Ah, Mexico. With a mere 10 days until I board a plane for Cancun via Atlanta, it's time for some prep work. I don't know about you, but travel has a funny way of playing tricks on my tummy, and Mexico tends to play the cruelest games of all. For that reason - and with a nod to my health-focused New Year's goals - I recently (on a whim) snatched up a two-week cleanse at Whole Foods.

In an unassuming green box, the "cleanse," a product by Whole Foods in-store brand, Everyday 365, neatly houses three bottles of supplements ($16.99). I glanced at the directions as I picked up the box, noted that the first week required only one pill in the evenings and thought, simply, that it sounded easy enough. Fast forward 24 hours, when I sit down and re-read the directions, realizing - with a pang in my stomach - that I need to swallow eight rather large pills in the evenings, and another four in the A.M. during week one. Yowza. As it turned out, the large, bitter supplements really weren't all that bad. And whatever discomfort I felt when downing the capsules was completely offset by the swooshy feeling of my digestive system purging itself. Swooshy in a good way; not at all in an uncontrolled way...

Suffice it to say, in the middle of week two, I'm announcing myself a convert. Never having tackled a cleanse, I feel like it's now a process I might want to implement a couple times a year. A tune up, per se. Like, around the time I go to get my oil changed. Or something.

Now, I only have to avoid Montezuma's Revenge.

Eco Essentials: Fall 2011

The crisp fall air has gotten to my head. I'm dreaming of cozy knits, moisture-laden lip balms and pretty accent pieces to accompany me on my next trip. From this uber-soft (and eco!) hooded wrap coat by JulesElin ($126), to these juicy vegan lip balms ($3.79 each), organic and available in an array of scrumptious flavors - from chai tea to black cherry.

On the functional side, I'm carrying Lifefactory's glass bottles ($21.99) with a chic and colorful silicon sleeve in this recycled Maltby Eco Tote (well, I wish I were carrying this bag... for now, it's purely lust).

To top it off, every globetrotter wants to ensure karma's on their side. This dainty gold necklace ($74) by Dogeared does just that; a portion of each sale is donated to non-profits educating women globally. Best of all, it's the ideal travel accent, dressing up a simple back shift or adding a bit of sparkle against a white tee.

Which green goodies are you dying for this season?

Clothes that Go: Prancing Leopard Organics

A glimpse of the Imago Wrap by Prancing Leopard

When traveling, I'm one of those girls that is constantly leaning over flight mates to swipe shut the cool air outlet, (it's freezing up there at cruising altitude!) meaning I'm never one to board a plane in warm-climate clothes. But on a flight, where comfort is key, finding flexible, layer-able options is critical. Only on extremely rare occasions (hello, Montezuma's Revenge) will you find me in a sweatshirt, so I'm adding style to the mix as a complementary component. After all, you never know who you could run into at the airport.

On one of my most recent trips, I pulled a new, knit shrug-slash-cardigan out of my closet - ripe for testing in the friendly skies. Made by Prancing Leopard Organics, it's an eco-travel oddity, a do-everything wardrobe element that can transition from shrug to wrap sweater, to poncho, to mini-blanket. (If exhaustion has gotten the best of you, you could probably style it in 200 ways during your next layover.)

What's especially nice about the easily adaptable top is that it's not only practical on a plane, but on the road as well. From poolside to fireside, it's thin-knit looks chic in a variety of settings and against the backdrop of a bikini or a even a slinky dress. Crafted of low-pilling (love that!) high-performance fabric, the organic cotton is smooth to the touch, which makes for a pricier piece: $143 (one size fits all; available in black, stone, white or red). If it makes the purchase less painful, focus on the fact that Prancing Leopard contributes to their own non-profit foundation, Artisan Women Project, as well as the Snow Leopard Trust.

Note to readers: Prancing Leopard provided sample product for blogger review purposes.

Concocting a Greener Mojito in Puerto Rico

The rum selection at Casa Don Q, Puerto Rico

Ya gotta give credit where credit is due. And in this case, it's to the makers of "Don Q. Rum" for concocting a cocktail staple in a truly sustainable fashion.

To get an inside peek at the distillery's eco-friendly initiatives, travelers to Puerto Rico can step into Casa Don Q. Don't worry - the museum tour ends with a sample drink. Inside, you'll get the scoop on how rum is crafted (did everyone else realize that rum is made using molasses?), including some surprisingly innovative green tactics. Take for instance, the CO2 released as the diluted molasses ferments, which the distillery captures and makes available to local soft drink producers for fizzier sips. A waste treatment system and energy harvest process are also in place... if you love the geeky side of green like me, you can find out more by visiting: http://donq.com/about/sustainability/.

