Coming Up for "Green" Air- The Sustainable Traveler

Many who have overindulged this holiday season and have vacation time coming may be shopping around for one of the latest trends in luxury travel - the "eco" vacation- as a means to do good not only for oneself, but for the planet and of course the environment, as well as communities and social enterprises that could use some help. If you want to do your part without committing to a group or social cause, this might mean simply checking in at the nearest "green" hotel. Today's New York Times (see link above) highlights several northern and southern California hotels where guests are treated to ecofriendly bathroom products (preferably out of a dispenser and not the ocean clogging plastic tubes), sustainable design elements, in-room recycling, and in some cases, such as with the new Gaia Napa Valley, displays of energy usage in the lobby. How do you know if a hotel is really green? "The best starting point is the so-called LEED certification program (for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) of the United States Green Building Council, a program that evaluates everything from materials to energy use to recycling in the construction and operation of a building. A LEED certificate displayed in the lobby means the establishment is serious about being green. Although only five hotels in the United States have this certification, many in the planning stages are incorporating materials and systems intended to gain it," the article states.

For the more adventurous traveler wanting to commit to a socially responsible trip, there are several organizations offering meaningful opportunities to contribute:
*Earthwatch Institute: join a scientific expedition in any number of countries around the world.
*Sierra Club Outings: One-week outings in the U.S. and Canada let you explore the outdoors, by clearing trails in national parks or examining ruins in New Mexico.
*Cross-Cultural Solutions: You might teach English in a low-income community, or care for children in an orphanage. Travel choices include Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, or Latin America.
*Cruise West: The line offers several cruises each year that include volunteer opportunities.

Also, the Rainforest Alliance has an online listing of ecofriendly travel destinations, as well as handy tips for sustainable travel, such as what questions to ask a hotel or lodge before your trip, their policies for reducing energy and water consumption, if they have won any "eco" awards, etc.

So Bon "eco" Voyage, and please post a comment if you've recently returned from a great sustainable trip!