Welcome to the July 2009 issue of "Stages of Green".
Now that summer is finally here, we can take some time to relax and recharge. It's also a great time to introduce some environmentally friendly habits into our lifestyle.
In this issue we provide some suggestions to make your summer activities and holidays more sustainable and less harmful to the planet.
Have An Eco-Friendly Picnic This Summer
Is this the year you finally take that great family
staycation? If you're looking for a fun inexpensive activity you can start summer off right by organizing a green picnic.
Whether it's at the beach, in the park, while hiking or just in your backyard what better way to enjoy the outdoors and reestablish a connection with nature than having a picnic.
Here are some suggestions to help you have a green picnic:
Follow the eat local movement and select foods that grow locally and don't need to be transported in from thousands of miles away. It's a great opportunity to visit a neighborhood farmer's market to see what they have to offer. Try some organic fruits and vegetables or local specialties such as artisanal cheeses and meats. It's sure to be a pleasant change from the usual selections offered at the supermarket.
If possible use a more eco-friendly means of transportation to get to your picnic site. Instead of driving, take public transportation, bicycle or even walk if it's close by.
Avoid using plastic or polystyrene disposable products. You can buy inexpensive reusable plateware and cutlery or at least choose compostable tableware products to avoid leaving a record of your outing for hundreds of years.
Take the time to appreciate nature. As an environmentally conscious person, this is what you are working to preserve. This is what can be lost.
Remember the "Pack it in, Pack it out" rule. Leave no trace that you were there by removing all forms of litter from the area and leave it how you found it.
Recycle what you can.
Environmentally Friendly Car Travel
If your summer vacation or family outings require the use of a car then at least make sure to take some of these simple steps to reduce your impact on the environment.
Verify that your car tire pressure is correct.
Keep your car well maintained including a clean air filter, a properly tuned engine and aligned tires.
Remove extra weight from your trunk.
Drive at the speed limit.
Use cruise control for better mileage.
Avoid sudden braking and accelerating.
Use the car air conditioning sparingly.
Car pool to your destination when possible.
Choose locations closer to home.
Keeping these suggestions in mind can help the environment and reduce your gas expense as well.
Vacation In A Green Hotel
Many smaller hotels and even some larger chains are starting to implement green practices into their hotel management.
If your vacation includes a hotel stay consider selecting one that follows green sustainable practices. Here are some examples of what hotels are doing to be more environmentally conscious.
A linen reuse program is implemented.
Bathrooms have low flow showerheads and toilets.
Recycling bins are available in the room.
Hotel has implemented an energy conservation program (ex. Sensors and timers are used to manage hotel lighting, air conditioning etc.).
Recycled paper is used for hotel stationary.
Environmentally friendly, non-toxic cleaning products are used in the hotel.
Hotel educates staff and guests on their eco-practices.
Information is available to guests on public transportation, bicycling, walking tours etc.
Organic and local food is used in hotel restaurants.
Food service items are reusable, disposable items are compostable.
Hotel has an active recycling and composting program.
You can find a number of internet sites that provide lists of green certified hotels and eco-resorts. Here are a few links to get you started:
Two commonly used products in the summer are sunscreens and insect repellents.
The issues of concern with these products are whether they are effective and whether they are safe.
Sunscreens
The Environmental Working Group has put together the 2009 Sunscreen Effectiveness Report
which includes material on misleading claims, skin safety, nanotechnology, and some background on the active ingredients used in sunscreens.
In case you are not familiar with nanotechnology and how it is used in personal care products take a look at this short document covering the
Background on Nanotechnology.
Summer is about relaxing and having fun. If you can incorporate a few things into your lifestyle that will help our environment, you will also be supporting and promoting a healthier you!
Is this the year you finally take that great family
If your summer vacation or family outings require the use of a car then at least make sure to take some of these simple steps to reduce your impact on the environment.
Many smaller hotels and even some larger chains are starting to implement green practices into their hotel management.
