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South Florida natives often seem to be a little bit blase´ about all the beauty that surrounds us. Maybe we’re used to it. Some of us can’t imagine why the words “snow” and “plow” would ever need to be next to each other in a sentence, and if we’ve always called South Florida home, we can’t conceive of ever being more than forty minutes from the beach. The idea of people having to board planes to enjoy the beauty and serenity of our tropical state can be, admittedly, a little hard to grasp. But when people come from all over the world to visit South Florida’s beaches, there are many, many health and wellness benefits to be had.

Relaxation

Experts believe that listening to the sounds of the ocean can greatly decrease your stress levels. So, the next time you visit one of these beaches, take a moment to close your eyes and relax by hearing the lapping of the waves. Plus, the blue-green shades of the ocean will naturally allow you to relax, letting the stress of the day flow right into the sand.

Wellness

Ample chances for exercise surround South Florida beachgoers. Why not take a jog or walk on the sand? If you visit the famous Hollywood Boardwalk, you’ll be able to rent a bike or go roller blading along the 2.5-mile stretch of this paved promenade. (And people watching may not actually support physical wellness, but it could be considered a sport here.) Want a more spiritual side to your wellness? Consider taking a peaceful beachside yoga class and calm your mind while taking care of your body.

Beauty

If you’re a daytime beachgoer, take a moment to really notice the shifting colors of the Atlantic against the bright blue South Florida sky. However, there’s nothing more breathtaking than the fiery red and orange of a South Florida sunset to make you appreciate all that these beaches have to offer. The sunsets on Hollywood Beach or Fort Lauderdale beach (just a short ride from the Desoto) are truly awe-inspiring.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By epitomized1

Earth Day is over for 2012, but here are some little-known eco holidays to give us an excuse to celebrate nature. Two holidays focus on penguins, one on trees, and one on….trains? Yes, trains because trains are a fantastic way to travel green (and if you can’t migrate on foot like the penguins, may as well hop a train).

National Train Day

On May 9, celebrate this green way to travel by hopping a train to Anywhere, USA. Remember, trains are a wonder for green travel because they release less carbon emissions than either cars or planes. Plus, train travel is often cheaper than either highway or air travel. On trains, you can get to know your neighbor and experience the beauty of the landscape.

Penguin Appreciation Day

I didn’t know that penguins had a day of honor, but apparently and much to my surprise, they have two. On January 20, penguin lovers now have an excuse to celebrate this adorable, flightless bird, and there are many reasons to appreciate them such as their friendliness and their highly social natures. Clearly, penguins are ready to party down – they even look like they’re wearing tuxedos. (That’s the only penguin joke in here, we promise.)

World Penguin Day

Just in case one 24-hour period to appreciate penguins isn’t enough, celebrate penguins worldwide on April 25. What does one do on penguin day? On either one of these days, learn about penguins by watching the Morgan-Freeman-narrated blockbuster March of the Penguins. You could also help protect these grounded birds from climate change, as researchers believe that penguins who live in Antarctica are in danger from recent warming trends that have impacted their population and their food supply.

Love a Tree Day

For those who feel that Earth Day is too all encompassing of a holiday, the single-minded focus of Love a Tree Day may be just the eco-holiday for you. On May 16, go out and show your trees some affection with Love a Tree Day. How to celebrate? Plant a tree, visit your favorite woodland area, water a tree by soaking the root system, or simply kick off your shoes and wander around a national park. There are plenty of tree traits to love: their shade, their beauty, and the fact that they produce oxygen and clean the air. So, spend some quality tree time on May 16th. (We won’t tell.)

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Northeast Region

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

In early February 2012, the GLBT Travel Expo is coming to South Florida! South Floridians interested in GLBT-friendly travel will have two chances to explore the GLBT Travel Expo, one at the Pride Center in Fort Lauderdale, and one at the historic Moore Building in downtown Miami.

The GLBT Travel Expo is sponsored in part by the Equality Forum, the Miami Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, the Best Gay Travel Guide, the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association, and the cities of Key West and Miami. Produced by Steven Levenberg Productions for the third year in a row, this exciting event promises a huge turnout. After the GLBT Travel Expo leaves South Florida, it will move on to Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York.

If You Go

Not only will you have the best and most up-to-date GLBT travel info at your fingertips, but you’ll have the chance to win great prizes and giveaways. Looking for a romantic getaway for two? How about a gay-friendly family vacation? Get the information you need to plan your adventure. From airline and train information to the best of GLBT hotels and resorts, there’s something for everyone at this free expo.

Fort Lauderdale

On February 9, 2012, come visit the GLBT Travel Expo from 4-8 pm at The Pride Center at Equality Park, located at 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. The Pride Center of Greater Fort Lauderdale is the hub of gay life in South Florida, featuring events and programs ranging from kid-friendly fun to dances for the elderly GLBT population, to community-based support groups.

