Green on the Go Tips Beach Country City
Summer is upon us and that means we are gearing up to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Kim Carlson, eco-expert business owner, author and founder. of EarthSmart Certified Sustainable Product Standard, is offering simple ways to enjoy the warm weather while carrying out some green practices. Whether you're looking to get in shape, plan a day for the family or a romantic night out, Carlson gives you a variety of eco-tainment activities.
Green at the beach
• Screen the Sun - Screen out the sun with sun protective clothing in addition to cream sunscreens. Wear hats and sun proof shirts to extend the time that you can be at the beach without risking your skin. Be sure to wear UB
• Organic cotton towels - Lounge on organic cotton bamboo blend beach towels made with low impact dyes. They are lightweight, durable and the planet isn't harmed when they are produced.
• Green Beach Toys - Buy beach toys made from 100% recycled milk jugs that are phthalate and BPA free. Dig up a storm or build a castle and knowing that your beach play isn't adding to harming your child or the planet.
• A BPA Free Re-useable Water Bottle-A day at the beach is dehydrating. I drink quarts of water daily no matter if I am in a city or a remote destination. Bringing my own bottle assures that I wont waste plastic and will always have it with me.
• A No Waste Picnic - Pack up an organic lunch and snacks in re-useable cloth bags or containers. Avoid individually wrapped foods from the market instead opt for local fresh fruits and veggies bought at a stand or farmers market.
• Ride the Wind - Going windsurfing or cruising in a small sailboat is a no emission and no effort way to get around on the water. It takes some skill but it brings old meaning to "powered by renewable energy".
Green in the country
• Go Hiking - It's good exercise for the body and getting out in nature is a terrific stress reliever. As long as you follow the rule of "take only pictures, leave only footprints", you will be in perfect harmony with Mother Nature.
• Take a Bike Ride -Bicycling has obvious leg and cardio benefits but it is also a petro-free way to see some new sights. No emissions either but remember to wear a helmet and beware of traffic on country roads.
• Green Golf - Traditional golf courses are maintained with toxic chemicals, polluting mowers and use lots of water to keep the grass green. Some courses are switching to more environmentally preferable techniques including narrower fairways with less turf, less toxic weed & feed and rougher rough.
• Watch the sunset - Take the time to just be rather than do. There is zero environmental impact in stillness. Sit on a deck, dock or hillside watching a brilliant midsummer sunset. Or wait until after dark, lay on your back looking up and try to name as many stars and constellations as you can.
• Go Skinny dipping - If you are on the ocean or a lake, sneak out after dark and take a cool evening dip. It will make you feel like you are 15 and better yet there are no noisy or polluting motors.
Green in the city
• Stay in a Green Hotel - Look for the "Green Hotel Certification", a program by Green Globe where environmental and cultural levels as well as Corporate Social Responsibilities are benchmarked against the highest worldwide principles. "Green Seal" is another certification program that primarily focuses on the green building aspects of a hotel.
• Enjoy Music or Movies in the Park - There is nothing more romantic than being outdoors on a warm summer evening with your other. Remember the non-toxic bug spray.
• Green Drinks - Visit a rooftop bar that serves organic cocktails - you may have less of a hang-over with all the toxins removed!
• Go Local - Find a restaurant that serve up locally raised ingredients then reduce your carbon footprint further by walking, biking or taking transit to dinner from your hotel.
• Organic Picnic - Stop at a cheese shop, bakery and wine shop buying an all organic lunch or dinner to eat outside in a city park on an organic cotton throw.
• Visit an Outdoor sculpture garden - Enjoy a pleasant walk in the elements looking at the artistic elements of art within the confines of a natural environment. You will get some air and be one with the artistic environment with almost no eco-footprint.