Sex and the City... New York City, that is

This weekend, millions of women are experiencing the heart and soul of New York City, if only at their local cinaplex. Yesterday, I joined a hearty, late-night crowd to view the gals of HBO's "Sex and the City" series as they hit the big screen. Just like each character, Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha, personify individuality, so does the fifth, and some might argue, most important charter in the script: NYC.

It is, after all, the backdrop of their lives, and that of so many others that live in and visit every year. The big apple. The pulsing heartbeat of America, raking in 43.8 million tourists in 2006 alone.

So, in honor of our urban heroines, I'm saluting NYC and making a couple of recommendations for your next eco-theme trip to the city that plays host to more than 1,300 environmentally-friendly businesses and resources. And to do so, I'm flipping through the green living bible and guidebook for both dwellers and tourists, "Greenopia: New York City" ($17.95).

Greenopia, which highlights green go-tos for everything from green chocolatiers (Vere Goods) to eco-friendly dry cleaners (Green Apple Cleaning), provides a resourceful travel and transportation sections. In it, readers will find cab services that reduce their carbon footprint, bike rentals and more.

Using their independent Green-Leaf Award system, the book also highlights and rates several accommodations choices, including unique options such as: East Village Bed & Coffee, Greenpoint Lodge, and Sugar Hill Harlem Inn.

Bottom line: Check out the guide before plotting your next guilt-free, urban adventure. You can find it on Greenopia, at your local Barnes & Noble booksellers or Whole Foods. The thorough 325-page paperback is printed on 100 percent deinked, recycled fibers (chlorine-free) and offset in partnership with http://www.carbonfund.org/.

Eco resorts the world 'round

Usually, I'm a fan of digging up my own juicy, green info... but my Memorial Day weekend travels have left me ill prepared this week. (Don't worry, I'll have a travel revelation coming your way soon thanks to the extended break!) For now, however, I'd like to defer to this thorough article, which ran in an issue of this week's Los Angeles Times.

In it, five resorts are detailed by Laurie Winer, including:

Hermitage Bay, Antigua, West Indies
Lapa Rios Ecolodge, Costa Rica
Evason Phuket & Six Senses Spa, Thailand
Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses, New Zealand
Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, United Arab Emirates

And finally, you'll want to click here for a photo gallery that will leave you drooling. How's that to spice up a late May day?

Above image courtesy of Hermitage Bay

Eco etiquette for hotel stays

The grand opening of Starwood Hotels' "green trailblazer" line of hotels, ELEMENT, is right around the corner, with the first accommodations scheduled to open their doors this July in Lexington, Massachusetts. (Four additional properties are currently in development.)

I know that all of you are keenly aware of green lodging basics, but I figured these tips, from ELEMENT, couldn't hurt as a refresher.

According to the new line of hotels, these are some common "Eco-Etiquette" tips that travelers can use worldwide:

• Get unplugged: Many people don't realize that their cell phone charger, laptop cable and other electrical plugs drain power while they are plugged in, even if they are not in use. In fact, only 5% of the power used by an average cell phone charger is used to charge the phone... the other 95% is wasted energy.
  


• Seize the day: Take advantage of natural light as much as possible--it is as renewing for your spirits as it is for the planet.
  


• Chill out: Hotels are often climate-controlled, but many will let you adjust the room temperature. Always set the temperature around 68 degrees in winter and 78 degrees in summer to maximize both energy efficiency and personal comfort.
  


• Lights out: Keeping the bathroom light off overnight makes a big impact--and will help you to sleep better. Traveling with a nightlight is an easy, eco-friendly alternative.
  


• Conserve while you sleep: An ELEMENT's survey confirmed that only a small percentage of people change their linens every day at home--so why should a hotel be any different? Taking advantage of a hotel's linen reuse policy is a smart choice.
  


• Use common sense: Be sure to turn off the lights and TV and make sure faucets are closed before leaving your room.

Dizzy disasters: Motion sickness solutions

A coworker of mine returned from a cruise last week, noting the number of days it took her to regain her "land legs." Thank goodness, she said, for Dramamine. Just in case, she'd swallowed one each morning at sea.

What--however--is a traveling gal to do if she's not ready to throw back the pills? Consumer Reports' ad-free sister publication, ShopSmart;), granted traveler's some tried-and-true, natural wisdom in their July 2008 issue, on stands now.

First, advises the magazine, try ginger root. You can pick up some capsules or candies for use up to four times a day (up to 250 milligrams). If you're adverse to ginger, you can try another unproven, but oft cited cure, Sea-Bands, bracelets that stimulate acupressure points on the wrist to combat nausea. No, they're not the most fashionable option, but then again, most anything beats a long lean and protein spill over the rail of a mega ship.