Touting a heritage that dates back to 1865, Don Q was created by Don Juan Serralles, founder of the town Merceditas, named after his wife Mercedes (collective sigh here), and today, is being led in part by Roberto Serralles, who joined the family business to spearhead sustainability efforts after earning his PhD in Environmental Sciences. An undoubted green leader in the spirits industry, Don Q is revolutionizing green manufacturing in Puerto Rica, and we're all about it.

If you're a lover of rum (and really, who doesn't love an icy mojito?), consider stopping by Casa Don Q, located in Old San Juan's Bayfront area (Ochoa Building, ground floor / Marina Street / Old San Juan). Open every day except Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. For more information, call 878.977.1720.

Here, an interesting look at recent eco innovations in alcohol, if the topic suits you.

The Global Guide for Organic Foodies

Courtesy of www.OrganicJetsetter.com

What happened when Green Globetrotter met Organic Jetsetter?

They were fast friends, natch. Really, need you even ask?

The new site, which launched last month out of Australia, is a go-to guide for foodies seeking organic eats globally. Scan cities by continent to get a sneak peek at the best dining destinations in town. We're talking insider secrets. (I know this because I was asked to contribute a few of the guides myself!) Hungry yet? Head on over and see if your favorites made the cut.

Lodging Among the Lavender Fields

Courtesy of certified organic Purple Haze Lavender Farm - Sequim, WA

Last weekend, I grabbed a girlfriend and headed outside of town for the Michigan Lavender Festival, where we dealt with the sweltering temps by sipping lavender lemonades and checking out bloom-peddling vendors. We were sold, naturally, by just inhaling the scent that wafted through the sticky summer air, and not surprisingly, we came home with an armful of lavender-infused goodies.

It got me thinking. My first experience with lavender was when I plucked a bud from a plant in Wales on a high school trip to Europe. I recall pulling it from my sweater pocket weeks after I'd returned home, only to drift right back to that same moment in time. The scent was heavenly. The taste, on the other hand, as I found out last summer in Germany, is not something I'm suited to. Lavender cake looks delicious... but it leaves me feeling like I'm chewing on potpourri.

Culinary uses aside, the lavender flower is known for its calming properties, and remains a staple of travel products near and far. Over the years, I've accumulated a few favorites within the all-natural category, including Indigo Wild's Zum Glow lavender travel candle ($15), Pharmacopia's organic lavender travel set ($20), and more recently, Kiss My Face's travel-sized castile peace soap in lavender mandarin ($3). Sniffing these scented wonders is nearly magical, but to get a true sense of the flower power, you really need to hit the fields.

I adore the volunteer concept at the Daybreak Lavender Farm in Streetsboro, Ohio, where visitors can harvest the 14-acre farm in four-hour increments for a $50 gift certificate at the farm's boutique. Or, if you'd like to lounge for a longer period, scope out options like the field-side vacation rental at Cedarbrook Lavender & Herb Farm in Sequim, Washington. In the same city, the certified organic Purple Haze Farm offers a similar farmhouse rental that can accommodate eight guests starting at $260 per night.

The opportunities to loose yourself in fields of soft, purplish hues abound. To find a farm near you, reference this comprehensive state-by-state lavender farm listing, where you'll find farmers from southern Texas to northern Maine.

Lavender cake and vanilla bean ice cream at Weleda Gardens in Germany
Copyright: Jessica Blair Howell / Green Globetrotter

Green, Clean and Now, Travel-Friendly

"Minty Green" castile soap / Copyright: Jessica Blair Howell

Is it peculiar that the older I get, the more enticing words like "multi-functional" become? That reasoning, in part, is behind this post, in which I tout the do-everythingness of Kiss My Face's new Peace Soap, now perfectly packaged in 3.4 oz. travel sizes.

In addition to it's eco-friendly cred (paraben- and phthalate-free and bottled in 50 percent recycled plastic) and biodegradable nature, 10 percent of its profits go to the youth leadership organization Seeds of Peace. That scores major points in my book - as does the $2.99 price tag. And the heavenly scents.

With moisturizing organic jojoba oils, cleansing coconut oils, plus olive, orange, lavender, lemongrass and clary sage oils (that's a heckuva lot of oils, right?), the suds can clean anything from people to pets to pots without doing damage to whichever dirty destination you've fallen into... case in point, northern Michigan, evidenced in the above photo. On our lake, you either get dirty or go inside.

You can find the 100 percent natural, all-purpose soap @ Whole Foods or KissMyFace.

The Simple Life Courtesy of... the Amish

I have to admit that before bending the binding of Lorilee Craker's new book, Money Secrets of the Amish (Thomas Nelson, 2011), I hadn't thought much about the "Plain" lifestyle. In fact, it took a few weeks for me to get past the kinda-corny title and into the depths of the book, which turned out to be a personal finance resource that really hit home. After all, the subhead - finding true abundance in simplicity, sharing and saving - is not much unlike my own philosophy on life and the core concept here at Green Globetrotter. Live simply. Keep it natural. Take care of the planet and its people.

