Sustainable Travels

On a recent family visit to Denver, I had a DELICIOUS sustainable restaurant experience I wanted to share! Snooze on 2262 Larimer St was quite the brunch treat. Being the greenie I am, I noticed the recycle & composting signs throughout the restaurant (the trashcan in the bathroom requested only paper towels & compostable products). I suspected other green practices to follow suite and found their eco-friendly actions on their Snooze-licious website:

Though I've given some negative press to Japan - for the slaughtering of dolphins - I do have great respect for the country. I had the amazing opportunity to spend 10 days in Japan with my Mom and one of my best friends. We explored everywhere from Nakatsu to Hirsohima, Kyoto, Tokyo, Nara, Nikko and Beppu. Of course, I made sure to observe enviro-habits abroad. One of the most interesting things I noticed is how efficient the country is. When the Japanese put out waste, they have to separate their plastics, aluminum, glass, and any other recyclables in separate bags from one ‘burnable’ waste area. If this isn't done, fines ensue. (With a country so small, it's risky not to take drastic recycling efforts). One night I stayed at the Earth Embassy at the base of Mount Fuji. American Jacob Reiner founded this organic farm, education center and restaurant to better the local area - especially with delicious produce. We met five volunteers who stay anywhere from a week to several months - investing their time for the greater good. (I also enjoyed a banana and garlic pizza from the delicious café - don’t knock it until you try it…) Eco-Lessons that I imported from Japan for you?

As I'm taking 10 glorious days to rejuvenate from my normally hectic schedule, I can't escape my green observations & habits. Being green is a part of my lifestyle, and I have "green guilt" if I knowingly do something un-green... Whether I'm on the beach, in our beachhouse, or going for a run. In the past few days, I've learned some lessons from my new-found friends in Avalon, NJ, I'd like to share:

Many of us are gearing up for the long holiday weekend away. So it seems like a good time to review how we can put our best green effort forward when away from home, where it's often more challenging to do so. Whether you're hitting the beach, camping or visiting old friends, it's easy to let go of your good green habits when you have a change of scenery. Just like our eating & drinking habits change on vacation, so can our eco-friendly intentions. Here's some things to keep in mind to lessen your carbon footprint this weekend or whenever you're away from home: