the conscious decision blog
5 Tips for Eco-Friendly Camping
An estimated 40 million people go camping each year in the United States. The scenic views, inspiring hikes and starry skies help us de-stress and reconnect with nature. Nature provides us with many benefits so it important that we give back and protect the environment. Enjoy 5 simple tips for more eco-friendly camping adventures: 1. Reusable Kitchenware - Pick up eco-friendly, unbreakable plates, cups, cutlery, washable dish towels and cloth napkins. Avoid disposable versions that leave behind excessive waste. 2. Used Gear - Choose used gear or rented camping gears or equiptment for a lighter carbon footprint. If you prefer a new sleep bag, try an eco-friendly camping gear option made out of recycled materials.3. Clean Soap - Remember to wash you dishes with natural, biodegradable soap. Harsh detergents will introduce toxins into to the environment. Waste water should emptied into dry ground, or as directed by the camping facility, and never into a stream or river. 4. Sustainable Sunscreen and Bug Spray - Keep your visit to nature chemical-free by using organic sunscreen and natural body bug repellent. Chemical sunscreens and bug sprays are toxic to the human body and to our precious environment. 5. Minimal Electricity - Leave electronics behind to connect deeper with nature and reduce energy usage. For flashlights and cameras use rechargeable batteries or bring along a solar charger. Keep your emergency cell phone powered up and stick to the essentials. 6. Bulk Water - Steer clear of plastic water bottles and choose sustainable camping gear instead. Bring along a BPA-free collapsible water container or gallon water jugs and refillable water bottles. Plastic water bottles create excess waste that can harm the environment and wildlife. Eco-friendly camping takes preparation and planning but it makes for a more enjoyable experience. Leave nature the way you found it and enjoy!!
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Top 5 Eco Destinations for 2016
Planning a vacation this season? Connect with nature by embarking on an Eco Adventure that you will never forget. Here are a few of our top Eco Destinations located near and far. WHERE? Ventana Inn | Big Sur, CA WHY? This eco-chic resort sits on 243 acres off the Pacific Coast Highway. Forest blankets this sustainable tourism destination and stars fill the sky. As a member of the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program Ventana upholds guidelines to purchase and serve seafood from sustainable sources. Ventana’s onsite organic garden provides herbs and vegetables to serve along side local, sustainably sourced organic fruit, and meat. WHERE? The Villas at Stonehaven | Tobago, West Indies WHY? This tropical resorts sits on 11 acres of land which adjoins 260 acres of wildlife sanctuary. Tobago is home to the Main Ridge Forest Reserve the world’s oldest legally protected rainforest. It contains a diverse mix of wildlife and endangered reefs - a true retreat into nature. WHERE? Alila Villas Soori | Bali WHY? Alila Villas Soori was designed to meet Global EarthCheck's eco standards for sustainability including the use of local materials and landscaping, heat-reflective roofs, and organic food. A combination of indigenous volcanic rock and abundant plants organically cool the villas. Open courtyards provide natural ventilation and lighting minimizing the use of both air conditioning and artificial lighting. WHERE? The Cristalino Lodge | Brazil WHY? A 28,167-acre rain forest reserve in southern Mato Grosso envelops Cristalino’s wooden bungalows. Canoe or swim in The Cristalino River, or enjoy nature walks and wildlife viewing. The bungalows feature a natural ventilation system and make use of solar water heating and bio-waste treatment for responsible tourism. WHERE? El Monte Sagrado | Taos, New Mexico WHY? With a rich blend of Native American, Mexican, and Spanish cultures Taos, New Mexico offers a unique retreat from the hectic world. El Monte Sagrado is one of the only sustainable resorts in the region where you can enjoy the lush landscapes, sacred grounds, a flowing indoor waterfall, an art gallery, or local adventures like rafting and skiing.
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