Woven throughout the book were stories of hardworking Amish families that had emerged from America's recent (and somewhat ongoing) economic slump unscathed. At the heart of their money mentality wasn't greed or materialism, but a quiet pride in doing the right thing... paying creditors on time, building savings for a home, and the ever-present mantra: use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.

The realization that families and communities such as this exist - and are thriving(!) - was enough to make me curious. I don't live near Amish country, but I've seen a buggy or two in my time. What better way to escape the everyday tug of consumerism than with a weekend out of town? I mean really out of town. Think: farm.

If you're yearning to escape the urban jungle for a quick simplicity fix, look no further. The below resources will point you in the direction of the nearest Amish community, many of them major tourist attractions in their own right. Whether you want to poke around antique and quilt shops or get dirty on a working farm, options abound.

Illinois: Amish Country
Indiana: Amish Country
Michigan: River Country Amish Meander
Minnesota: Mississippi Bluffs Amish Culture
Ohio: Amish Country
Pennsylvania: Lancaster County (Agrotourism itinerary ideas)
Wisconsin: Amish Communities

And, most importantly, Amish Etiquette Dos and Don'ts.

Interestingly, the essay "The Amish and Tourism: Understanding the Dangers" discusses the culture's religious views on travel with the following:

In the Amish view, all tourism feeds off of the "worldly" values and therefore is corrupt, but their disapproval grows with their own involvement. They dislike being made the main attraction because the tourism industry often treats them as curiosities and commodities, and they grow especially concerned when they become willing participants because they are supporting a corrupt activity, tying themselves to the "world" and possibly elevating their customs above their faith.

Noteworthy Newsreel

Chile approves a $7 billion dam project that will wipe out wilderness

• The New York Times dives into agritourism with this feature on how small, U.S. farms are making an extra buck with innovative travel ties. In 2007, 23,000 farms offered agritourism activities, according to the USDA. 
• Hotel Skyler in Syracuse is the third in the states to seek LEED Platinum status. This video tour takes a peek inside the 58-room boutique lodging.
• Lonely Planet is offering up 15 *free* mini-guide PDFs detailing how to fill your summer weekends. My fave is weekend one: Spend a Weekend at the Great Lakes. I know, I'm bias. 
• Dealaholics rejoice! Groupon and Expedia plan to team up later this month to launch Groupon Getaways!
• Chile approves a $7 billion initiative to dam two of the world's wildest rivers for electricity generation, tarnishing one of the country's last truly isolate areas.

A Leafy Lobby Hits Chicago's Lakefront

In Chicago, this living wall lights up an Embassy Suites lobby
Photo courtesy of: Ambius, interior landscaping solutions

I dream of vertical gardens. There's something so serene about the fresh leafiness of a giant, living wall and the one that's taunted me as of late is the curvaceous herb wall in Atlanta Botanical Gardens' "Edible Garden."

A bit closer, however, is Chicago's newest and largest indoor green wall at the Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown Lakefront. Next to its proximity to Navy Pier, the hotel now boasts another stunning differentiator - the 720-square-foot living wall, which serves as a lovely soft spot for your eye to rest upon, as well as a testament to the hotel chain's sustainability efforts.

Seventy feet long and peppered with more than 3,840 plants representing six species, the green wall provides as much clean oxygen to guests as 16 trees that were each 14-foot-tall would, while also helping to muffle noise pollution in the cavernous lobby. While investments (in both time and money) like LEED certification mean a tremendous amount to me, it's just plain fun to see such a cool visual smack dab in the middle of a lovely, urban hotel.

Green from the Ground Up in Wine Country

This post was updated on June 13, 2011 to reflect it's new LEED status. Originally published on July 25, 2010.

I've never heard of Healdsburg, Calif, but when someone mentions Sonoma Wine Country, I typically snap to attention quickly. Wine, did you say? Yes, I don't mind if I do. Red, rose, white, whatever. I'm in. In fact, the only thing that excites me more than the idea of a stroll through wine country is sleeping off the resulting buzz at a sustainably chic hotel. And that's just what's in order at the new h2hotel.

Designed by architect David Baker as a greener complement to sister property, Hotel Healdsburg, h2hotel is a 36-guest room boutique hotel, draped with eco-conscious sensibilities. The newly constructed building, which is blanketed by a living roof awash in succulents, is now officially the first LEED Gold Certified hotel in Sonoma County. The hotel itself is constructed of locally sourced, renewable building materials, while the river-side pool is heated using solar energy. Perks include 100 percent organic Coyuchi linens, towels and robes, organic herb cocktails at the watering hole, Spoonbar, as well as free bike use during your stay.

