Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category
March 17th, 2009
This St. Patrick’s Day, A Greener Ireland Awaits Leprechauns (and Tourists)
Stumble it!
These days, Ireland is becoming known for more than simply verdant hills, green beer and leprechauns. In fact, the country has recently grown quite serious about becoming an eco-friendly destination for tourists. Renowned for its emerald-hued natural beauty which attracts flocks of tourists, Ireland is transforming itself into a country that is quickly becoming as environmentally green as its renowned, lush countryside.
The Irish government is aware that approximately 80% of tourists to Ireland feel that the country’s pristine environment and scenic landscapes are a “ very important ” factor in their choice of Ireland as a holiday destination, making its efforts to offer greener tourism options all the more important.
For those tempted to pursue a green visit to the Emerald Isle, the country’s tourism organizations make it easy.
When most tourists think of Ireland, thoughts turn to quaint inns and hotels. The good news is that there are a growing number of green options in this very fetching category. To encourage hotels to go green, the country offers Green Hospitality Awards. In 2008, 81 out of the island nation’s 960 hotels were honored with one of the new, but already coveted awards.
Many of these are featured on Greenbox, Ireland’s eco-tourism website. The country also participates in the European Union’s green hotel certification program, the EU Flower Eco-Label. Though the initiative is new, Ireland already boasts eighteen accommodations that have earned the label.
For a stay in a classic Georgian manor home, travelers can book a room at the Necarne Manor. With rolling lawns, woods and gardens and an equestrian center, the Gothic Revival estate is as beautiful as it is green. Guests can bike along a nearby trail to a nearby nature reserve and the inn uses organic, fair trade and locally-produced food, even sourcing compost from the on-site stables.
Those yearning for something edgier can try the yurt-inspired Gyreum Eco-Lodge which might best be described as über-green in an Al Gore-on-steroids kind of way. Wind turbines power geothermal heating, solar panels provide hot water, traditional toilets connect to a reed bed, and there’s even an outside compost toilet. Rain from the enormous roof is collected and used for showers and toilets.
For a green tour of Ireland’s, well, greenery, book with Ireland Eco Tours which visits well and lesser-known sites, all from the comfort of a vegetable oil-powered bus.
Even Dublin’s charming lanes and streets are turning green. Completely novel and yet to hit the roads in the U.S., Ecocabs offer Dublin residents and tourists a green alternative to traditional taxis. A fleet of modern passenger tricycles operating a free shuttle service daily from April 1st-December 31st, Ecocabs promote fitness while reducing noise, congestion and carbon emissions.
Failte, the Irish tourism agency, is so committed to greening that it has added an environment section to its web site. The section includes an environmental action plan and carbon strategy. The agency is currently working on environmental standards for conference centers and golf courses and has already reviewed environmental practices in the tourism sector. Talk about your transparent government, a copy of the report with recommendations is on its website.
But it’s not just leprechauns and tourist agencies that are green in Ireland—the Irish are pursuing as many green initiatives for their own benefit. May 22-24 is the annual National Greener Ireland fair which includes information on carbon footprint reduction, energy preservation, and organic produce.
On a grander scale, Sustainable Energy Ireland is a one-stop source for information about grants, saving energy, education, and business approaches to adopting a sustainable energy approach.
According to the Irish tourist agency, “The future of Irish tourism is inextricably linked to the quality of the environment. [The] scenic landscapes, coastline, rivers and lakes and cultural heritage are the bedrock upon which Irish tourism has been built.”
The efforts of the Irish to ensure their environment and tourism thrive are more than mere blarney. While the existence of leprechauns might be debated, the efforts of the Irish to go green are as real as the green hills of Ireland itself.
Popularity: 4% [?]
March 16th, 2009
Spring Break Can Be Eco-Friendly
Spring break, viewed by many a college student as an excuse for excess, is upon us. From air travel and resorts to skiing and cruise ships, it’s all about fun. So what’s an eco-minded person, college-aged or otherwise, to do?
Choose a destination
With the economy in the doldrums, most folks are probably looking to save a bit of cash this Spring Break. If that sounds like you, you can probably save the most money by choosing somewhere close to home. This will also serve the purpose of reducing your environmental impact as well – the closer you are to where you’re going, the less carbon you will emit in getting there.
If you’re looking for a trip that might be a little further ashore, but that is a little more interesting than mai-tai’s on the beach (though that does sound REALLY good right now) consider ecotourism. What does that mean? Though some definitions vary, The Nature Conservancy has joined the World Conservation Union (IUCN) in adopting the following definition of ecotourism:
“Environmentally responsible travel to natural areas, in order to enjoy and appreciate nature (and accompanying cultural features, both past and present) that promote conservation, have a low visitor impact and provide for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local peoples.”
Who knew that you could accomplish so much through Spring Break? It goes to show that you have to pillage and plunder Cancun to have a good time. For more on ecotourism, check out our post, Eco-Travel Part 3: Ecotourism.
Getting there is half the battle
So once you’ve decided on your destination, you’ll have to get there. Most likely, this travel represents the greatest environmental impact for any Spring Breaker. Air travel, in particular, is harsh on the environment, so check out alternative modes of transportation – especially if you’re not straying too far from home.
Just you and a pal or two? Consider driving. But before you go, make sure that your tires are properly inflated, and that you follow the rules for driving smart. According to StarDrivers, an organization dedicated to reducing the carbon footprint of vehicles, those rules include:
• Accelerating smoothly and not mashing the gas pedal
• Braking smoothly and not stopping and starting abruptly
• Observing traffic patterns ahead and not rushing to stop signs or traffic lights
• Coasting as often as possible rather than keeping your foot on the gas pedal
• Maintaining a responsible constant speed and not tailgating or jockeying for position
• Carefully changing lanes and not overtaking on the right on highways
• Using cruise control on flat terrain but not in hilly or mountainous areas
• Avoiding lines, idling or waiting with the car running
• Controlling highway speeds and speeding
• Maintaining your vehicle
Following these rules will reduce your fuel consumption, positively impacting both the environment and your wallet.
Going somewhere with a big group? Look into chartering a bus instead of flying. You may even be able to make it a party on wheels (depending on how much you have to tip the driver). Trains are even better, environmentally-speaking, and can provide a unique experience.
Resorts and hotels
If you’re planning on staying in a hotel or resort upon arrival, there are a few things to consider when you book your stay, since these facilities can have a huge impact on the environment. Just think of all of the electricity, water, and food that go into making your stay comfortable!
It’s worth looking for an eco-friendly resort or hotel. For starters, look for a hotel certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, a system designed and managed by the non-profit US Green Building Council. The number of LEED certified locations is on the rise, as hotels look to lure eco-aware travelers and save money on operating costs at the same time. You can also check out our green hotel directory for great hotels across the U.S.
Oh, and by the way, were you raised in a barn? Your mother’s not there to pick up after you (which is part of the point of Spring Break, after all), so make sure that you turn off the lights and TV when you leave your room and reuse those towels. It’s not just the hotel’s responsibility to save energy and water!
At the Beach
Beach vacations are probably the most popular choice for Spring Break, since everyone is ready for a little sun come spring. A few tips can reduce your enviro-impact during your stay:
• Bring reusable items instead of plastic, which can blow away and end up part of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, which has been estimated at twice the size of Texas
• Dispose of trash properly
• Use the bathrooms, not the ocean or beach (please!)
• Leave the wildlife alone. They don’t come to your house and poke you with a stick, do they?
• Use any available bridges to avoid trampling sensitive dunes.
Become a better skier
If you’re thinking of strapping on the skis or a snowboard for a wintery adventure this Spring Break, make sure that you look at your destination’s commitment to the environment. Fortunately, the Ski Area Citizens’ Coalition does your homework for you (too bad they don’t do English papers). The group provides an environmental scorecard for 10 Western states, covering 83 mountains. The Coalition looks at everything from renewable energy initiatives to the preservation of undisturbed lands. This season’s Top 10 include Aspen Mountain (CO), Buttermilk (CO), and Sundance (UT), while the bottom-dwellers include Copper Mountain (CO), Sun Valley (ID), and Breckinridge (CO).
Cruise
Whether a floating city often traveling to delicate eco-systems can be considered eco-friendly isn’t really debatable – there’s a negative impact on local environments here. But, at least you can rest assured that the major cruise lines follow strict regulations for disposing of…umm…waste.
But what else is there to consider? Again, if you’re going on a cruise, take personal responsibility for your actions and follow the mantra of hikers to “leave no trace.” Bring your own phosphorous-free, biodegradable soaps and shampoos, pay attention to recycling wherever possible, don’t eat endangered seafood, and don’t throw anything (or anyone!) overboard.
Whatever you do for Spring Break, have fun! Just keep the environment in mind to ensure that you’re not leaving a path of destruction in your wake.
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February 23rd, 2009
Green Auto News Roundup
There are lots of exciting developments on the green auto scene…and here are some of the highlights.
San Francisco continues to be a leading green city and is installing electric vehicles in front of City Hall. Mayor Gavin Newsom did a guest blog post on Gas2.0 last week in which he describes the city’s commitment to making electric transportation a feasible reality. Let’s hope more American cities follow SF’s approach.
Speaking of electric cars, there is a new one on the market– the ZERO from Tazzari. This is a cute little city car worth checking out. According to the company ZERO’s electric motors deliver brisk acceleration to 35 mpg and a top speed just over 55 mph for a claimed 88 miles. Click here to watch a video of the ZERO in peppy action.
On the not-so-good-news front, one of our favorite green car companies has decided to delay the launch of their plug-in hybrid by a bit. The futuristic Aptera 2e was slated for release in late 2008, but is now aiming for late 2009/early 2010. This is a hotly awaited vehicle. The company says they just want to get it right and make sure that all customers are totally delighted with the vehicle. They did offer test drives at the recent TED conference, though.
A bit of great news is how amazing the mileage is for the new Honda Insight. HybridCars.com reports that the 2010 Insight is routinely getting over 60 MPG in road tests. Originally Honda had announced that the new 2010 Honda Insight would “only” average about 41 or 42 mpg — but it seems they have outdone themselves. (Hey that even puts my Prius to shame.) And what’s even better is the price point Honda is aiming for: somewhere around $19,000. (There is no official exact price yet.) If they can deliver a sub-$20K car that gets 60 MPG, this car will seriously be a green dream.
Popularity: 6% [?]
January 12th, 2009
Green Home Contest: Win 3 Nights at the Green Hotel Carlton
We want to start the New Year off with an eco-bang, and so we’re launching a new Green Home Contest. Low Impact Living and Joie de Vivre Hotels challenge you to make your home as green as you can! We’re going to reward the greenest home of all with a luxurious 3-night stay at the very environmentally-friendly Hotel Carlton in San Francisco. More on the hotel and the prize in a minute!
Low Impact Living will identify the single family home (and its proud owners) that has the lowest Low Impact Living Index (calculated using our Environmental Impact Calculator), and we’re going to share with you what that family has done to get there. Don’t worry if you haven’t done big projects like installing solar panels or a wind turbine - as the calculator shows, many of the best green home projects are simple and inexpensive. We’ll show you how to identify projects to make your home more eco-friendly. The contest will close on February 15, 2009. So you have time to make green changes!
What you have to do to enter
1. Visit our Household Environmental Impact Calculator and calculate your base LILI (Low Impact Living Index). It will only take you five-ten minutes to use the calculator and create your account.
2. Once you have entered all of your base inputs, move on to the “select projects” page of the calculator. Make sure you only check projects that you’ve finished (or will finish by February 15th) before you log out.
3. Make sure that you log out or save your profile before leaving - if you just move on to another web site without logging out, your inputs could be lost.
4. If you’ve already created an account through our calculator, then you need to return and, log in again. We’ve added some new features recently, and they won’t work unless you refresh your account.
5. The calculator isn’t all-encompassing yet, so there may be projects that you’ve done that don’t show up. If this is true, send us an email at contest@lowimpactliving.com describing what you’ve done. Low Impact Living staffers will review your efforts and award up to a 5% additional deduction for compelling projects.
How we’ll select the winner
The contest closes on February 15, 2009, and we will announce the winner on March 1. This will give us time to check with the finalists to make sure that they’ve completed all of their checked projects. (Past entrants to our green home contests are not eligible.)
If you are a finalist (in our top 10 lowest LILI scores), we may ask you to verify that your projects are actually completed, via photos or receipts / invoices for work performed. We’ll also ask for your address (not to be published!) so that we can verify entered information about your home. If you are a winner, then you have to be willing to let us share your projects and process with everyone via our blog, and to provide us with the photos and project descriptions necessary to do that. You’ll become a green star overnight!
What you could win!
The greenest homeowner will receive three nights at Hotel Carlton in San Francisco. The Hotel Carlton is a member of the Joie de Vivre chain of hotels, which is deeply committed to making sustainability part of its core business operations. In fact, their mission is to “adhere to the strictest environmental standards, engage in sustainable practices and maintain an impeccable quality of guest experience.” The JDV Hotels environmental program includes hotel-wide recycling programs, composting, use of renewable energy, use of recycled paper products, energy-efficient lighting and much more. To learn more about Joie de Vivre’s commitment to sustainability, click here. To learn more about the Hotel Carlton, click here.
So, good luck, and get to greening!
Popularity: 7% [?]
January 6th, 2009
Green Destination: Honduran Farm Recycled into Tranquil Eco-Inn
When Flavia Cueva returned to her family home outside petite Copan, Honduras, she was inspired. After having spent most of her life in the American Midwest, Cueva felt compelled to return to restore the decayed farmstead. Overlooking the ruins of an ancient Mayan city, the ideally situated farm seemed the perfect spot to create a small inn.
Seeking to respect the natural world surrounding the farm, Cueva labored to create an eco-friendly inn, one that would be as comfortable and charming as earth-friendly. Hacienda San Lucas is now an eight-room, idyllic inn nestled in the bucolic, emerald green hills of the Honduran countryside. In addition to being 80% solar powered, the inn has been involved in reforestation efforts and recycles and composts. At night, candles light the large rooms and pathways—all of which are constructed of locally-obtained, natural materials.
Evenings are as charm-filled as mornings are mellow. Dinners at the inn are magical (think candlelight, a cricket serenade and twinkling stars). Set on a patio and illuminated by the warm glow of candles, the Mayan-inspired, multi-course meals offer a chance to chat up other guests or to simply savor the balmy night air.
The antithesis of bland chain hotels, San Lucas seems to have popped off the pages of a book by Isabell Allende or Graham Greene. With its wide verandas slung with hammocks, rock-hewn walls and tranquil, otherworldly air, the inn is an ideal spot to get off the grid—literally and figuratively.
A four-hour bus trip from Guatemala City, the green inn offers comfortable, charming accommodations in a remote setting. To tour the nearby ruins, Cueva will arrange for a guide to pick up and drop off guests. One of the most impressive Mayan ruins, Copan offers temples, ball courts, sculptures and every 13-year-old boy’s favorite: a perfectly-preserved sacrificial altar.
If the greenery and relaxed air of the inn overwhelm, a nearby yoga pavilion boasting a Parthenon-like perch above the ruins and river provides the perfect spot for a memorable workout.
As long as Old Man Winter casts his chilly shadow across much of the upper hemisphere, housebound northerners will set their sights on warmer climes. In Honduras as in much of Central America, the oppressive heat of summer is replaced by winter’s warm days and comfortable nights: the perfect tonic for sun-starved North Americans.
As green as the forested, emerald-hued hills in which it sits, Hacienda San Lucas offers comfort and respite from Old Man Winter, while taking it easy on Mother Nature. You can visit their website here or email them at nfo@haciendasanlucas.com.
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