Green Globetrotter

Stepping Off the Ledge in Mexico

2012-02-10T21:25:00.001-05:00

Do you have a "no list?" I do. A list of all the things I say "no" to, including bungee jumping, skydiving and essentially anything that places me more than 50 feet above the ground while unenclosed. I'd wager that most folks have a similar list - spoken or unspoken - of things that they've checked off in their mind's ledger of life activities.

My no list was front and center this past week in Mexico. I love zip lining, but I've always drawn a very clear line between that and any other sort of effort that involves heights... and ropes. SO, imagine my surprise when I sweet talked my boyfriend into a morning of zip lining through the Mayan Riviera jungle, only to find that it kicked off with an 80-foot rappelling adventure (lucky me!).

The last of the dawdling fools left at the top of the 80-foot, wooden tower, I finally bit the bullet and crossed one more item off my "no list." Let me tell you, easing yourself, backwards, off the ledge of a lopsided, eight-story pile of logs is not easy, or fun. But it was a thrill and it will undoubtedly go down in the books as one of those raw moments that you can smell the fear of even years and years later. (Bonus: watching the guy I'm crazy about - as terrified as I was - step off the ledge beside me was one of the coolest things. I'm a firm believer that simultaneously stepping outside your comfort zone is equivalent to at least a year of therapy in terms of building trust in a relationship.)

For vacationers who are heading south of the border and want to (willingly) sign up for a similar experience, I highly recommend Xtreme Mayan Adventures, which our hotel connected us with. In addition to zip lining and rappelling, we snorkeled in underground caverns, which I now know as the third largest source of fresh water in America. Our guide for the half-day excursion was Carlos and if you can finagle a way to get into his group, do so. (We shelled out $77 per person for the tour, which included transportation from Puerto Aventuras, all activities and lunch.)

It might seem obvious that flinging yourself around the jungle with a local tour operator is one of the greener activities you can book when vacationing in Mexico, but I should point out two less-obvious factors. The first is choosing an excursion that gives you a glimpse into some of the area's less celebrated natural resources, in this case, the caverns that stretch miles and miles underneath Mexico's sandy crust. The second point to keep in mind is this: do something you've never done before. Whether it's on your "no list" or your "I've been waiting all my life list," stepping away from the ordinary and stretching your mind creates a more conscious traveler every time. And at the end of the day, living fully and consciously in the moment is the most you can ask for when venturing out to the far corners of the earth.

A Raw Food Realization

2012-01-30T21:58:00.000-05:00

Going raw is a serious commitment, without even the luster of a diamond ring to soften the blow.

Now, if I were living the American Dream a la Gwyneth Paltrow - and had time to sprout my own grains on a daily basis (or, ahem, have my chef sprout my grains) - it might be a different story. Alas, sticking to such a regimen is simply not in my future, however health-driven it may be. For the time being, I'm happy to dabble in the diet when the opportunity presents itself.

For instance, I recently came across Rawsomely Vegan: The Ultimate Raw Vegan Recipe Book (Adams Media, 2012) and spent nearly an hour poring over the intricate recipes, imagining how delicious they might be if I ever had the time or motivation to tackle raw foods. From brilliantly green-hued juices to "Petite Beetloaf," the cookbook covers a cornucopia of concoctions. I was tired just looking at it. No lie.

For those of us who aspire to beat the systemic fast-food mentality of our nation, but don't have the energy to devout themselves to a purely raw food diet, why not support the local mom-and-pops who make a living juicing for the better good? I dug up one promising raw food directory for those of you scoping locations in the U.S., but I'm cutting out the clutter and listing some of the most-raved about restaurants below.

Bliss Raw Cafe and Elixir Bar / 6005 Berkshire Ln. / Dallas, Tx.
Sea Salad Sandwiches, Bliss Burger and Hemp Horchatta dessert - smooth hemp seed milk with cinnamon, mesquite and agave nectar - maintain a following in this classy cafe. {MENU}

Blossoming Lotus / 1713 NE 15th Ave. / Portland, Ore.
Live Pesto and Portobello Pizza and "live" Nachos - spiced tomato and walnut chips with zucchini, tahini nacho cheese and ground pecan chorizo - sound nearly carnivorous. {MENU}

Karyn's on Green / 130 South Green St. / Chicago, Il.
A slightly sexy setting in the Windy City sets this vegan hub apart from the bohemian feel of most raw food cafes. Raw Maki Roll, Kale Salad and Raw Pasta are easy options to choose from. {MENU}

Planet Raw / 609 Broadway Street / Santa Monica, Cali.
With herbal tonics like Warrior Broth and Forever Young, you're sure to find something on the menu that suits you. {MENU}

p.s. In researching this post, I stumbled across a new cleanse from Mrs. Paltrow herself... although with a $425 price tag, it clocks in at a much higher cost than my lowly Whole Foods option described in the post below. Must be the goop brand surcharge.

