Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Spring break is just around the corner, and the uncommonly warm winter weather in the Midwest has us all counting the days until we can jet off to our destinations. However, travelling to a greener place isn't the only thing I have in mind when thinking about choosing a "green spring break." Whether you are flying halfway across the world to soak up the sun on a foreign beach, or simply staying put and relaxing at home this spring break, there are options to ease your eco-conscious mind.

Travel

This year you and your friends or family are lucky enough to head to a sunny beach in Florida for the week; how can you make sure to leave deeper footprints in the sand than on the environment? First, check out the Green Hotels Association website, where you can explore the green hotels in the area you want to visit. Green hotels save energy, water and reduce solid waste so that your stay leaves less of an impact on the environment. Ask to re-use towels and sheets and turn off the lights and air conditioner while you're out exploring the town.

When creating travel plans, look into the options of public transportation or packing a single car with all your travel companions before booking a flight. Not only can it be cheaper per person than flying (check out the AAA fuel cost calculator to estimate the cost of your trip), but driving produces less carbon emissions per passenger. If you have extra room in your car, consider asking around to see if you have any other friends heading in the same direction. If you must fly, consider flying directly to your destination to save on the heavy take-off and landing fuel usage of stopping at multiple airports. A great way to offset your carbon footprint is to donate to carbon-reduction projects through Native Energy. Native Energy offers a carbon emissions calculator for business, travel and for everyday life, and gives you the opportunity to offset those emissions. Twisted Limb Paperworks works with Native Energy as a part of our commitment to sustainable business.

If you're looking for a unique experience, explore the world of geotourism through the National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations. Geotourism encourages the improvement of the geographical character of the location—through supporting the environment and local community with tourism. Rather than sending your vacation dollars to large hotel and restaurant chains, geotourism allows you to make your hard-earned cash count by strengthening local communities around the world. Wherever you go, whether as a geotourist or not, try to support privately owned businesses; not only will you help fuel local economies, but you will also get a more authentic taste of the city you stay in.

Try a Spring Break "Staycation"

A "staycation" might sound like a euphemism for when you just don't leave home over spring break, or can't afford to go anywhere fancy or exciting. However, taking your vacation week to explore your city can be more rewarding than you might think. The stress of everyday life takes away from the time we could be spending discovering a new coffee shop, restaurant or arts niche within your very own city or state limits. Rediscovering the culture of your hometown simply means stepping outside of your everyday routine and taking a different perspective on what makes your town special.

• Don't just drive past that local coffee shop, bar or restaurant you've been dying to try. If you have a daily Starbucks ritual, switch it up and try out an individually owned business. You may like what you find, and on top of that, you're supporting entrepreneurs in your own community. Bonus points if you grab a friend and walk or bike.

• Check out the museums in your area by searching the American Association of Museums and choose the one that sounds most interesting to you. If you have kids, discover your options for children's museums and spend the day learning with your family.

• Visit your state's Department of Natural Resources website and find a state park that you've never visited. Admission prices are often inexpensive, so pack up the car with some hiking gear and a picnic lunch and spend the day enjoying the great outdoors. The natural beauty outside of the city or suburbs will often surprise and rejuvenate you, even if you only spend an afternoon exploring a state park less than an hour from your home.

• Make tedious tasks that you have planned for the week, like painting the house or spring cleaning, a little more fun by rewarding yourself with a springtime treat. Find some refreshing smoothie ideas for the afternoon, ask around for a new dessert recipe, or try cooking a homemade meal with your friends or family. Be adventurous! Try recipes that you've never made before.

• Search for art exhibits happening around your town. If your city has an arts district, make an evening of wandering through different galleries after dinner at a local restaurant. If your town has an events calendar, try something out-of-the-box and catch a performance by a local jazz band or theater group.

• Create something. Making things by hand is always rewarding and can help save money, too. Learn to knit, dust off the sewing machine, or cut up some paper to make simple garland to add color to your home. Browse through Twisted Limb's selection of recycled handmade paper or browse the crafting forum for inspiration! The more colorful, the better—nothing helps beat the wintertime blues like bright yellows, greens and pinks. Crafting is a great way to relieve stress, entertain the kids, and catch up with old friends.