10 Ways to Save on Summer Roadtrips

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Roadtrippers everywhere are rejoicing in their ability to control costs as the airline industry continues to add fees. These days, everything from carry-on luggage to the privilege of herding your kids down the jetway before the masses will cost you some extra cash. However, road trips can get pretty pricey too, unless you plan ahead. Consider these 10 money-saving tips before you embark on … [Read more...]

What You Need To Know About Visiting The Galapagos

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Q & A with Santiago Dunn, President of Ecoventura The Galapagos, known for its wealth of highly visible living creatures, is also one of the most fragile and endangered ecosystems in the world.  Following are questions many potential visitors ask before traveling to these islands. The answers are provided by a leader in creating sustainable tourism programs for the region, , owner of … [Read more...]

What's Green Behind The Scenes At Disney

Thirty years ago when Walt Disney was planning his Florida theme park, he set aside more than one-third of the park property to be dedicated conservation habitat. That adds up to 10,000 acres of conservation area that is integrated throughout Walt Disney World property. And I found the the Mouseketeers that work at Walt Disney World take that conservation very seriously. During my stay at Disney, … [Read more...]

Eco-Fun In Disney World

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If you're looking for Disney World attractions that teach your kids about conservation, then you are headed to Animal Kingdom.  At over 500 acres, Animal Kingdom is the largest of all of Disney's "kingdoms."  In fact, all of the other parks combined could fit in to Animal Kingdom.  The park offers silly, playful, and sometimes scary, encounters with animals, both real and pretend, but overall, … [Read more...]

Eating Green in Disney World

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Anytime you venture out on vacation, you put yourself at the mercy of the food selections that will be available  to your family at your destination.  Things get even more complicated at Disney because its not like you can just dash out of the park to pick up something else if you don't like the selections you're offered. Fortunately, there are plenty of  healthy, well-balanced, eco-savvy meals … [Read more...]

Greening Disney: Getting There

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OK, so your kids have finally worn you down with their incessant pleas for a Disney vacation and now you find yourself wondering how you can possibly plan a trip to Disney World without abandoning your green ideals. Well, you'll be happy to know that it can be done! All this week I'm going to share with you green tips and behind the scenes eco-information I learned from my family's latest trip … [Read more...]

Greening Disney

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the full the green hornet movie Last week, I took my family to Disney World.  Not the greenest of ventures you say?  Well, while Disney may not be the first destination that comes to mind on the eco-parent vacation list, I found that with a little planning and preparation, you can have an amazing vacation without sacrificing your eco-savvy style.  The key is knowing what to bring, what to … [Read more...]

Green Ways To See The Fall Colors

An Eco-Friendly Fall Foliage Getaway

I think it's safe to say that I'm a big fan of nature.  On any given day, I can usually find beauty (and even a little peace) by checking out a shadowy patch of trees or listening to the crickets chirp outside my window. But all of that pales in comparison to the enjoyment I get out of a crisp fall day, when nature just explodes with color...scarlet maples, orange sassafras, and golden poplars … [Read more...]

Green RV-ing? Are You Kidding?

speed-dating movie music Do lower gas prices have you dusting the cobwebs off of your camper or RV this Labor Day Weekend? RVs tend to get a bad rap in the green scene because of their propensity to guzzle gas as they veer precariously down the road. But Janet Groene, a self-described green “maverick” says that with a little effort, RV camping can be an eco-savvy way to travel. And Groene … [Read more...]

Green Your Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day Weekend, the last official hurrah of the summer season is finally upon us and Green Parents across the U.S. are gearing up for one final fling before the school year begins in earnest. Cooler weather, lower gas prices, and school-wary kids combine to make Labor Day weekend a truly great time to hang with the family. And whether you’re planning to stay home or hit the road, it’s easy … [Read more...]

Eco-Friendly Vacations: Going Green on the Go

Ahhhh…you’re finally on vacation! Whether you’re on the slopes, at the beach, or on the couch, here’s how to go green on the go: At The Hotel Turn off lights, air conditioning units, TVs, and other appliances before you leave for the day. Most hotels have a policy in place to limit unnecessary bedding and towel changes. If yours does, take advantage of it…if it doesn’t, ask if … [Read more...]

Eco-Friendly Vacations: Packing Your Bags

Make It Green: Look for gently used luggage (either from around your house or from your local thrift store) to pack up your gear. If you do need to purchase new, try a daypack or courier bag from Osprey that's made from 100% recycled PET plastic. Keep It Light: Save you back and save the planet by keeping your load as light as possible. The less you pack, the less energy (yours and the … [Read more...]

Eco-Friendly Vacations: Leaving Home

Before you head off on your eco-friendly vacation, take these steps to make sure that things stay green back home: Adjust your hot water heater and heating and air conditioning units to use the minimum amount of energy necessary while you’re gone. (If you have pets that are staying behind…be sure to leave the house a comfortable temperature for them!) If you need to … [Read more...]

Eco Friendly Vacations: Finding A Green Hotel

If you’re going to fork over the cash to stay at a hotel on your trip, look for one that makes an effort to go green. Most hotels have jumped on the “green” bandwagon by asking folks to pass on the daily linen and towel service to conserve water and energy. That’s a good start…but many hotels are doing even better. Check out Green Hotels to find an eco-savvy hotel or call around to find … [Read more...]

Eco-Friendly Vacations: Greening Your Trip

Think a green vacation means trekking through the wilderness or surviving on nothing but granola and berries? Think again! Green vacations come in as many shapes and sizes as American families. In fact, with a little preparation, you can turn almost any vacation into an “eco-vacation.” As a general rule, the closer you stay to home, the less energy will be used and pollution created to get … [Read more...]