2012-01-29T21:10:00.000-05:00

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

2011-10-17T19:08:00.000-04:00

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

2011-09-15T23:43:00.001-04:00

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

2011-08-03T18:00:00.002-04:00

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

2011-08-02T20:43:00.001-04:00

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

2011-07-19T21:44:00.002-04:00

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

2011-07-06T21:02:00.002-04:00

"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

2011-06-28T20:35:00.004-04:00

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

2011-06-17T18:39:00.000-04:00

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

2011-06-13T20:33:00.003-04:00

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

2011-06-13T18:17:00.004-04:00

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

2011-06-06T19:21:00.000-04:00

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

2011-06-02T20:13:00.003-04:00

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

2011-05-26T01:59:00.001-04:00

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

2011-05-24T22:40:00.001-04:00

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.

Snapshot: Calendula Harvest, Germany

2011-05-03T19:12:00.001-04:00

Copyright: Jessica Blair Howell / Green Globetrotter

The fields of Calendula had been just harvested in the early morning sun, when I snapped this photo near Schwabish Gmund, Germany. Imagine a sweetness hanging in the air on a summer afternoon, surrounded by rolling hills, a million miles from home.

Dutch Traditions Go Mod

2011-05-01T11:43:00.002-04:00

Delft Blue pottery is a Dutch tradition. You've surely seen the blue-and-white ceramic pieces, intricately designed in the Netherlands. Not only are they lovely little works of art, they're a historic craft that's passed on from one generation to the next. Today, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is offering up the chance to feature a Delft Blue portrait of you (yes, you!) on one of their jet planes.

Their new Facebook page via TileYouself.com allows you to convert your profile picture to a historically Hollandesque blue and white version, complete with an inspirational saying of your own. Submit it online and your face just might be one of many to make it to the paneling of a KLM plane. And really, who wouldn't want that kind of celebrity status?

This post is sponsored by TileYourself.

Noteworthy Newsreel

2011-04-19T19:20:00.003-04:00

Bardessono Hotel in Calif. now offers eco-minded EV and hybrid options

LEED Platinum and luxe hotel Bardessono in Calif., now offers plug-in-ability for EV drivers and hybrid shuttle options. The property has teamed up with Tesla and Lexus to transport guests in ultra chic fashion.
Slated to open in 2012, Dallas' brand, spankin' new Omni Hotel is aiming for LEED Silver certification and is using recycled and regionally sourced materials during the current construction process. Also in the works is farm-to-table dining via planned restaurant Texas Spice.
Going green is "more feminine than masculine," according to participants in Ogilvy Earth's new study. That's why you're more likely to see ladies toting reusable grocery bags and bottles, says the study, citing 82% of respondent's views.
Costa Rica's Parador Resort & Spa, a destination situated within 12 acres of tropical rainforest, is offering its Eco-Friendly Package through December of this year. It includes horseback riding, a mangrove boat excursion and walking tour of Manuel Antonio National Park, plus six nights' accommodations, starting at $283 per night.

Pittsburgh Suds Up with Homemade Soap

2011-04-13T02:40:00.002-04:00

I just love when people do something unexpectedly innovative. Especially when it comes out of a large corporation, rather than an expected innovation-pumping start-up. That's why Fairmont Pittsburgh's most recent kitchen experimentation has caught my eye...

Turns out the classically French-trained Executive Chef Andrew Morrison whips up more than just fine dining for the LEED-Gold luxury hotel. He's also a master of soap. Yes, the kind you use when washing your body. Available in scents like lavender chamomile, rosemary mint, lemon grass and pear ginger, the homemade suds will sell in the health club and spa in the near future and are crafted using reclaimed, all-natural ingredients like coconut oil and lye, from the hotel's kitchen. (The tallow, or beef fat used to make the soap, actually comes from the weekly half-cow that Morrison purchases at the Burns Angus local farm. Now, every part of the cow is being used to minimize waste.)

The soap-making process, which takes two weeks, is started and completed in the Fairmont kitchen using reclaimed, all-natural ingredients from the hotel's restaurant, Habitat.