If you are feeling sick, try these tips, detailed in the "How NOT to toss your cookies" sidebar of "Motion sickness fixes."

• Eat stomach-soothing foods (Avoid dairy and foods high in protein or sodium)



• Get the best seat (That's midship on a boat deck)



• Avoid nausea triggers (Including alcohol, cigarette smoke and strong odors)



• Focus your mind (Stare at the horizon or lay back with your eyes closed)



• Get some air (Step out onto the deck and take deep breaths)
  

Belize breeze: green resort on the way

Beachside in Belize just got jucier, thanks to the recent announcment on a "green from the ground up" resort on the Placencia Peninsula. It's Palmetto Bay Resort - a four star property designed by Julieanne Dobson, who worked with Francis Ford Coppola on his Turtle Inn.

According to Luxist, the resort, which is currently under construction, will be comprised of 36 whole ownership, luxury beachfront condos ranging from approximately 1,100 to 4,500 square feet, each with open views of the Caribbean. Prices will start in the high $200,000s. The turnkey one- two- and three-bedroom residences are spread through two low-rise buildings. Striking interiors will feature warm woods and natural stone, vibrant contemporary textiles, and niche lit Mayan and African inspired art, while eco factors include: geothermal, solar, and water filtration technologies, estimated to conserve 1,000 gallons of water per day at full occupancy.

Men vs. Women: A business travel survey

Who's greener: men or women business travelers?

According to a recent survey by Deloitte, women pay closer attention to the details, including turning off lights when leaving a room (72%) versus 66 percent of males. Similarly, 36 percent of female business travelers always adjust the heat or air conditioner when leaving a room, while only 26 percent of males turn down the temp. Lastly, more than half of traveling women say they frequently or always use public transportation or hotel buses, while 42 pecent of men stated the same. Does that mean more men are calling on cabs? If so, I hope they're hailing hybrids...

More green on the Worldwide Web

How to spot travel industry's eco-lies (Miami Herald)

Biofuels: Trying to lighten that carbon footprint (New York Times)

How green is your vacation? Quiz (U.S. News & World Report)

Thai Airways thinks green (Sustainable Travel Blog)

Business travelers seek out green lodging (Environmental Leader)

Travel goods that go the extra mile (Minneapolis Star-Tribune)

Nominate your green travel faves

The Responsible Tourism Awards are calling for nominations...

Want to nominate your favorite "responsible" cruise line? The best group working for the conservation of an endangered species or protected area--like a national park? Or maybe even the best destination in general? It's easy, and the 2008 winners will be basking in a warm glow all year long.

Categories include: Best responsible tour operator; Best large accommodation; Best small accommodation; Best in a mountain environment; Best in a marine environment; Best responsible cruise operator (new for '08); Best for low carbon transport or technology; Best for conservation of endangered species or protected area; Best for conservation of cultural heritage; Best for poverty reduction; Best volunteering organization; Best destination; and Best personal contribution.

Nominate HERE!

Info: The Responsible Tourism Awards were founded in 2004 by responsibletravel.com, who run the Awards in partnership with Telegraph Travel, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine - the magazine of The Royal Geographical Society. Virgin Holidays became headline sponsors of the Awards in 2007 and we are delighted to have their support again for 2008.

Travel gear: Soda pop for laptops

Business jet setters know that a laptop is to an employee what water is to a whale. You just can't live without it. To make sure that you're carrying your hard-drive brain beauty in supple, sustainable style, visit laptopjacketstore.com.

On the site you'll find eco jackets and sleeves by brand act2. Made of fabric composed of 100 percent post consumer PET and soda bottles, each jacket or sleeve uses 6-17 16 oz. bottles, keeping thousands of bottles out of our landfills annually.

Check out the stats on the version pictured above:

MSRP: $24.99
Color: Jet Black
Size: Medium
Weight: Less than one lb.
Dimension: Fits laptops 14.3" or 13.3" wide

Features: Easy-grab zipper

Road trip review: '08 Ford Escape Hybrid

Most drivers can't help but notice the powdery glow of Ford's exclusive paint on the new 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid-an eye-catching shade dubbed Light Ice Blue Metallic. Like the gleaming "HYBRID" badge on the SUV's rear, it sets apart both vehicle and driver in a sea of gas-guzzling, still-standing traffic.

For a summer road trip, there's no better option than a small SUV like the Escape, offering up a sweetly sustainable perk: the effortless jump from 100 percent electric power to 100 percent gasoline power-or a balance of both-to produce the most efficient and powerful driving results.

