Eco Conscious Travel




Of the many factors driving the green industry today, green travel is both an attractive and controversial idea. So what is green travel and why is it a hot topic of debate?

Eco Travel is a means of travel that considers economy and ecology in the decision-making process of where to go, how to get there, where to stay. . . and even what to do once you’ve arrived! At the core of understanding the green lifestyle is the idea of ​​minimizing our individual and collective human “footprint,” or the impact our actions have on the environment. Let’s face it, every time you fly, drive your car, or use other traditional means of transportation to travel: it may get you where you’re going quickly, but the byproduct has a negative effect on the environment.

The travel industry is spending millions of dollars across the board. From transportation and lodging to tour and service organizations, the hope is to reduce or offset their businesses’ impact on the environment, either because they are true ecological stewards or as a means of aligning with a rapidly growing consensus and highly publicized statement that we humans “should” and desperately need to care about the one planet we all share.

Some critics advocate immediate and aggressive change in travel behavior, such as opting out of travel and staying home. But for many, that’s an impractical solution to a vast and complex problem. Indeed, pondering such an extreme change can lead to a multitude of less severe options along the spectrum…many of which can be applied on a personal level, and some that can be shared with family and friends to help bring a brighter awareness on the subject.

According to the 2005 industry report from the Natural Marketing Institute (NMI) and Silvercliffe Media, Inc., Eco Travel represents a $24.2 billion industry. Many countries depend solely on tourism for their economic survival. So where do we strike a balance? For those who aren’t quite ready to adventure at home yet, but want to approach travel responsibly, here are some resources to help you on your sustainable travel path.

CONSIDER GREEN LODGING

Great hospitality is something we all hope to find on our travels, but when it comes to eco-friendly accommodation, this can be a challenging task, especially for the chemically sensitive or those simply looking to be more in tune with nature. From cabins and small inns to grand hotels and resorts, eco-friendly lodging has become the new travel essential.

Lapis Lane Guest House & Cabin, Whidbey WA

Lapis Lane Guesthouse and Cabin on Whidbey Island, WA is owned and operated by Elaine and Dimitri Michaelides. The property is situated on 6 acres; it is private but easily accessible from the Clinton ferry station. The charming tree-lined sanctuary has been described as a “creative haven,” providing two secluded and separate residences and a gallery/gathering space that can serve as your solo retreat, romantic getaway, creative adventure, or small gathering. Lapis Lane Guesthouse is situated on the west side of Whidbey Island, allowing you to capture magnificent views of the Olympic Mountains and beautiful sunsets over Puget Sound.

“Enjoy an evening walk along wooded trails under beautiful old fir trees. See and hear owls and coyotes. During the day, bald eagles fly overhead. In August and September, pick buckets of juicy wild berries right outside your front door “.

Both the guest house and the cabin have non-toxic and chemical-free living spaces, use of 100% cotton sheets and a recycling system. And you won’t have to leave the property to find healthy products. Just a short walk down the path from the guest house is an organic heirloom garden, lovingly cared for by owner and landscape consultant Elaine Michaelides, who kindly greets her guests with an abundance of fresh greens upon arrival. . Elaine created the garden herself, which provides produce throughout the year for her family and her guests. In addition to managing the property with her husband Dimitri, Elaine spreads her earth-friendly talents throughout the island, bringing expertise in traditional organic gardening methods, landscaping, and growing from seeds.

The Lapis Lane Guest House is equipped with a full kitchen and pantry for your convenience. To help ease your worries, the guesthouse also boasts a wonderful skylit steam room with a whirlpool tub. Practice your singing while you’re there relaxing and gazing at the starry night sky; high ceilings provide amazing acoustics and give a whole new meaning to “singing in the shower”. If that’s not dreamy enough for you, wrap yourself in one of the plush cotton robes provided or just melt into one of the plush featherbeds for the ultimate nap in the sunshine or an amazing night’s sleep.

When you’re ready to explore, continue a few steps further up the path from the garden and you’ll find the working studio of Elaine’s husband, Dimitri Michaelides, a nationally renowned glass artist. Michaelides, who incorporates a practice of sustainability through the use of recycled glass and energy-saving methods in his work process, was one of 72 artists selected by the Smithsonian for inclusion in the White House Permanent Collection of American Crafts. . The guesthouse and cabin are adorned with his beautiful work, distinguished by his use of bright colors to create vessels adorned with his signature hand-blown birds.

If you’re lucky, you can find Dimitri at work. The grace, speed and patience with which he works to create his art is magical. . . an amazing sight to see!

The next time you’re in the Washington area, be sure to check out Lapis Lane Guest House. It is a charming, relaxing and environmentally friendly option.

For reservation information and rates, contact:

elaine michaelides

(360) 579-2009

http://www.lapilane.com

Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge, Homer, Alaska

The Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge in Alaska has been recommended as one of the best eco lodges in the US by a host of highly respected environmental organizations including ‘E’ The Environmental Magazine, Earthfoot, Adventure Quest, Green Hotels and The Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies, to name a few. Sadie Cove is private property, surrounded by Kachemak Bay State Park. Promoted as “One of the Top Ten Green Resorts in North America” ​​by Natural Home magazine; and voted one of Forbes Traveler’s “Top Ten Green Hotels in America.” This verdant treasure is described as a protected oasis, an adventure for visitors, accessible only by water or a short helicopter ride.

This verdant treasure is described as a protected oasis, an adventure for visitors, accessible only by water or a short helicopter ride. The lodge is located just north of Tutka Bay, midway between Seldovia and Halibut Cove, and just a 10-mile boat ride from Homer, Alaska, the “Bear Watching Capital of the World and the gateway city to Kenai Fjords National Park.” , Lake Clark National Park and Katmai National Park”.

Keith Iverson, owner/operator of Sadie Cove Lodge, custom hand-built the lodges in the mid-1970s from harvested driftwood. In the spirit of green stewardship, Sadie Cove is doing its part to leave a lighter footprint. The facility runs completely off the grid, using wind and hydroelectric resources for its alternative energy power. Also featured are a creekside sauna, bathhouse, and family entertainment lounge. Enjoy a meal professionally prepared by the resident chef in the lodge’s dining room. For people who want to see the beautiful scenery or just experience the serenity of this retreat, kayaking or fishing is an option. The lodge provides you with all the equipment you will need, free of charge.

There is a current advertising campaign organized by the State of Alaska, “Alaska Before I Die!” He urges people to see Alaska now, before it goes to progress.

If you have ever dreamed of touring this beautiful region, now may be the time!

Be sure to add the Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge to your list of “must do” eco-adventures.

For reservation information and rates, contact:

1-888-283-7234

http://www.sadiecove.com

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