By Guest Blogger on June 23, 2011
Until recently, most travel, both business and personal, has followed an unsustainable model. With more people traveling each year, it’s even more important now to consider how our choices affect the global community.
Here are 10 simple tips to be a more socially-aware and eco-conscious traveler. While some of these tips may seem like extra work when planning your next trip, we must remember that we only have this one planet. If we want to continue enjoying our summer vacations every year (and allow future generations to also experience the beautiful cultures, flora and fauna of our world), then we need to be mindful of how our exciting travel plans can have either a positive or negative ripple effect on the communities we’re visiting.
1. Bring your own stainless steel bottle, travel mug or reusable bag. Travel with the mantra of “waste less, use less.” Water is so very important for you and our planet, and many places offer clean drinking water so you don’t need to purchase a new plastic bottle of water every day. Just refill your stainless steel one!
2. Treat the area you’re visiting with respect. If you’re white water rafting, hiking in the jungle or deep sea diving, remember you are entering the “home” of the natural world. Just like you wouldn’t want someone to come into your house and destroy it, they also want to live in peace. Pick up trash when you see it – don’t think someone else is going to do it! And most definitely don’t leave anything behind!
One of the most common things to do during a beach vacation is collect seashells. While they are pretty, they are also a part of the natural environment and often someone’s home. Don’t remove items from the natural environment; they have a purpose and are there for a reason.
3. Explore and discover. Try out the local culture and flavors; experience and learn about the community in which you’re staying. Choose to support locally-owned businesses and restaurants, not chains. Ask questions and talk to the local people; learn who they are, how they live and what they want out of life. Respect both the similarities and differences.
4. Offset your travel with carbon credits. Whether traveling by plane, train, car or boat, it’s important to purchase carbon offsets from a reputable company to reduce the harm we create when traveling outside of our local area.
5. Research the places where you’ll be staying and choose to support hotels that are making a difference and looking beyond the typical profit-only business model. Hotels that are truly sustainable will ensure their bottom line but also provide benefits to the local community and environment. Make sure they aren’t just green washing their claim of being eco. Find out if they hire from the local community, if they recycle and/or compost, if they use reusable soap and shampoo bottles (instead of the tiny plastic ones that just create more waste). There are lots of ways to green a hotel and it’s important to know if they have more than just a towel change policy and low-flow toilet.
6. Be mindful of your interactions with wild animals. Keep a safe distance from any wild animal and do not ever approach one. Never leave out food or feed animals in the wild. And please don’t use flash when taking photographs! How would you like it if someone was taking multiple close-up photos of you and having the flash go off each time? Also, do not purchase animals to take home with you or products made from animals. Whether it’s coral, wool, seashells or alligator skin, remember — it belongs to the animal who lives and breathes, just like you!
7. Choose to not participate in programs that hold animals in captivity. While it may seem fun to “swim with the dolphins,” it is not necessarily fun for the dolphin who is held in a tiny pen for his entire life. By not supporting these “animal” amusement parks and tours, we are decreasing the demand for them.
8. Be aware of the natural resources you’re using and try to reduce whenever possible. Turn off the lights and air conditioning/fans before leaving your room, take shorter showers and use the faucet only as needed. If traveling in an area where you’re unsure if the tap water will be safe, contact your hotel and ask them if they have a filtration system so you can fill up your reusable stainless steel bottle instead of having to purchase plastic bottles (which often do not get recycled and just end up in a landfill or, worse, a waterway that leads to the ocean).
9. Give back. Contact your hotel before arriving and ask if they have any volunteer programs you can participate in or if there are any materials you can bring for the local schools or community centers. On a recent trip to Costa Rica, I brought art supplies for the nonprofit organization, Earth Equilibrium. It was an opportunity to give back and support the local communities I was visiting.
10. Act as a positive role model for other tourists. Talk the talk and walk the walk!
Hopefully when you leave the place you’re visiting, it will be in the same, or better, shape than when you arrived. And just as a quick side note, you probably noticed that all of these things can also be done in your daily life. By living a little more intentionally every day, we can continue creating positive ripples in the world and protect our precious planet for generations to come.
Chrissy Gruninger is a conservation photographer and author, dedicated to helping others see the harmony in all that exists on our beautiful, yet fragile, planet. Her weekly blog, and most recent book focus on creating a healthier, happier and more harmonious life for all.
Photo credit: dddaantje
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By Kris Carr on January 12, 2011
Crazy Sexy Bookworms,
I’m packing my bags for my month-long Crazy Sexy Diet book tour that’s taking me from coast to coast! This is no small task for a gal who is dedicated to staying healthy on the road. Green powder? Check! Supplements? Check! Jump rope? Check! And the list goes on … I’ve got to think about how to be snazzy from the inside out! Will I see beautiful you along the way? I sure hope so! Leave me a comment below to let me know if you’ll be at one of my events.
Next week is a biggie for me and my baby (girl), “Crazy Sexy Diet.” This book has been growing since the day I leaped into my own healing adventure. After pouring every ounce of my knowledge and experience (plus the best information from health superstars like Mark Hyman, Dean Ornish, Neal Barnard, Frank Lipman, Kathy Freston, Rory Freedman and more!) into my diet and lifestyle guide, I am filled with sizzling hot excitement to share it with the world. As you have probably heard, January 16-22 is the week I need your help most! I hope you’ll tweet (you can use the hashtag #crazysexydiet), post on Facebook, and blog your hearts out about your experience reading the book.
Of course, if you haven’t picked it up, January 16-22 would be the perfect time! And, you’ll be just in time to join my guided Crazy Sexy Diet national cleanse, which starts next Monday, January 17th. Woo hoo! It’s a New Year and a New You, so come and get groovy sexy healthy with me! More details on that coming Friday! Make sure you’re signed up for my newsletter for the inside scoop.
Peace & healthy travels,
Kris Carr
Crazy Sexy Diet Book Tour Schedule
January 17 (7-8 p.m.): Jivamukti Yoga School | 841 Broadway, 2nd floor, New York, NY 10003
January 18 (8:30 a.m. EST): Good Morning America appearance
January 18 (7-8:30 p.m.): Barnes & Noble | 2289 Broadway, New York, NY 10024
January 20 (7 p.m.): Fairfield Theater Company | 70 Sanford Street, Fairfield CT 06824 (sold out!)
January 22 (12-2 p.m.): Elizabeth’s Gone Raw | 1341 L Street, NW Washington, DC 20005
January 23 (4-5:30 p.m.): Borders |8027 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182
January 24 (7-8:30 p.m.): breathe books | 816 W 36th St, Baltimore, MD 21211
January 25 (6-7:30 p.m.): Barnes & Noble | 1 East Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60604
January 26 (7-8:30 p.m.): Borders | 1500 16th St, Oak Brook Illinois, IL 60523
January 28 (7:30-9 p.m.): Tattered Cover Bookstore | 2526 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80206
January 29 (2-3:30 p.m.): Barnes & Noble | 12000 SE 82nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97086
February 2 (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.): Canary Foundation Luncheon at Menlo Circus Club | 190 Park Lane, Atherton, CA 94027 (ticketed event)
February 2 (6-7:30 p.m.): Book Passage | 1 Ferry Building #42, San Francisco, CA 94111
February 3 (7-8:30 p.m.): Borders | 14651 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
February 5 (7:30 p.m.): Whole Foods | 1401 E. 41st Street, Tulsa, OK 74105
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By Guest Blogger on December 7, 2010
The holidays are upon us and with them comes stress in many forms: what to buy, who to visit, what not to eat, etc. Traveling is another biggie, but this year you can do it right. Check out these tips you can use to keep healthy and sane when traveling by air this holiday travel season:
1. Pack patience. Now that the TSA has added heightened security measures and airlines have tacked on more fees, flying can be a beast. Do your best to give yourself enough time to get through the lines and know that it’s all just part of the experience.
2. Eat before you leave the house. You should always leave with a full tummy or you will be tempted to nosh on whatever is convenient.
3. Know before you go. Know which airports you will be flying in and out of, have a layover, etc. Most airports have websites that show what dining establishments can be found in each terminal. For instance, I know that the Delta terminal at LAX has a Starbucks (for my soy latte) and a CPK Express where I can grab a salad or soup for the flight. Most international hubs have chain restaurants or familiar fast-food counters where you can order a healthy meal for your in-flight pleasure. From a veggie salad or sandwich at Quiznos to a black bean burger at Chili’s To Go, there are ways to not give in to bags of pretzels and pounds of Danishes. The World Travel Guide website can lead you to each city’s airport website.
