Are you green?

The troubles caused by BP's malfunctioning oil well (among other issues) have reminded us lately of the ever popular 'Green Movement'. Fifteen to twenty years ago, being called a tree hugger was insulting but now everyone from students to multinational corporations to governments around the world are falling in line with this trendy movement. This got us thinking about how this movement might cross paths with your world travels. Here's a nod to all things green.
Would you take a green vacation? (This would include where you stay, transportation, activities, etc) Let us know in the comments or contact us today!





Sailing the open ocean
Many cruise lines are also following suit on this initiative. Often they have their own set of guidelines, in addition to government and environmental agency regulations. Some of these efforts include not dumping untreated waste water, donating cooking grease, using cooking oil as biodiesel, finding ways to save fuel while sailing (tweaking docking times, altering speeds), installing eco-friendly lighting & energy-efficient appliances, using special tinting to help keep the ship cooler & reduce its dependence on air conditioning, incinerating & processing waste on board, and recycling to name just a few. Currently, cruise ships meet or surpass all US and international environmental laws.


Resorts gone green
Resorts are also joining in on the effort by making buildings more efficient and emitting less harmful waste into the environment. The following are the top 1o eco-resorts worldwide.

1. The Lodge at Sun Ranch. Montana, USA
2. Southern Ocean Lodge. Kangaroo Island, Australia
3. Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat. Broome, Australia
4. Hotel Punta Islita. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
5. Spice Island Beach Resort. St. George, Grenada
6. Shergarh Tented Camp. Kanha Tiger Reserve, India
7. Nihiwatu. Southwest Sumba, Indonesia
8. Tenuta di Spannocchia. Siena, Italy
9. Angsana Resort & Spa Ihuru. Ihuru, Maldives
10. Hotelito Desconocido. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

More accessible hotel chains such as Marriot and Starwood are making it easier to travel green as well. Courtyard by Marriott has achieved volume pre-certification for green buildings although it merely provides the option and does not require builders to follow the guidelines. Starwood's new Element brand not only has received volume pre-certification, it also requires that all buildings meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) status. Click here for further information on Starwood's Element brand and here for locations!

"The 2010 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) ranks 163 countries on 25 performance indicators tracked across ten policy categories covering both environmental public health and ecosystem vitality. These indicators provide a gauge at a national government scale of how close countries are to established environmental policy goals. The EPI's proximity-to-target methodology facilitates cross-country comparisons as well as analysis of how the global community is doing collectively on each particular policy issue."

1. Iceland 93.5
2. Switzerland 89.1
3. Costa Rica 86.4
4. Sweden 86.0
5. Norway 81.1
6. Mauritius 80.6
7. France 78.2
8. Austria 78.1
9. Cuba 78.1
10. Colombia 76.8

*The US ranked at #61 with a score of 63.5

Quick Recap: What does it mean to go green & how does one do such a thing?
Ultimately, going green is an attempt to mitigate the destructive aspects in our everyday lives. As globalization makes the world a smaller place, our actions are increasingly effecting lives in other parts of the world. (Think: Danish children playing with toys made in China, etc) These steps can start with something small & easy like recycling and using reusable grocery bags. By helping out our environment, we're ultimately helping pad our bank accounts, staying healthier, and improving our overall quality of life.