Whisper quiet upon start up, the Escape Hybrid runs on pure electric power at speeds up to 25 MPH, managing to garner 80 percent better fuel economy than its conventional twin in city driving. (That's 500 miles per tank of gas if you're not cruising highways.) The vehicle, rated at new 2008 EPA guidelines, is estimated to earn 34/30 (city/highway) MPG, a 14 percent improvement from the 2007 Escape Hybrid.

Not too long ago, I climbed into the freshened 2008 Escape Hybrid for a cross-state trek. Ruggedly reminiscent of the older sibs Explorer and Expedition, the new exterior design of the Escape Hybrid is a bit more grown up than years past. It also boasts four new and shiny metallic paint options, including the noted Light Ice Blue, Kiwi Green, Vista Blue and Black Pearl Slate. The interior? It's been upgraded as well. New this year are 100 percent recycled fabric seating fabrics, produced from post-industrial waste (think plastic intended for pop bottles and un-dyed polyester.)

Since the Escape is a SUV, and you're road tripping, cargo space and capability are major factors. With the second row (split 60/40) in upright position, passengers have access to nearly 28 cubic feet of space for stowing gear and goods.

But, you're wondering, how was the drive? It was good. Really. Ford claims that the hybrid's powertrain "provides 0-60 acceleration performance similar to the conventional Escape with a 200-horsepower V6 engine." They're not far off. The SUV doesn't lack power and it provides a smooth ride not unlike any other comparable small SUV. During my three-hour drive through torrential rains, I was both pleased and impressed by the hybrid.

Of course, the best way to discover if a hybrid is right for you is to test one yourself, and I think you'll be surprised by the performance of the Escape Hybrid. Car-buyers have plenty of options when building their hybrid, but most re-assuring, an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on hybrid-related components. Still on the fence? The Complete Idiot's Guide to Hybrid & Alternative Fuel Vehicles by Jack Nerad (Alpha, 2007) details the pros and cons of purchasing green with plenty of unbiased explanation. It's worth checking out.

MSRP: $26,640.00

Check in next week for another review of this summer's hottest road trip hybrids.

Navy Pier goes green this weekend

This weekend, the Green Festival comes to the Windy City. A quick trip for us midwesterners, Chicago is a great weekend getaway, and there's no better excuse to hop in a hybrid and hit the road than an eco-friendly extravaganza.

Included in the line-up are some companies that travelers will definitely want to scope out, including:

GAP Adventures - Outdoor Adventure Tour Operators

Learn Great Food Company - Culinary Retreats

Center for Cultural Interchange - Voluntourism Opportunities

If you're in the area, swing by. Bruce Poon Tip, founder and CEO of GAP Adventures will be speaking on Saturday at 1pm about “How to Become a Sustainable Traveler.” Malia Everette, director of Global Exchange’s popular and rapidly expanding Reality Tours program will speak on Sunday at 4pm about “Reality-based Tourism”; she'll discuss how the power of travel can be a transformative tool for education and social change.

Show Hours:
Saturday 10AM- 8PM
Sunday 11AM- 6PM

Venue and Address:
Navy Pier
600 E Grand Avenue, Chicago

20% discount to globetrotters on EKOH

I'm always on the lookout for a good, green deal, which is why I'm a fan of EKOH, a part of The Cosmetic Market Web site. They've got loads of goodies that make perfect packing a breeze, including sunscreens, travel sets and cool, candy-wrapper bags like the Luna Bar bag shown above.

Best of all, our friends at EKOH at offering up a steal of a deal: A 20 percent discount to Green Globetrotters! Check out the store HERE and enter code "Globetrotter" upon checkout to receive the cost-saving deal. (Valid Monday May 19th through June 19th)

Free shipping is offered on all orders over $75 too, making it an ideal time to stock up on your summer travel basics. Above, some of my faves, which you can check out at the below links:

Ecoist coin purse (Made from recycled candy wrappers) $26

Sigg Think Green bottle $29

Best of Korres beauty set - travel sized

Alaska Glacial Mud Purifying Mud Mask $34

Shady Day Lip Balm SPF 30 $5

Did you know...

it's National Tourism Week? It is! May 10 - May 18th marks the 25th annual celebration of U.S. travel and what better way to celebrate than to get out the calendar, check out the budget and plan an eco-friendly summer escape? (C'mon... that economic stimulus check is begging to be spent, right?)

If that fact alone isn't enough for you, here are some other ways to justify an annual green jaunt, recently compiled by the Travel Industry Association:

- Travelers rate their overall health one full point higher (on a scale of 1 to 5) while on vacation. They also get three times more deep sleep after their vacation and sleep almost 20 minutes longer after their vacation.