4. Stay hydrated. Seeing as how we cannot bring our own beverages from home anymore, the first purchase one should make upon entering the appropriate gate is a big bottle of water. Or better yet, pack your favorite glass or BPA-free bottle in your carry-on bag and fill it at the airport. This way you save money and you aren’t drinking unhealthy water or contributing to landfill waste. Above all else, staying hydrated during air travel is key to cutting down on fatigue and helps fight off the munchies!
5. Take your vitamins and eat your veggies. If you’re running around and not able to eat balanced meals on your travel day, be sure to pack water-soluble vitamin packets. In addition, there are many powdered veggie drinks that you can prepare and get your recommended servings of veggies to keep you immune system top notch when sucking in recycled air.
6. Stay away from caffeine. Drinking caffeinated beverages on or before a flight will keep you from relaxing on the plane. In addition, it messes with your insulin levels and can cause you to overeat.
7. Don’t drink alcohol in flight. Alcoholic beverages have double the effect in the air as they do on the ground, so you’re definitely gonna feel poor when you get to your destination. If you need to relax, grab some all-natural melatonin to help you sleep along with some soothing tunes.
8. Pack snacks. Stock up on healthy bars, nuts and even healthy sandwiches. Pack your carry-on with healthy goodies so you aren’t spending money at the terminal on expensive, unhealthy food and you are sure to have something on hand when hunger strikes.
9. Sleep well the night before travel. This is tough with the anticipation and stress that comes with flying during the holidays, but it can be done. And if not, invest in a flight pillow, eye mask, earplugs, or noise-reducing headphones and a blanket. Bring all the comforts of home with you to make sleeping in the air easier.
10. Plan ahead. Know where you are going directly after you pick up your bags at your destination: home, hotel, family’s house – wherever. Map out what is close by in case you need to pick up a snack or a full-blown meal so you can start your vacation fully nourished.
11. Don’t over pack. You don’t need to break your back (or pay extra fees) just because you had to bring a pair of shoes for each outfit. Pack smart and it will be good for you as well as your wallet. Plus it’s less to deal with when you get back home!
No matter what, air travel is a pain but hopefully the spirit of the season and these tips will help you get to and from your holiday destinations with a smile on your face!
Carolyn Scott-Hamilton is the executive producer, creator, host, and writer of The Healthy Voyager brand. Her web series, radio show, site, blog and social network show you how to live, and travel, healthy and green.
Photo Credit: Lin Pernille
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By Kris Carr on September 1, 2010
Travel bunny,
This crazy sexy healthy lifestyle is all well and good at home, but how the heck do you take it on the road? Answer: forward thinking and planning ahead. I don’t know about you, but my job requires lots of travel. I have a choice, I can let my health fall apart or I can do my best to stay balanced in unfamiliar territory. Sometimes when you’re in the middle of bum f@ck nowhere it can be a mind bending challenge to keep clean and green. Check out the top tips that help me love my love-a-liscious self while on the go.
1. Amazing Grasses: If you can’t get a green juice, this tasty powder is your next best option.
2. Magic Bullet blender: This little blender is perfect to take on the road. Roll up to the local grocery store and grab a few smoothie items and whirl.
3. Vegetarian iPhone apps: There are so many cool ones to choose from. My favorites are VegWeb (for simple & delicious recipes) and Vegan Steven (helps me locate veg-friendly restaurants and grocery stores anywhere!).
4. My supplement case: I adore the Roam Wellness Travel Pak. It’s so perfect for travel.
5. Jump ropes and yoga mats: Call ahead to see if your hotel has a gym. If not, come prepared. Even 15 minutes will do and you will feel much better and brighter.
6. Substitutions: Politely asking the waiter to pull this side from that entrée and use this dressing from that salad… Charm will get you everywhere. Asking for the restaurant to meet your dietary needs does not make you annoying – it’s HOW you ask that counts. Rude folks get spit and lard in their soup. FYI, ethnic restaurants always have the best options. Also, don’t forget to ask for a vegetarian meal on the plane and if the food is crappy – just skip it all together. A little fasting never hurt anyone. Plus, did you know that eating while flying can make ya stuffy, aka constipated? Make sure to stay wicked hydrated and just say no to soda and pasteurized juice. H2O is the way to go.
7. Sleep: No matter how crazy my schedule gets I never compromise on sleep. Bring a leopard eye mask and hit the pillow for your nightly 8 hours.