Miami

On February 12, 2012, the GLBT Travel Expo will be presented as part of the Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce’s 4th annual Explore Expo at the historic Moore Building in Downtown Miami, from noon to 5 pm. Built in the roaring 20′s, the Moore Building is located at 191 NE 40th Street, in the heart of Miami’s Design District.

For more information about the South Florida GLBT Travel Expo, please go here.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By Jason Pier in DC

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

As the world slowly moves towards complete legal and social acceptance of LGBT individuals, travel can pose a unique issue. Where can you be fully accepted? What areas should you avoid? And how do you know where to go in the first place?

Know the Laws

International travel poses some unique human rights concerns for LGBT couples. While issues of legal equality continue to come to light in America, there are certain areas where being gay is not only illegal but punishable by violent death, imprisonment, or corrective rape.  Sadly, not every country in the world is friendly to LGBT couples. Gay couples can either brave the dangers, find a primarily LGBT tour group to travel with, or choose another destination.

Do Your Homework

Read up on where you’re planning to go. The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA ) is an association of gay and gay-friendly travel agents, hotels, and more. They can provide a fantastic host of information about places you’ll feel at home and geographical areas you might want to avoid. Founded in the early 80s, the IGLTA is a wonderful travel resource. Learn what hotels, hostels, and travel companies are not merely tolerant but respectful and embracing of members of the LGBT community.

Have Fun

Olivia Cruises  just celebrated 20 years of lesbian and women-only cruises. Originally started as a record label, eventually Olivia Records morphed into the world-famous cruise line. Their 2012 trips include Russia, Scandinavia, and Paris. Male couples and singles can check out Atlantis Events. Italy, Greece, Stockholm and Copenhagen are just a few of the world-class events planned for travelers on the Atlantis Events cruise line. Got kids and looking to travel the world? Rosie O’Donnell’s cruise line R Family Vacations  is specifically for LGBT families, friends, and allies. Events through R Family Vacations include LGBT family camp, cruises to Vienna, and more. Your little ones can hang out with Sponge Bob Square Pants and other characters on board deck. Talk about diverse!

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By Jamison Wieser

Renowned theoretical astrophysicist Stephen Hawking celebrated his 70th birthday on Sunday, January 8th and, while some people might celebrate their birthday with cake or perhaps some nice, swanky presents, Hawking ditched tradition and asked for something else entirely: space colonization.

One Hundred – to One Thousand Years – or Out?

Stephen Hawking basically asked the world to think about space colonization. He was quoted as saying “We wouldn’t survive another thousand years on our fragile planet.” He something similar a few months ago, saying that it will be hard for humans to avoid serious ecological issues in the next century  and he’s saying it again, asking the world to explore other planets so that, when Planet Earth goes boom, we’ll have somewhere to go.

Wow.

Mars or Bust?

I’m not sure if we should file this under green travel by way of Star Trek, or into the deepest corner in our own Ray-Bradbury-inspired night terrors. But to me, this sounds an awful lot like the brilliant, world-renowned author of A Brief History of Time is telling us that, unless we change the way we live life on earth right this very minute, they’ll be zilch left in a thousand years. It sounds like the premise to a terrible B-movie, except it’s real.

No pressure with the green thing, though, guys. Feel free to ignore carbon waste and gleefully drive everywhere. We might just all have to move to another planet at some point and became neighbors with E.T., that’s all.

What About Balance?

I know that a few weeks ago we ran several pieces on balance and controlling green guilt. I still believe in striking a balance. I still believe that’s true. But when one of the world’s most brilliant scientists says something like that twice in a two month period well, it’s clear to me that we need to up our ante a little bit. We can’t give up.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By NASA Goddard Photo and Video

I lost my heart to San Francisco many years ago, when a good friend of mine moved out there and then turned into a one-man hosting committee. The reasons that I fell hook, line, and sinker for this green-friendly city and its surrounding areas are almost too many to mention, but I’ll try to count them. One of the major reasons to love the Bay Area? The food, of course!

Behold…the Berkeley Bowl

One of the highlights of all my California trips, hands down was the wonder of the Berkeley Bowl. The first time I walked into the Berkeley Bowl and was confronted with the size of the original 40,000 square foot store on Oregon Street, I seriously considered going home only to put my house on the market. Some people move for love or for new careers, but it made perfect sense to me to at least consider packing all my worldly goods in order to experience this behemoth of a food store on a regular basis. It seemed everywhere I looked, I saw a tremendous range of locally grown or organic produce at rock-bottom prices. (However, if I moved, I’d miss South Florida’s farmer’s markets! So much good food, so little time!)

Greens

Whether you’re a vegetarian or just appreciate fantastic vegetarian cooking, the motherload is San Francisco’s Greens. This award-winning restaurant is known for its world-class cuisine. Plus, most of the wood inside the restaurant has been recycled or reused. For those who like their veggie dishes with a side order of spirituality, the San Francisco Zen Center founded this landmark restaurant in 1979; its Green Gulch Farm provides Greens with fresh produce all year. Green Gulch Farm is also where chef Annie Sumerville conducts her famous cooking workshops.

Rainbow Grocery

Also worth mentioning is the fantastic Rainbow Grocery, a worker-owned cooperative founded in 1975. The Folsom Street store in San Francisco offers a generous array of items (including organic produce and wheat-free goodies). Like Greens, Rainbow Grocery also has a basis in the spiritual community and was originally started by an ashram with a bulk food program. Over time, the ashram opened Rainbow Grocery which supports all manner of green living and is a member of the Bay Area Green Business Program. Plus, they always offer a 10% discount to members of the SF Bike Coalition (one more reason to leave the car at home and ride around gorgeous San Fran!) and a 15% discount for the entire month of February when you show a receipt from a participating co-op.

The Whole Shebang

As if the joys of vegetarian and vegan food weren’t enough, check out the rest of the veggie culture. For more information about California’s Bay Area, feast your eyes on this handy guide to all things vegetarian in the Bay Area, including vegetarian meet up groups, political activism information, and much more.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo By dboy

I’ve always been impressed by women who traveled solo or with small groups. A few years ago, I had the chance to do some international travel to Southeast Asia and it was an amazing experience. However, women traveling solo should be aware of basic guidelines.

Know Your Area

If you’re traveling abroad, make sure that you’re dressed appropriately to the country you’re traveling in. In some areas of the world, wearing a long skirt or another item that covers your body is preferable. Long shawls can come in handy as everything from a head covering to even a makeshift blanket on long flights.

Smart Money

Going green often means being aware of financial issues. When traveling try to keep small and large bills separate. Consider an under-the-clothes money belt or divide your money on your person, putting some cash in your socks or even your bra, in lieu of carrying in your purse. That way, if you’re the victim of a purse-snatching, you won’t be left high and dry.

Surroundings

Green or alternative travelers are often encouraged to get to know other travelers. Chatting with others on the road can be informative and fun. But for women traveling alone, be mindful of surroundings. Look and act confident. When boarding a train or bus, try to stand next to other women or young families to ensure safety.

What to Leave At Home

Consider leaving valuables at home. Make sure that a trusted friend has a complete copy of your itinerary, a color copy of your passport, and your flight plans.

SmartPhone Smarts

Thanks to Smartphones, we have the ability to constantly document our surroundings. Smartphones are handy for taking photos, finding your way, and checking in with folks back home or members of your travel group.

Intuition

Many women report sensing that something is “off” before they are harassed or robbed. If something about your environment (or your interaction with a particular person) is making your stomach twinge, trust your hunches and find a safe way out of the situation.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo by garryknight

“Sometimes it feels too complicated to go outside. Maybe we should all just watch nature movies on YouTube. That way, we wouldn’t have to worry about the environment.”

While waiting in line at a local bookstore, I overheard a 30-something man make that statement.

Ouch.

The person who made that remark was obviously joking, but I was amazed. Something made him say it. Maybe he was feeling lazy about the environment. Maybe he felt too responsible. Maybe he’d just come back from a hiking trip, got eaten alive by red ants, and thought the safest way to deal with nature was to avoid it completely. But I was utterly shocked – and intrigued. Imagine if we all did that – an entire society, avoiding going outside and just watching videos (about exactly what we’re avoiding) on the computer! How Ray Bradbury of us, Bookstore Guy.

There it is, folks! Step right up! Our green guilt and our obsession with technology, wrapped up in his three little sentences. As technology continues to grow and our awareness about green issues grows, my fear is that, one day, our knowledge base will tip us into permanent guilt or exhaustion or laziness, and we will be so busy experiencing nature through technology and social media that we’ll have forgotten what it means to experience nature for its own sake, in real life, away from the ease of keyboards and touchscreens.

When my dad was a kid, his parents had one room that no one was ever allowed into. They called it the Good Room. In the Good Room, old couches were covered with plastic sheets and seldom-used antique dishes forever collected dust in the cabinet. Even modern families have different versions of the Good Room, but across the board, the idea is the same: What do we put in the Good Room? Stuff we’ll never use or are scared to use, because we’re terrified we’ll accidentally destroy it. It didn’t matter if my dad wasn’t going to play Frisbee with great-aunt Sally’s good china or not. The Good Room was off limits. Is nature becoming the new Good Room, too “complicated” to interact with, because we’re afraid we’ll wreck it?

I hope it hasn’t because that will defeat the purpose of any kind of eco-awareness. I hope that we can continue, unlike my Youtube-watching friend, to get involved with nature and have respect for life outside our front door. I hope we can continue to learn about and protect our oceans, beaches, parks, and forests while still being a part of an active, ever-changing world – and while still enjoying in person what we’re trying to protect, not from behind the “safety” of a computer screen.

By Marissa Cohen

Photo by Joost J. Bakker IJmuiden