While I haven't visited the hotel myself, I'd love to hear from someone who has. California wine lovers? Do dish.

If you're planning a trip to wine country, you'll also want to check out:
LEED Platinum and Posh on the West Coast
Sustainability in Sonoma Valley: Boon Hotel
Golden Gate Dreams at New Cavallo Point

Snapshot: Lazy Day at Lake Lanier

Copyright: Jessica Blair Howell / Green Globetrotter

It was a typical Georgian scorcher last Sunday, when we mosied out to Lake Lanier, a mammoth, man-made lake roughly half an hour north of Atlanta. When I look at this photo, I almost feel the hazy heat and the cold, hard rock that we perched atop of to swig cool beers and watch the boats pass us by.

Price Point: Luxe, Vegan Travel Gear

I adore Gunas' line of lovely, eco chic duffels and travel bags

Is it completely—completely—out of my price range? Why, yes. It is. But my, it’s one good-looking line of bags that are not only perfect for travel, but crafted entirely of vegan materials here in the U.S., in Manahttan’s Fashion District, to be exact. By Gunas, these lightweight, unisex bags blend function, fashion and a heavy dose of luxury, featuring custom hardware and Italian zippers but never any plasticizers like PVC that pose a threat to the environment.

Take a peek at the beauties pictured above, Paris duffel: $675; Frunkfurt: $450; and Amsterdam: $725. You can get the full scoop on each by visiting gunasthebrand.com.

An Unconventional Farm in France

In France, it appears that the solar sector is quickly heating up. Solar development company Enfinity has chosen the country for its two most recent installations--stunning solar "farms" cleanly patterning 89 acres of ground.

Annually, the panel stations will generate enough electricity to power 9,000 homes. And better yet, they'll be recycled at the end of their 20-year life cycle, leaving the ground underneath suited for a more conventional form of agriculture.

It might sound corny (okay, it undoubtedly sounds corny) but I'd love to see a view like this, slightly reminiscent of the staggered vineyard vines, when peering over my balcony at a quaint, French Riviera bed and breakfast. I wonder if there are any nearby?

For promotional pencils and personalized pens, visit AmsterdamPrinting.com. 

On-the-Go, Eco Snack Options

Barney's Almond Butter, an apple and Mini Babybel cheese

This Friday, I'm boarding a plane (finally!) and heading south to ATL. It's been so long (really, soo long) since I've traveled that I'm almost worried I've forgotten how to waltz through TSA, shmooze a stewardess into a better seat, or bat my eyelashes just enough to get a muscular male to lift my carry-on into the overhead bin. Oh wait, I haven't forgotten how to do any of that. But I am rather low on frequent flyer miles. To combat the paid-for luggage fees I even had to sign up for a Delta American Express. Probably not the best option for my finances, considering its somewhat surprising limit, but I'm not complaining.

Needless to say, after six months of life GROUNDING me--literally--I will be en-route once again. And to make sure that I've got enough stamina to muster my first mass transit commute via Atlanta's MARTA upon my arrival, I'll be packing heat. By heat, I mean nutritious and organic snacks, naturally.

Just in case you're curious about my go-to travel eats (there are many given my unsatiable appetite), I'm bulleting them out below. Do you have any other suggestions? Drop me a line at jessica@greenglobetrotter to dish and I'll leave your faves in my next post...

• Thin-sliced apples and Barney Butter's all-natural Almond Butter in uber convenient single serving packs. It's easy, gluten-free and the ideal hotel breakfast solution.
• Nature's Valley Oats 'N Honey granola bars. I know, they're so old school, but they're good and they're wholesome! And they're an afternoon savior, as long as you've mastered the calculated crumbless eating process.
• Target's Archer Farms brand makes organic Wild Berry fruit strips that are easily devourable in a plane, train or automobile. Best of all, they're only 45 calories a pop. Trader Joe's makes a similar option that's just as affordable and tasty.
• Homemade trail mix takes the cake for go-anywhere edibility. Shake up a bag of raw, unsalted almonds, yogurt-covered pretzels, raisins and either dried cherries or cranberries. It's no diet food, that's for sure, but it will keep you going on a day full of sight-seeing or hiking.
• Mini Babybel "Light" cheese rounds, draped in red wax, always seem to be within my reach whether I'm at home or vacationing. They need to be refridgerated, yes, but if you've got a room that's equipped, this is the perfect 50-calorie, natural snack that's filling and a little bit fun to eat.
• To drink, I opt for Yogi teas (Green Tea Kombucha is my most-loved variety) or a powder mix. I admit that I'm a sucker for caffinated Crystal Light, but I absolutely hate that I'm ingesting aspartame for the short-term energy boost. Instead, I'm trying to convert myself to ReVyte's fizzing vitamin supplement tablets, which are a far healthier option.