8. Super Witch Bath: My friend Ellen, (the most amazing cranial sacral massage therapist and so much more) gave me this dynamite recipe. I use after coaching sessions and travel. Mix 2 cups of Epsom salt, ½ cup of raw apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup of baking soda and lavender in a warm tub and soak your cares away. Great for removing acid and anything you’re holding onto emotionally. Just ask for it to melt away…ahhh…
9. Chiropractic adjustments and a deep tissue massage: There’s nothing better to set me right after trains, planes and automobiles. In fact, I worship my gals at Woodstock Integrative.
10. Spice Packs, Cooler & Utensils: These odds and ends help me insure that I always have the tools I need when I need them! If my meal needs some pizzazz at a restaurant, I have my trusty spice packs on hand, which I keep in little recycled spice containers. Usually, I’ll pack some sea salt, garlic powder, Spice Hunter’s Zip Blend, and Stevia. I keep them together in a plastic bag and store them in my purse. I also keep a small cooler in the car for juices and smoothies on the go. And last but not least, I bring my to-go ware in case I need utensils. That way, I can eat my chow anywhere and I’m giving some love and respect to mother earth by skipping the plastic guys!
11. Chlorella: This super duper little supplement is great for detoxing radiation après flying. I up my dose when hurdling through the air in a metal tube.
12. Sauna: I gave myself an infrared sauna for a birthday present a few years ago. It’s definitely the gift that keeps on giving (and reducing cellulite!).
Peace & the open road,
Kris
Photo Credits: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
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By Kris Carr on August 25, 2010
1. Betabrand Cornucopia Bag: Check out this redonkulously cool Farmers Market Backpack! The geniuses at Betabrand sent me one of these bio-fabulous bags and I must say – it’s damn useful. Back in my NYC food shopping days I would have killed a carrot for one of nifty veggie toters. This bag is better than Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. And speaking of chambers, inner pockets galore keep your treasured foodie delights separate and secure. There’s even a wee pocket for cash-o-la. Two thumbs up Betabrand.
PS. That gorgeous woman in the picture is my little sis!
2. Viva Las Vegans: Many moons ago, I visited Las Vegas while burning a trail through the South on a gambling and fast-food fueled roadtrip. It was messy. My luck ran out and so did my green (and I don’t mean juice). I swore off the place, until now! Turns out at least one casino is wising up and offering vegan options. Next time you’re in Sin City check it out. Maybe that slutty lady luck will be on your veggie fueled side.
3. The Tea House: If Vegas isn’t your scene, then trot on over to my happy place, New Mexico. I nearly moved to Santa Fe in 2004 and I visit there every year. In fact, I think I got married on a mountain in Taos once. But that’s another story for another time. Oh, and let’s keep that between us, shall we? Back to SF. If you love tea as much as I do, check out The Tea House of Canyon road. The food, wine, beer, colorful locals and south west flare are soul soothingly sexy.
4. Peaceful Posters: It’s never too early to plan a trip to Woodstock, NY for the Woodstock Film Festival! This is hands down one of my most favorite times of year. The town is a non-stop super disco of cinema, stars and soirees. Did I mention that the fall foliage will blow your mind? The 2010 Film Fest poster‘s peace-powered design makes me swoon. Join me and pick one up, ’cause nonprofit arts organizations need our support. It’s good karma!
5. The Daily Love: What could be more perfect for my love list than a website that sends you daily love notes? Kipp Mastin created The Daily Love website after embarking on a personal journey to discover how to manifest his best potential. As he researched others who have shared a similar goal throughout history, he discovered a plethora of inspiring quotes. If you want a daily love boost each morning, be sure to sign up!
6. Grace Potter and The Nocturnals: Ok, I’ve always wanted to say what I’m about to say… Ladies, grab your crotch! Grace’s music makes me feel like a total ass kicking rockstar super wench with fiery hair and an intoxicating growl. Lately I’ve been adding a dose of lip sinking and air guitar (air drumming tambien) to my daily regime. Hello liberation, it’s me Kris, Rrrrr! Their latest album rocks but I must say, I am partial to “This is Somewhere”. Jam on sister sledge!
7. Vertigo: When you’re done spinning with saucy sexuality thanks to Grace and the gang, check out the Vertigo thread on my Facebook fan page. I get vertigo from time to time and when I put it out to my peeps damn did the comments and advice pour in. You people are wicked smart! So many of the recommendations helped me. Sooo if you’re an occasional dizzy blond like moi click here and read baby read.
Love you!
Peace and hearts,
Kris
Photo Credit (Vegas Sign): WriterGal39
Photo Credit (Tea Cup): modomatic
Photo Credit (Heart): dev null
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