- Even the anticipation of vacation travel generates an increase in positive feelings about one's life as a whole, family, economic situation, and health.

- An annual vacation can cut a person's risk of heart attack by 50 percent.

- Women who take more vacations are more satisfied with their marriages.

- More than half of employed Americans say they come back feeling reconnected with their family after vacation (53%).

- Three out of four executives believe that vacations are necessary for them to prevent burnout (78%) or that vacations improve their personal job performance (75%).

- Travelers experience a 25% increase in performance on vigilance tests after returning from vacation - travelers 45 or older show a 50% increase in performance.

- Two out of three executives believe that vacations improve their creativity (68%)

Fueling the future: What's next?

Pump prices pinch. And with Memorial Day travel just around the bend, the sky-rocketing cost of gasoline is a hot topic. With it comes discussion revolving around alternative fuels, especially ethanol and diesel, or biodiesel. Of course, hydrogen and electricity are on the forefront of future fuels too.

Seventy-three percent of travelers are doing so on the open road--in automobiles--according to the Travel Industry Association of America. To combat the battle at the pumps, Green Globetrotter will be featuring a special series on roadtrip-ready hybrids, beginning this week. Keep checking back... first up for review is the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. Also on the calendar: a PBS Nightly Business Report special on alternative fuels, airing Tuesday, May 13 through Friday, May 16.

Tuesday's show will highlight grain and corn used to create ethanol, while Wednesday will focus on sugar cane's role in the fuel. Thursday's show puts the spotlight on turning scrap paper, pulp and woodchips into ethanol; and lastly, Friday will showcase Methane hydrate—a frozen gas who's impact on vehicles, and the world, is still under testing.

You can find details on the show here: http://www.pbs.org/nbr/.

More green on the Worldwide Web

Is your meeting green enough? (CNN)

'Green aspect' making cruises more popular (ETA)

Going Green: The Business Impact of Environmental Awareness on Travel (4Hoteliers)

Best way to buy euros and eco-adventure in Belize (OC Register)

Train travel takes off on route that links Wales (ic Wales)

Global tourism struggles to shrink environmental footprint (AP)

Cool comfort that's sustainable too

There's a lot to be said for comfort on a plane... or in a car, or on a train. Traveling, it seems, brings out the worst in even the most beautifully-crafted garment. That's why I'm dedicated to increasing the awareness of any comfy travel clothes I slip into. Those elusive longer-than-long sleeve shirts and wrinkle-less pants... they're meant to be adored by every globetrotter out there. This week's find is a special one--not only uber soft and ideal for all temps, they're made of sustainable, earth-friendly fabrics by the company be present.

Besides using bamboo knits for sustainable, anti-bacterial gear, the company has introduced Tencel and Micro Modal materials. Tencel, a cellulose-based fiber is produced from wood pulp and is sweetly soft, breathable--and thankfully--wrinkle resistant. Micro Modal is created by extraction from farmed, sustainable beech wood and blended with a touch of nylon and spandex to maintain chic shape and provide moisture-wicking properties for a mid-day tour under the hot sun.

Shown above is the Micro Modal cami ($51) and Women's Tree Tee ($51) made of Tencel, great options for layering on a cool, dry plane ride or for hitting the trails once you've landed.

Great guides for summer trekking

My name is Jessica... and I am a Lonely Planet groupie. Yes, I'm addicted to their guidebooks. Good thing, then, that they're committed to using at least 80 percent Ancient Forest Friendly Paper (AFF) that is 100 percent Forest Stewardship Council plantation timber approved.

In addition to being environmentally kind, they're just plain good ol' reads for the globe-bound traveler. And as of last month, they're updated with the complete scoop on National Parks thanks to a relaunch of the park series, which kicks off with four North American faves: Yosimite, Sequoia & King's Canyon National Parks, Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks, Grand Canyon National Park, and Banff, Jasper and Glacier National Parks.

In each guide, you'll find:

• History and Environment chapters give visitors vital background information on the parks’ past and present
  


• Sustainable options and green travel ideas throughout
  


• A “Support Your National Park” feature gives information on how to give back to the parks and promotes sustainability and volunteering
  


• Over 40 hikes

Price: $21.99
Publication Date: April 2008

Image courtesy of Lonely Planet

Carbon cutting at Sea-Tac Airport

In anticipation of stricter air emission regulations, airports nationwide have been upping the ante when it comes to eco-friendly factors. The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is one in particular--recently making headlines for its earth-friendly considerations.