Fairmont Pittsburgh's Habitat Restaurant

San Francisco Aims for LEED with Greener Skies

2011-04-12T06:44:00.001-04:00

San Francisco International Airport's new Terminal 2 (Courtesy SFIA)

San Fran is aiming high when it comes to its newest airport terminal, slated to be the first LEED-Gold terminal in the states. The 640,000-square-foot terminal will be home to American Airlines and Virgin America (yep, even the Virgin Galactic space flights) at San Francisco International Airport, and will begin welcoming flights this week.

Featuring paperless ticketing, special hybrid and electric car parking and more fresh, local food vendors that offer organic and sustainable options, the terminal is designed for optimum indoor air quality with less energy consumption. Efficiency regulations will also be put into place, mandating the recycling of 90 percent of solid waste by 2020, requiring food vendors to use biodegradable tableware and composting.

I just love the greening of airports, especially the recent LEED Gold certification of India's mammoth Indira Gandhi International, designed to transport a whopping 34 million travelers per year (details here).

Gotta love the "hydration station," pictured above

Great Escape: Hotel Chocolat, St. Lucia

2011-04-11T18:16:00.004-04:00

Hotel Chocolat, St. Lucia (Courtesy of Hotel Chocolat)

When comes to sweet escapes, there's not much more inviting--or alluring--than the ethically minded Hotel Chocolat in Saint Lucia. The brand, which was launched as a retail catalog, has since morphed into a website, complemented by the launch of several US and UK-based storefronts, and now, a West Indian cocoa plantation turned luxe hideaway.

The estate, which dates back to 1745, nods nostalgically to its rich past with the restoration of its original historical house, surrounded by rehabilitated cocoa groves, harvesting once again. (St. Lucia cocoa farming has been declining for nearly 20 years, but with Hotel Chocolat's commitment to purchase local fruit, 100 local farming jobs have already been created.)

Peak harvest season runs from November to February, and grants the loveliest views of the pale pink blossoms, but guests can visit the estate throughout the entire year.

For those chocolate connoisseurs overcome by the temptation, a "Total Cacao Immersion" package exists that offers accommodation in a cocoa cottage, full cacao body massages for two, fresh cacao bellinis and a complete "Tree to Bar" chocolate experience that includes harvesting, fermenting, drying, roasting and making your own batch of chocolate truffles. (Three-night stay rates start at $2,150, based on double occupancy.)

Is anyone else salivating?

The infinity pool (above) and sun deck at Hotel Chocolat

Snapshot: Crabby for Spring

2011-03-28T20:46:00.002-04:00

Copyright: Jessica Blair Howell / Green Globetrotter

This little guy made my day, scampering atop the tide outside of Riviera Maya, Mexico. Somehow, in the midst of all that gorgeous, sandy scenery... his petite profile caught my eye.

Top Six (Eco-Minded) Travel Essentials

2011-03-25T18:40:00.004-04:00

When it comes to travel staples, I've got it nailed. You can bet that every time I board a plane, I'm toting these green-minded essentials in my carry-all. So, when people ask about my favorite travel products of all time, the easiest ones to toss into a bag, or the one thing I always grab for - this is it.

Want a run-down? Here are my go-to picks (clockwise) when you're on-the-go:

Apple iPad: As much as I love the smell of fresh paper, I've settled for the convenience of the iPad when I'm hitting the pavement. It's lightweight, home to hundreds of books, and now that Wi-Fi is available in the skies, I can even kick back and read my favorite blogs. (Here, starting @ $500)

Weleda Skin Food: Super-rich (and, okay, a little bit greasy), this nutrient-packed lotion goes a long way. It's the perfect antidote to hydration-sucking airplanes. (Here, $18 for 2.5 oz.)

Vapur Roll-Up Water Bottles: Dubbed the "anti-bottle," this BPA-free squeeze bottle takes up practically no room when it's tucked into a carry-on. Once you fill it, it stands upright. (Here, $10)

Indigo Wild Zum Kiss Lip Balm: Made using shea butter, these sweet-smelling balms glide on smoothly and last for hours. (Here, $3.75)

Nature's Valley Granola Bar in Oats 'N Honey: This is a total classic, no? It's inexpensive, sold everywhere and made with whole grains and real sugar instead of any of that diet-y stuff. (Here, $3.50 for six)

Kaia Bamboo Facial Cleansing Cloths: These cool, fresh cloths are disposable and biodegradable, made of fast-growing bamboo, and provide the perfect dose of cleansing power using ingredients like essential oils and organic honey. Swiping one across my face always induces that "ahhhhh...." feeling. (Here, $18 for 30 cloths)