Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category
December 2nd, 2007
Environmental Thoughts on Winter Sports
It’s safe to say that most downhill skiers and snow boarders love this planet. After all, breathing clean mountain air and taking in majestic landscapes are a big part of what makes winter sports such a joy. Just thinking about it makes me happy and I’m a marginal skier at best.
Unfortunately, the three billion dollar winter sports industry is not exactly good news for the planet. From the creative destruction of equipment; transportation emissions and excessive energy and water use for run grooming and snowmaking; all the way to deforestation, run-off pollution and loss of habitat. It’s expensive and we’re not just talking about your $87 lift ticket.
There are a few things we can do to lower the environmental and financial cost of winter sports.
One of the greenest things you can do for your favorite mountain is not to drive for fly to it. In 2006 Americans made 59 MILLION visits to mountain resorts. At a conservative estimate of 200 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per trip, our winter sojourns caused close to 6 billion tons of emissions. Our airborne pollution is making evergreen trees more susceptible to disease and parasites, says Steve Barilotti in Loved to Death, adding another layer to the mountain drivers global warming contribution. Find a train, bus, shuttle or hybrid carpool. Almost anything beats taking your personal, gas guzzling SUV up to the slopes. The added benefit here is a no limit après ski party –bums and bunnies beware.
There are a few winter sports that make less of an imprint on the environment and still put a rose on the cheek and a sparkle in the eye. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in designated areas are a lift-free, nature-made snow alternative to downhill adventures. These sports are also much easier on the body for us aging skiers. If downhill is the only way you roll, there are several resorts that are taking big steps in the right direction.
Aspen Snowmass in Colorado and Jackson Hole in Wyoming have the most progressive environmental management programs in the United States, with clean energy, biodiesel vehicles and low-flow toilets, to name a few initiatives. They both have the International ISO 14001 Certification, which has become the gold standard for green ski resorts. Expect to see more resorts with this certification in the near future, as mountains scramble to make environmental peace with their economic livelihoods.
There are so many resorts making green efforts, primarily in the area of clean energy, that we can’t mention them all here. One of my personal favorites, Sugar Bowl in Truckee, California is said to be the first resort to rely exclusively on wind power and several dozen have since followed suit. Go to www.keepwintercool.org to find a list of ski resorts trying to do the right thing or ask about the environmental programs at your favorite destinations and choose the mountain doing the most.
On the equipment side, if you are not Sean White or Johnny Mosley, there is no need for the latest equipment. Try a ski swap before heading to the sports equipment superstores. Then rummage through the family chest – I’m dying to see all those stretch pants and one-piece ski suits back on the slopes.
When new gear is a must, there are a few manufacturers using sustainable materials and clean energy. Venture Snow Boards makes boards with certified wood in a wind powered facility and Liberty Skis bamboo skis with clean energy too. Nau and Patagonia are classic standouts in the sustainable winter sports wear category, but even some of the trendy brands, like Volcom and Holden Outerwear, have come out with green lines.
November 16th, 2007
Organic Dining Across America: Los Angeles
Well, if you know me, you know I love food. I love to eat, eat, eat. Then drink a little and eat some more. And these days here in Los Angeles we have so many delicious, nutritious organic and local food options it’s mind-blowing. There are too many to cover here– but it is my joy to share with you a sampling of some our favorite LA eateries that feature wonderful organic, local cuisine.
Tender Greens
We eat here about once a week. Tender Greens is friendly little spot in Culver City that is affordable, delicious, and attractive. You walk in, order in line while they prepare the food right in front of you, and then you take it on a tray to a sweet seat either outside on the garden patio or at one of the tables in the warmly-lit dining room. They serve bountiful organic salads– but its the hot plates that will keep you coming back hungry and happy. Organic chicken, beef, ahi tuna and typically a special (lamb? duck? who knows but you won’t be disappointed) and these come with a side of their FAB-ulous mashed potatoes. Pair your meal with one of the great wines by the glass or a home-made mint lemonade. Then they have sinful dessert treats to really lay you out flat (or was that fat?). One of the best things about Tender Greens is the price– you can have an amazing dinner for two for under $40, and feel like you’ve been out for a top-flight gourmet meal. Anyone from LA knows that ain’t easy to do. We give this place 5 pine trees (or alternative to stars).
9523 Culver Blvd., Culver City, 90232 Phone 310-842-8300 (*Note to owners: Please open more of these around town! Thanks.)
Bloom Cafe
Another favorite. Started by the same Frenchman who was one of the original owners of foodie-fave Pastis on Beverly, the fairly new Bloom Cafe on Pico is a gem. They make great salads– the heirloom tomato salad and the tamale salad are stellar. I particularly love the soba noodles with chicken, and my hubby loves the Thai-style pasta (the sauce has coconut-milk!). Vegetarians and carnivores will both be very happy here. And it’s BYOB and wonderfully priced, so you have a really amazing dinner for two for $40 or less (not easy in LA!).
5544 West Pico Blvd (between Fairfax and La Brea), Los Angeles 90019, Phone 323-934-6900
Canelé
This is a fairly new spot in up-and-coming Atwater Village and it is a great winner. The ingredients are fresh, organic and delicious. The menu changes frequently but the beet salad is devine as are the clams…the mains are hearty and thoughtful. You’ll feel like you’re in a French neighborhood restaurant with some Cal-Med flair thrown in for tasty measure. The desserts are sinful and fabulous. I didn’t have the chocolate almond cake, but I’ve heard I need to go back for it. You will not regret an evening spent at Canelé.
3219 Glendale Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90039 phone (323) 666-7133
Axe Restaurant
Over on the Westside, residents of Venice Beach have a real treat in Axe Restaurant(pronounced A-shay). Axe focuses on organic, super-fresh produce and they turn out delicious creations every day. The flatbreads are amazing, as are the steaks and chicken. The crowd is very artsy and swank, and the aesthetic of the place is quite hip. This is a great place to take a date you’re trying to impress with your excellent taste. And if the date is boring, at least you will really enjoy the meal.
Real Food Daily
A member of our Low Impact Living staff, Shayna Prunier, could practically live at Real Food Daily. (She is one of those dedicated souls who just calls it “RFD”– assuming we’ll all know the glory of which she speaks.) I have to concur that Real Food Daily offers a delicious, healthy homecoming meal every time we go. These are dedicated organic vegetarians– you won’t find any steak here. But the lentils, the noodles, the fresh veggies, the tofu, the sauces…. they are all excellent. I am not a vegetarian and I get cravings for this place every other week. They have outlets in Santa Monica and West Hollywood, so you can get your RFD fix anytime.
Real Food Daily, in Santa Monica is located at 514 Santa Monica Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90401 Phone (310) 451-7544 and in West Hollywood at 414 N. La Cienega Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90048 phone (310) 289-9910
November 4th, 2007
Organic Dining Across America: Chicago
The Windy City…A land famous for Frank Lloyd Wright, Wrigley Field, House music, and Al Capone. The culinary classics of this town still remain the Chicago-style hot dog (with pickle spears, tomatoes, and “sport” peppers) and, of course, Chicago Deep Dish. So where can Low Impact Living possibly begin our search for America’s greatest organic dining in a town better known for pizza pies than biodynamic brussel sprouts?
At the best pizza place in town, of course, for a big bite of…Crust. Yes, Chef Michael Altenburg has found a way to feed Chicagoans pizza that they can actually feel good about. He opened the country’s fourth-ever certified organic restaurant earlier this year to nothing but accolades. Rather than the traditional deep dish style, Altenberg prefers to serve his 95% organic ingredients on piping hot herb-encrusted flatbread. His flatbreads come with everything from the simple Shroom with goat cheese, and spinach, to the wilder Mexicali Blues, topped with wood-fired shrimp, chihuahua cheese, pico de gallo, heirloom peppers, and cilantro. Only because Crust’s ingredients are of such high quality, do I not feel a need to question in greater detail just what exactly is Chihuahua Cheese. The Sweet Basil Salad with its fresh-pulled mozzarella, tomato, red onion, and basil is just perfect if you prefer your pizza without the…you know. 2056 W. Division Street 773.235.5511
Crust isn’t Michael Altenberg’s first organic restaurant venture. He founded one of Chicago’s greatest restaurants, which is actually not quite in Chicago. Just on the outskirts of the city lies Campagnola. Translated loosely as “woman of the countryside,” Campagnola has been lauded as a restaurant that feels so welcoming that walking through the front door feels like walking into a friend’s home. And though Michael Altenberg has now moved on to flatbread heaven, Chef Vincent DiBattista is holding down the reputation of this sophisticated Italian bistro just fine. The Garlic Sausage with Fingerling Potato Salad and the Steamed Mussels in Saffron Fennel Broth make divine starters. You can follow it with a bowl of Linguine with Wood-Fired Prawns, Preserved Lemon & Radicchio or skip the pasta altogether and enjoy the sustainably-raised lamb, chicken or steak. Campagnola is the perfect place to bring vegetarians and carnivores together under one roof to enjoy the bounty of organic, seasonal delicacies the Illinois countryside has to offer. 815 Chicago Avenue 847.475.6100
William Rice of the Chicago Tribune has touted Karyn Calabrese as “the high priestess of raw food.” Priestess or no, she certainly is a pioneer in the Chicago restaurant world, bravely opening this Midwest city’s first completely raw restaurant- Karyn’s Raw Vegan Gourmet Restaurant. Here vegans and raw food junkies feast on seaweed dim-sum, almond pate, and basil “ravioli” filled with macademia whipped creme and sun-dried tomato puree. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the emerging Raw Food trend, this diet does not allow for food to be heated above 110°F and involves a lot of nut purees, thinly sliced vegetables, and dehydrated or sprouted grains.
If all this sounds a wee bit too adventurous for you, head over to Karyn’s Cooked for a big ol’ Slab of Ribs, a barbecued tofu and seitan sandwich served on a torpedo roll. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more elegant, try the grilled polenta layered with wild porcini and shitake mushrooms. And even if you don’t have an appetite, Karyn’s mini empire can help you work one up at her Inner Beauty Center, which provides yoga & pilates classes, detox courses, and bodywork.
Raw: 1901 North Halsted Street 312.255.1590
Cooked: 738 North Wells Street 312.587.1050
Eat hearty and healthy in Chicago, everyone! Next up in our series, Los Angeles, the tasty home of Low Impact Living, Inc. And to find more delicious organic restaurants around the country, please consult our organic dining listings across the US by clicking here.
October 26th, 2007
Green Spas: Pamper Yourself, and the Earth
Many people consider time spent at spas as the ultimate in luxury and pampering. Quiet, peaceful surroundings, often in a natural setting, set the mood for relaxation and rejuvenation. This is a wonderful thing…as long as Mother Nature doesn’t foot the bill.
Happily, the spa industry is experiencing a growing trend toward becoming one with nature, as there are many elements of the spa experience that lend themselves to reduced environmental impact.
Green building
First things first: let’s take a look at the building itself. Regardless of the type of spa – day, destination, fitness, or any other type – a lot of resources go into construction and daily operations. Just think of all of those towels that have to be washed!
Fortunately, as we discussed in our Eco-Travel piece on green hotels, a standard has been developed for certifying the “green-ness” of commercial buildings, including spas: the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System. Designed and managed by the US Green Building Council, LEED ratings provide a consistent measure for judging the sustainability of a building. With a whole-building approach to sustainability, LEED-certified buildings address five key areas: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.
Spas, like any commercial building, can be certified at one of four levels: certificate, silver, gold, or platinum. After meeting minimum requirements in each of the five areas, spas can reach higher levels of LEED certification by meeting additional requirements. So for example, implementing water use reduction strategies for washing towels and irrigating landscaping not only saves water – saving the spa money on their water bill – but it also earns them points toward LEED certification. A win-win!
Though LEED designation is relatively new to the spa segment, some spas have already achieved the designation. For example the gold-certified Gaia Napa Valley Hotel and Spain American Valley, CA. This is a gorgeous building and they are very dedicated to eco-friendly practices throughout the hotel and spa. Another example is the Nusta Spa in Washington, DC. As the first spa in the world to achieve gold status for commercial interiors (a sub-set of LEED certification), the Nusta Spa shows that day spas can be just as green as destination spas. But that’s just the building. What about what goes on inside?
Treatments and products
Of course, the primary area that spa-goers expect to see as natural, healthy, and eco-friendly is in the treatments and products offered. Now this is where it gets really interesting (and even a bit scary!)
Traditional health and beauty products are laden with chemicals…chemicals that are easily absorbed through our skin and nails. If you’re curious about what is going on (and in) your body, read a few labels on products you currently use, then go to the National Geographic’s Green Guide, which explains the “Dirty Dozen” – a list of the nastiest chemicals used in health and beauty products, along with the truly shocking things that can result from their use. Looking to provide something better for their clients, many spas turn to their natural surroundings for inspiration in creating unique treatments. For example, at Robert Redford’s Spa at Sundancein Utah, treatments are made from honey, cornmeal, sage and sweetgrass – all local ingredients that recognize the area’s Native American heritage.
