack light. It will save you money and stress. No more frantically trying to find your luggage at a busy, jam-packed baggage claim! Better yet, see if you can pack everything you need in a small suitcase or backpack and only bring a carryon.

 Reuse and Reduce

Pack items that can be used for more than one thing. For example, consider bringing along a scarf that’s also big enough to be used as a shawl. Bring reusable water bottles or shopping bags. Bring only two kinds of shoes if you can help it – one for play and one for a night on the town.

Bring It

To save money, pack green or sustainable toiletries with you (shampoo can go in travel bottles) to avoid having to repurchase an entire bottle for travel use or worse, have to go trolling through the dollar bin for non-green items. Remember to make sure your travel bottles are two ounces or smaller and then fill them up with your favorite green body washes, shampoos, and conditioners.

Clothing

Pack clothes that are similar colors. That way, outfit planning can be easy. Rather than stacking clothing, roll wrinkle-free outfits up in order to save suitcase space.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo  by kthrn

Nothing says summer vacation like carefully packing for some much needed rest. After purchasing your airplane tickets and checking the TSA regulations, what’s left? Make sure that you’re staying green, even in the friendly skies, with these easy to follow tips.

Fly Nonstop

If possible, choose a direct flight instead of one with a lot of layovers or stops along the way. Why? A direct flight burns a lot less gas than a trip with many flights involved.

Water

Staying hydrated, especially on planes, is always important. However, remember that you can’t bring the plastic water bottle on the plane with you, so may as well pack your own refillable water bottle. Looking to find one suitable for green travel? Try the Klean Kanteen water bottle or other kinds of water bottles that are also toxin and BPA free.

Travel Light

Packing light is a great way to make your vacation green. For one thing, if you just bring a carry-on or small backpack, you’ll save in baggage fees. Plus, the less baggage a flight carries, the less fuel it burns and the less carbon dioxide that plane will use.  So in order to fly green, only pack what you really need and choose lightweight fabrics (perhaps made of green materials like hemp or bamboo).

By Marissa Cohen

Photo by aMichiganMom

It’s summer and for most of us, that means packing the kids and family into the station wagon for a trip. But be careful. According to the Society of Concerned Scientists in their Green Travel report, commuting for an entire year can have less of a carbon footprint than one vacation.

Watch the Gas

Skip the crowded freeways and increasing gas prices and hit the trains, which feature low carbon emissions. Amtrak offers inexpensive travel, especially during the summer months. However, if you decide to travel by car, make sure that you avoid congested areas in order to avoid rush hour.

The Numbers Game

A solo traveler or a couple? You may want to consider keeping the car parked in the garage and using an alternate method of travel in order to reduce your carbon footprint. However, the more people you pack into the car? The more the carbon footprint shrinks, same as with carpooling.

B.Y.O.W.

That’s bring your own water bottles. Instead of purchasing waste-creating water bottles, stick to refillable ones for easy – and green – hydration on the road. Try for glass or stainless steel ones.

No Rental

Once at your destination, consider skipping the rental car and experience getting around like a local. You’d be advised to arm yourself with maps ahead of time, but many cities offer public transportation as an alternative to car travel.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo by nannetteturner