Southwest Greens Travel with Eco-Friendlier Plane

Air travel has gained a reputation of being an environmentally detrimental method of transportation, guzzling petroleum-based fuels and emitting an array of harmful gases into the atmosphere.  While solar planes and biomass jet fuel may still be wishful thinking, a number of airlines are taking initiative and doing their part to minimize the impact of flight.  Southwest's eco-friendly policies are on the forefront with the introduction of a new green plane that promises to improve fuel efficiency and cut emissions.

The Green(er) Jet

Rather than invest in bio and algae-based fuel research like some airlines, Southwest is implementing eco-friendly materials that reduce the weight of their aircraft, thus saving fuel, while also reducing waste and minimizing interior maintenance.  

The test plane, a Boeing 737-700, features:

• Smaller life vest bags made of canvas instead of metal, reducing weight by a pound per passenger and providing increased leg room and storage space;
• Lighter weight foam fill in passenger seats that reduce weight while improving comfort;
• Recyclable aluminum seat rub strips rather than plastic to maximize durability and minimize waste;
• Recycled carpet, installed in sections for easy localized replacement - also reducing waste as well as labor costs;

Two new eco-friendly seat covers are being tested on the green plane: e-leather, a synthetic scuff-resistant leather alternative made of post-consumer waste, and IZIT Leather, a long-lasting, lightweight alternative to premium leather.  The combined changes offer an overall weight reduction of nearly 5 pounds per seat and could save the airline as much as $10 million per year in fuel and maintenance costs.

Other Eco Initiatives From Southwest

Like many airline companies, Southwest has already switched to paperless tickets.  Styrofoam cups have been replaced with eco-friendlier paper and winglets have been installed to improve fleet efficiency.  A better onboard recycling program will also be underway for all Southwest flights, beginning this November.

Green Standards From Other Airlines

I'm sure we'll see more eco initiatives hitting the runways as competition heats up between the airline companies.  Some programs already in place include:

• Organic meal options from Virgin America;
• Energy efficient terminals and extensive recycling from JetBlue;
• New fleets with increased efficiency from American Airlines.

Visit Greenopia's airline sustainability rankings to see how other airlines are going green.

Source: PRNewsWire

Images: lrargerich, AComment

Fregate Island Private – Eco-Luxe Getaway

With breathtaking views of crystal clear waters and an unforgettable palette of blues and greens, Fregate Island Private offers travelers, honeymooners, and adventurous families a getaway that greatly respects the environment. One of the main goals of the coveted hideaway is to preserve and protect the unique species of plants and animals on the island. With no more than 40 guests occupying the island at any one time, enjoying a chance to experience this award-winning 5-star resort is truly an honor. Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Fregate Island Private sits northeast of Madagascar in the Seychelles – an archipelago consisting of 115 islands spread across 400,000 square kilometers. Known as one of the 'last remaining paradises' in the world, the Seychelles upholds strict regulations to ensure the protection of the environment. Why Eco-Friendly? The natural forestation of the local islands fell victim to the colonization of the Seychelles. Eventually, coconut trees replaced the original plants and trees of the land. Today, the efforts of Fregate Island Private may very well create the largest nursery of hardwood trees in the Indian Ocean. For the last 11 years, Fregate Island Private has become increasingly reputable in the hotel industry for successfully embracing and upholding ecological reform. With the goal to become a carbon neutral enterprise, this year marks the 100,000th tree planted under the island's endemic hardwood program, including the two trees planted for each guest that arrives at the resort. Alongside the conservation practices of the island, buildings and infrastructure take up only 5% of the land with the remaining 95% enjoying a restored natural state. As a result, quite a few endemic species of wildlife and flora have triumphed over extinction. Your Villa and Luxury Amenities Guests often take delight in the chance to explore the fascinating natural environment of the island under a veil of exclusive privacy and seclusion, which is why only 16 villas occupy the island. From individually controlled air conditioning to refreshing ceiling fans, Fregate Island Private aims to please guests with non-stop luxurious pampering. Each villa provides guests with access to a Villa Sun Terrace with private pool and Jacuzzi. Other amenities include wireless Internet, personal safe, and your own personal Island Buggy. Rates for Fregate Island Private vary depending on the time of year. Be aware that there are minimum stay requirements. For example, plan a getaway for the Christmas or New Year's holiday (between December 19, 2009 and January 9, 2010), expect to book a villa for a minimum of seven nights. Special rates also apply for guests traveling with children older than 5 years old. During a stay at Fregate Island Private, you may want to: * Get Pampered. Situated on a cliff-top plateau delivering spectacular glimpses of the sea, freshwater pools and cascading waterfalls surround the award-winning 'Rock Spa.' The international holistic treatments originating from ancient Indian, Australian, and Polynesian techniques rely on local ingredients for their botanical magic. * Enjoy Water Sports and Activities. Travel to the lower plateau of the island (opposite the plantation) to reach Fregate's Yacht Club, Marina and PADI Dive Center, where guests may swim, snorkel, or scuba dive on one of seven luxurious beaches. Set sail from the island's marina on a yacht charter for a deep-sea fishing adventure or gain access to sailboats, catamarans, and motor yachts. *Wine and Dine. Toast to your beautiful surroundings or steal a kiss during a meal at one of two island restaurants. Fregate House serves daily gourmet dishes, while the Plantation House gives you a chance to experience authentic Creole-style cuisine in an open-air dining atmosphere. Additionally, the island is equipped with its own plantation and hydroponics, which grows fresh fruit and vegetables for each meal. From frozen concoctions to your favorite cocktail, the Pirate’s Bar and the Anse Bambous Beach Bar satisfies your thirst for 'spirited' relaxation. Other features of the island include a fully equipped, air-conditioned fitness center, wine cellar with dining facilities, and active pursuits, such as tennis, volleyball, biking, badminton, and hiking. Image Credits: Fregate Island Private