Likewise, at the Sundara Inn & Spa in Wisconsin Dells, treatments include a sandstone body polish made from Cambrian sandstone, harvested on site. But if even that is too mundane for you – perhaps you like your treatments on the exotic side? – check out the Daintree Eco Lodge & Spain Queensland, Australia. Situated in a rain forest, treatments are made from lillypilly berries, wattleseeds and desert salts. Whatever those things are they would certainly make for a one of a kind experience, as they were chosen to honor the unique Aboriginal heritage of the area.
Perhaps honoring Los Angeles’ ongoing love affair with the car, the Green Bliss Eco Spa is a mobile spa serving Los Angeles and Orange counties. Specializing in home spa parties and using only all-natural, organic ingredients and skincare products, guests can add organic wine or champagne to their treatments. Now that’s a party! And, by taking the spa to your group, versus having everyone drive separately to the spa, perhaps some carbon emissions are saved in the process.
Food, glorious food
In addition to unique treatments, spas are also known for their healthy and delicious meals. Local, organic food is the norm at green spas, like at Golden Door in Escondido, California. There, gourmet meals are not only made from their 4-acre organic garden, but they are also sized to your preference to reduce waste.
On the other side of the country, in Neversink, New York, the New Age Health Spa not only uses the food produced in their chemical-free greenhouses in the meals, but their herbs are also incorporated into the spa’s purification treatments. You get organic, inside and out.
Conservation
In addition to the pampering we normally associate with a spa experience, some spas are diving in to new areas, like environmental conservation. As the mantra of many eco-spas revolves around becoming one with nature, it only makes sense that its clients do their part to protect it. For example, at The Rock Spa, on the secluded Frégate Island, Seychelles, guests can participate in island conservation programs called “ecology weeks.” Designed to protect and increase the numbers of endangered plants and birds on the island, the spa even helps guests harvest local ingredients for their treatments.
Spas like the El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spain Taos, New Mexico, take their responsibility for the environment very seriously. By considering every detail, the spa was designed to go “beyond organic.” For example, cleaning supplies can be very toxic, so by using green alternatives the work of cleaning rooms and treatment areas does not become a hazard. The spa even features a biolarium, or giant greenhouse, that contains a treatment system to filter the water.
Finding an eco-spa
So, how do you identify the green spa that is right for you? There are several resources that will help. One up-and-coming organization will certainly provide the information you need: the Green Spa Network. Though it is still in the development stage, the Network has begun with a dozen “seed” spas located across the country – check out their listing to find these leaders. By working to make their own spas more sustainable, and sharing what they learn along the way, the seed spas are furthering the network’s mission of greening the spa industry.
You might also try the International Spa Association or SpaFinder. Though the searchable databases don’t allow you to search specifically for eco-friendly spas (yet!), you can narrow down your search by identifying spas in your desired area. Check out individual spa websites, or give them a call. To start with, look for thoughtful energy management, alternative energy sources, a recycling program, green cleaning agents, and low VOC paints. Don’t be afraid to ask about a spa’s green policies – those that do it right will be more than happy to share their green story with you.
Regardless of the spa that you choose, take a look at its impact on the environment. From the building itself, to the products, treatments, and the food, better choices are available to you. And remember, you vote with your dollars – spend your money at businesses that want to share your values, not just your wallet.
October 24th, 2007
Organic Dining Across America: Delicious Organic San Francisco
From fast food chains to the most upscale metropolitan eateries, organic has become quite the buzzword…and for good reason. Organic produce has been scientifically proven to have a greater nutritional value than its conventional counterparts, as well as being free from petroleum-based pesticides and fertilizers. Organic meats lack the frightening addition of antibiotics and chemical dyes (yuck!) The soil and water quality surrounding organic farms is exponentially more pure than soil and water surrounding non-organic farms and agribusiness monoculture plots. And, truth be told, it just tastes better.
So where can you sample some of the most fantastic organic meals of your life? Low Impact Living will take you on a journey across America in search of the best organic food around. Part One in our series begins in the heart of the US organic movement: the gorgeous San Francisco Bay Area.
Chez Panisse
The absolute epitome of organic fine dining in the US is the 36-year-old legend Chez Panisse, created by a 63-year-old legend by the name of Alice Waters. Not only are her menus organic and locally grown, they are inventive and utterly divine to the palette. The focus here is on sourcing the most high quality raw ingredients possible and then amplifying them with subtle and genius technique. Whether it’s the Hand-cut Saffron Pasta with Spot Prawns and Roasted Peppers or the Grilled Sonoma Liberty Duck Breast with Sweet and Sour Figs and Curly Endive, a meal at Chez Panisse is literally one to remember for a lifetime. Tip: Make your reservations weeks in advance and bring a bankroll at least as big as your appetite.