Besides offering a carbon emission calculator online and providing a link for travelers to purchase Green Tags, Sea-Tac (as the airport is commonly referred to) has also launched an on-board recycling program, bought an electronic vehicle for on-site painting use and now, is allowing pilots to turn off jet engines while parked at gates.

According to an article by Thomas Frank, USA Today, the same proposal was rejected six years ago due to being too costly a measure. Now, a member of the Clean Airport Partnership, the airport has added several creative eco-friendly aspects including natural gas shuttles and garden compost made from the 19,000 pounds of coffee grounds recycled each month. (That's enough to a fill a Boeing 777 each year.) Talk about a caffeine rush.

Has anyone ventured through the airport recently? My last stop was a few years ago, and unfortunately, no stand-out environmental initiatives come to mind. One thing I do remember: the Fireworks Gallery, located in the airport, which offers adorable gifts--many made from recycled products! Love it.

100% green from the ground up - InterContinental

Converting hotels in favor of social and corporate responsibility is the current trend in the "greening" of the tourism industry. Environmentally-conscious building--from the ground up--is a rather new idea to national (and international) hotel chains, which is slowly taking root as a new generation of executives and architects merge to create dynamic lodging options.

One of many mega lodging corporations hoping to lead the way, InterContinental Hotels Group, has just unveiled thier "Innovation Hotel." Little more than a blueprint for the time being, the hotel is a digital model of what could be in a near perfect, environmentally-focused industry dubbed (by IHG) "what could be the world's first ever 100 percent ecologically-friendly hotel." From organic linens to local art, rain collection systems to solar panels and recycled glass windows, the concept building offers a host of planet-considerate perks.

One of the coolest aspects to this micro site, however, is the ability to add your own input. What do you think of this virtual hotel?

Image courtesy of InterContinental Hotels Group

Cinco de Mayo: Green getaways in Mexico

Looking to crack open a Corona beachside? Who isn't, right? With the festive sounds of Cinco de Mayo in the air (and the tempting smell of spicy tacos cooking), it's hard not to day dream of a warm weather, coastal escape.

Celebrating the initial victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla, Cinco de Mayo is most celebrated in Puebla, Mexico itself. Let it be known - not many green options exist there. For more earth-friendly options, green globetrotters will want to check out the following eco-fab resorts found in Mexico. While each looks decadently delicious, they all participate in "green" practices that make for a clean, green getaway.

Hotel Eco Paraiso Xixim Celestún, Yucatán, México

Danzante Eco Resort Loreto, BCS

Ceiba del Mar Beach and Spa Resort Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya

Image courtesy of Danzante Eco Resort

Life is a highway

This summer, thousands of families will hop into their vehicles for a road trip getaway. Will you be one of them? I know that I will. If your lease is running up -- or if you're searching for a new car to buy -- it's likely that you've looked at hybrids. If so, you're in good company.

Last year, U.S. registrations of new hybrid vehicles rose 38 percent to a record 350,289, according to data to be recently released by R.L. Polk & Co., a Southfield, Mich., automotive marketing and research company.

Despite an overall sales decline of 3 percent in '07, hybrid sales steadily grew, accounting for 2.2 percent of the U.S. market share. Adding fuel to the fire, so to speak, were all-new options such as the Nissan Altima Hybrid, Saturn Aura Greenline and Lexus LS600h.

If you can't get over the sweet silence of a hybrid engine, consider biodiesel. It may cost a few cents more at the pump, but the mileage earned is nearly equal to, and often greater, than a hybrid.

More green on the Worldwide Web

Personal, green airplanes propel forward (CNET)

Best eco-travel guides (Suite 100)

How green are environmetnal B&Bs? (Fox News)

Short trip alternatives (Greenlight)

REI explores the environmental cost of eco-tourism (Seattle Times News)

Carbon reductions still have not arrived in Asia (Bangkok Post)

Feed 100: Tactic and tote

Today, Whole Foods stores 'round the nation are rolling out these sack-inspired bags, designed by niece of the president - and fashion model - Lauren Bush. Made of 100 percent organic cotton and sustainable burlap, the hefty totes retail for $29.99, the cost of 100 nutritious school meals that will fill the tummies of kids worldwide through the UN World Food Program. Each bag, in turn, will feed 100 children. A positively delicious goal, I might add.

Lightweight, white and collapsible (it folds into the "Feed 100" logo'd, zippered, burlap base), this bag is ideal for grab 'n' go groceries - but also makes a smart packable bag for bringing home any souvenirs gleaned on your latest trip.

Lastly, not only are the bags made from eco-minded materials, they are crafted in one of the world’s few certified facilities ensuring fair treatment of workers, livable wages, paid overtimes, safe and clean working environments, benefits and vacation time.