Brimfield Antique Mart Comes Around Again

Buying antiques is one of the best ways to give the planet a longer shelf life.  From the obvious furniture to pottery, china, and silver with long bloodlines, outfitting your home with things from the past is always an investment in the future.   

The most famous  -- and perhaps largest and oldest -- outdoor antique sale in the United States is the Brimfield Show, a week long extravaganza that takes over a quaint town in central Massachusetts for one week in May, July, and September every year.  The May event, which starts on the 17th, is arguably the best time of year to really make it a fun, sustainable trip while you find new Bakelite jewelry, architectural elements (because every house needs a stained glass window and a decorative arch), and more.    May is beautiful in Massachusetts and while you are bargaining side by side with men in t-shirts that read "I collect old coins" or dealers looking to stock their shops for the winter, you can rest assured knowing that more parts of your visit are geared towards re-use and recycling.  

Although the mile-long stretch of antique dealers runs all week, sections are divided into various "fields" that open on different days, providing new items and excitement each time you go.  You may start out interested in folk art but end up coming home with depression glass, wrought iron plant stands, and vintage toys.

Coming into Brimfield from the airport in Hartford, consider using the show's number one service, PickupPal.com a car pool service that reduces the number of cars coming to the area and tracks the savings in tons of Co2 not entered into the atmosphere.  There are many typical New England bed and breakfasts between Connecticut and Massachusetts, all less than half an hour to the show site.  One of the best, a little farther away but worth the drive, is Delta Organic Farm B&B, which boasts local sustainable meals (mostly harvested right on the premises) and a certified allergy-free environment. 

Although there are many food vendors at the site, with some vegetarian and locally sourced options, if you fly into Hartford, before you head east, consider stopping at  Alchemy, which features excellent vegan, vegetarian, and raw foods as well as smoothies: a great option is packing a lunch of their delicious vegan wraps.

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aerial image of opening day at May's Field

previous image from Old Good Things, selling architectural finds at Brimfield.

Sundance Resort

With breathtaking natural scenes, refreshing ski adventures, and gorgeous accommodations, the Sundance Resort serves as a sanctuary for people who love the great outdoors, cherish the arts, and wish to preserve the awe-inspiring existence of Mother Nature. With the help of a notable film personality, this unforgettable eco-getaway located in Park City, Utah has developed a celebrity status of its own. It all started in 1969, when Robert Redford (actor and environmentalist) bought a local ski resort and a great deal of the surrounding land. After ignoring the whispers of New York investors to transform the canyon into a wave of hotels and condos, Redford chose to create a haven for nature lovers, outdoorsy folks, and the artistic community – the end result being Sundance. Today, the Sundance Resort offers six distinct choices in luxury accommodations for visitors: Standard Rooms (450 square feet) A queen bed with full private bathroom and separate vanity area are included in rooms located in the Mandan region of the resort. Studios (450 square feet) Found in the River Run region, guests are treated to a queen-sized bed, full private bathroom, gas fireplace, and mini-refrigerator. Sundance Suites (700 square feet) Presenting a cozy bay-style floor plan, queen-sized beds are paired with a full private bathroom. Other features include stone fireplace, kitchenette, and small sitting area. Mountain Suites (900 square feet) Guests are treated to a private master bedroom accompanied by a fully equipped kitchen, living room, dining area, stone fireplace, and deck or patio. Mountain Lofts offer the same luxuries with the addition of a loft with ladder access. Mountain Homes Offering 3-, 4-, and 5-bedroom luxury, private homes dotting the mountain located above the resort, each dwelling is equipped with its own unique floor plan and features. For example, Pine Haven offers three levels of mountain and river views with access to flatscreen televisions and a master suite Jacuzzi tub. With Southwestern décor, step onto natural-rock floors of the Aspen Ridge to further explore the four bedrooms and bathrooms, two living rooms, and five fireplaces. The Cuckoo's Nest allows guests to enjoy the comforts of a lap pool in the summertime and sauna during the winter season. Eco-Friendly Policies The Sundance Resort upholds a commitment to the environment by embracing an assortment of green business practices. Just some of the policies and features associated, includes:

• An onsite art studio that produces organic soaps for guests
• Supported green purchases
• A linen reuse program
• Free mass transit for pass holders
• Education regarding the local environment

Interesting Fact: Does 'Sundance' sound familiar to you? Robert Redford is responsible for not only establishing the Sundance Resort, but also creating the Sundance Institute, Sundance Cinemas, the Sundance Channel, and the Sundance Film Festival, which gives independent filmmakers a chance to make their mark in the industry. To date, the festival is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Photo Credits: Sundance Resort