Chez Panisse is located at 1517 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley and the phone number is (510) 548-5525.
Cafe Gratitude
For a less expensive, yet equally rich dining experience, head over to Café Gratitude for a big slice of organic deliciousness served with a generous side of self adoration. Huh? Each of the dishes here is titled with a self affirmation. You order the “I Am Prosperous” (a tropical salad of greens, macadamia nuts, avocado, mango, jalapeño pepper and goji-chipotle dressing) and when your waiter serves you, she confirms your earlier affirmation by stating “you are prosperous.” Now that’s what I call affordable…therapy like this would cost hundreds more! Order a soup like “I Am Divine” or “I Am Thriving” and really test the boundaries of just how good life can be.
As if that’s not enough to soothe your overwrought soul, the tables at Café Gratitude also double as a board game which diners can play to experience what the owners refer to as “Being Abundance.” All of this may sound pretty hippy-dippy, but the food is sensational, and even the greatest cynic in the crowd can’t possibly order the “I Am Dazzling” without getting a little sparkle in their eye.
Cafe Gratitude is located at 2400 Harrison Street, San Francisco and the phone number is (415) 824-4652. They also have 3 more locations.
Minako Organic Japanese Restaurant
Tony Bennett may have left his heart in San Francisco, but I left my stomach there at Minako Organic Japanese Restaurant. Waits can be long at this tiny mother-daughter operation, but the sushi is organic and as big around as my fist! This is not sushi for the prim or dainty, but the staff is friendly, the fish is fresh, and the nightly specials are to die for. The Himachi in 3 Mint Sauce is delicious as well as the Barbecued Abalone. Andif you’re one of the rare breed known as the Vegan Sushi Lover, then Minako’s extensive menu of no-fish options might just blow you out of the water!
Minako is located at 2154 Mission Street, San Francisco and the phone number is (415) 864-1888.
Tune back in for Part Two of “Organic Dining Across America,” when Low Impact Living takes us deep into America’s Breadbasket for a peek into the organic culinary delights of windswept Chicago.
October 7th, 2007
Eco-friendly Car Rentals, Limos & Taxi Services
Are you planning a trip and you don’t want to rent another gas-guzzling Chevy Malibu? Or perhaps you are looking for an eco-smart way to get to the airport? You have more great green options than you may know!
Green Rental Cars
We love EV Rental Cars, which will get you a hybrid or electric car in many Western US airports and locations (LAX, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Phoenix and more). Check them out. You can also get hybrids through Fox Rental Cars. Even the big national chain Enterprise Rental A Car is trying to spread the good green vibrations and rents many hybrids.
If you’re going to be in Los Angeles or Maui check out Bio-Beetle– they rent bio-diesel VW bugs. (That’s their cute green bug pictured above!) If you’re going to London, say cheerio to Green Tomato Cars. They provide Prius and plug-in hybrid rentals.
Limousine Services
Eco-limo drives you in style in hybrid and biodiesel vehicles. They currently service Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington DC but I’m told Las Vegas is next. Also if you’re in Los Angeles and you want to be eco-fabulous, then there’s Evo Limo. According to Evo Limo, they “took a bold step and converted full size SUVs - Chevy Suburbans - to run on clean fuel (CNG), resulting in ultra low emissions. Then we custom designed an interior with plenty of room to spread out in comfort: limo-style seating for four to six, tinted windows, luxurious cabin with a smooth quiet ride to work or entertain in style.” While we would normally not advocate for SUVs, in this case Evo Limo is offering eco-smart SUV options so we’re all for it.
If you’re in New York, you can use Ozo Car, which is a hybrid private car service. In Colorado you have Green Limousine waiting to help you– it’s a biodiesel limo service. And in San Francisco and Boston you can use PlanetTran, the hybrid airport transport service. If you’re in London, check out Ecoigo, which offers taxis and private car hires in the UK.
Green Taxis
There are green taxi services cropping up all over the place– hurray! In San Francisco, you can hail a natural gas vehicle from Yellow Taxi. Or you can give a holler to a hybrid from SF Green Cab. In Los Angeles, call Taxi! Taxi! for their hybrid cabs. In Texas you have the aptly-named Hybrid Taxi Service serving Anglina County, or the hybrid fleet at Yellow Cab Houston. In Charlotesville Virginia you can use Go Green Taxi. In London there’s Radio Taxis, which are run on biodiesel.
Did we miss any? Is there a green taxi service in your city? Please let us know by commenting on this article. And have a safe ride.
