Green Vacations

Green travels around the world

Why we loved the Jenny Lake Ranger Programs in the Grand Tetons

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We actually stumbled upon Jenny Lake by accident, and it’s scary to think that we nearly missed it, as this stunning body of water in the Grand Tetons National Park was one of the highlights of our road-trip through the USA.

Planning a visit to Jenny Lake, Grand Tetons National Park

Jenny Lake is a glacial lake, around 12,000 years old, and it is breathtakingly beautiful. You can hike around it, sail across it, swim through it and the water is so pure I’d be tempted to drink from it too. We (that is to say myself, my wife and our son) found ourselves a secluded patch of sand close to the main trailhead, shaded by spruce firs and conifers. We would hear other daytrippers and hikers walking past, but saw virtually no-one else the whole day. It was like we had our own personal lake.

Getting to Jenny Lake is a breeze. It’s actually one of the main focal points in Grand Tetons National Park, and therefore well-signposted, and with ample car parking close by from May to October. In peak season though, you need to keep in mind that this is a very popular area and so you want to be arriving early.

You can also camp near Jenny Lake and I really, really wish we’d done that because I can only imagine how good it would feel waking up to views of the lake and Signal Mountain, then taking a refreshing swim before breakfast.

Ranger Programs in Grand Tetons National Park

When you visit a US National Park you can usually join a Ranger Program, though in peak season you’ll probably want to book ahead. On our second day at Jenny Lake we decided that we wanted to understand the area a little better, as well as stretch our legs, and so we dropped by the visitor centre to see what kind of programs they had on offer that day. This also worked for us because our son had seen rangers wandering around when we’d visited other National Parks and he was interested to learn more about what they did.

Outside the visitor centre a ranger was entertaining a small crowd with a display of wolf pelts. He was explaining how the colour of a wolf’s fur can vary depending on where they live, and by the season, as a form of camouflage when stalking prey. Our son was thrilled when he was invited to stroke the various pelts to see how soft they were – he wanted to stroke a real wolf afterwards and we had to explain there might be a few logistical and safety issues preventing that!

We were so lucky that we were visiting just outside peak season, because we didn’t need to reserve a place on any of the Grand Tetons ranger programs. We joined a departing group headed for a short walk along the south shore to Moose Ponds. That was about three miles in duration, and the pace was fine for our five year-old son. It was wonderfully relaxing just to wander along the banks, with the ranger (think his name was Tim?) explaining the flora and fauna of Grand Tetons as we went.

In the afternoon, we joined a talk by another ranger (Liz?) about bear safety. You’ll find both black bears and grizzly bears in Grand Tetons and although the chances are they will stay as far away from people as they can most of the time, if you’re going hiking then you always need to have your wits about you. So we learned the basics of bear safety from Liz, about how talking or singing as you walk lets the bears know you’re coming so they don’t get any nasty surprises, how to deploy bear spray if needed and, worst come to worst, what to do in the event of a bear attack. I happened to look at my son at this point and his eyes were gleaming, as he hung on the ranger’s every word – strange kid.

Why you should try Ranger Programs in US National Parks

As someone with a passion for ecotourism, I’m a huge fan of the Ranger Programs that operate in many American National Parks. If people are going to protect these pristine environments then we need to understand them, and the knowledge that rangers build up through years of exploring trails, monitoring animals and vegetation, is an invaluable resource.

The other reason I think Ranger Programs are so great is as a way of educating and entertaining children. My son was just five when we visited Jenny Lake, but he was absolutely enthralled by the talks we were given, and thoroughly enjoyed the nature walk too. He probably learned more about wolves, bears and glaciers in that one day that he’ll pick up from books or school in the next few years, because it was all right there in front of him. You just can’t beat this kind of hands-on learning. If we’re ever lucky enough to go back to the States, I’ll enroll him in a Junior Ranger Program for a day so he can experience life as a park ranger – he’d love it.

Best Green Travel Accessories

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So you want to plan an environmentally friendly vacation. You’ve chosen a hotel that reduces water waste and serves organic food. You’ve opted for an airline that offers drinks in recycled cups and minimizes food waste. You’ve even chosen the ideal destination to encourage your love for the environment. But to take that last little step towards the perfect green vacation, you need to make sure your travel accessories are the most eco-friendly options on the market.

While green technologies are ever evolving and it can often be difficult to keep up on the latest in sustainable design, there are a few key characteristics to keep in mind when choosing an ecofriendly accessory. For one, the use of natural or recycled materials is essential. Reusing existing materials (especially those that would otherwise damage the environment like plastic) is an important factor in reducing pollution and waste. Another factor is whether or not the product is culturally responsible or sensitive: was it made by local artisans, or sold by a company that’s run by or works with locals? In a related consideration, does the company donate some of the profits to charitable or environmental organizations?

If you take into account these qualifications when choosing a green accessory, you’ll feel better about what you buy and how you use it. Here’s a list of a few popular and useful travel accessories to consider for your next trip.

Sleep masks or pillows made from recycled material

Comfort when flying (especially to faraway destinations) is important. But what’s even more important is making sure that your favorite accessories are good for the environment. Airplane pillows in particular are often made of synthetic material, so be sure to look out for one made of recycled or natural materials.

Water bottles made out of recycled or sustainable materials

Eco-friendly water bottles have been a big thing for a while, so these should be easy to find. Companies like SIGG (which is a leader in healthy, environmentally friendly bottles) offer products in a wide array of styles and colors, so you can be fashionable and eco-friendly. They even make special patterns for kids, so the whole family can get in on being green.

Journals from recycled or chemical-free paper

The best parts of travel are the memories you make along the way. Record those memories in an eco-friendly journal made from recycled or natural paper, so you’re reducing environmental pollution. Plus, they come in a wide variety of patterns and sizes, so it’s easy to find one that speaks to you. Companies like Paperblank also donate a portion of their profits to charitable organizations.

Luggage or bags that are made from environmentally friendly materials

There are actually several companies currently producing luggage or other bags made from recycled materials. Again, here you’re reducing your impact on the environment by choosing something that isn’t made from artificial materials. Many of them are also lighter and easier to use than standard luggage, like the super environmentally friendly LiteGear.

Ecofriendly Gadgets

With consumer interest in ecofriendly gadgets on the rise, there are plenty of companies producing everything from water-powered alarm clocks to tech made partially from bamboo (like external hard drives and laptops). You’ll also find a lot of solar-powered options, like headsets and media players. These gadgets range widely in price, too, so there’s no need to drop a ton of money for sustainable and recycled goods.

Rechargeable batteries

While most of our technology these days relies upon rechargeable batteries, on the off chance that you have something that does take AAs, opt for rechargeable varieties. The materials that batteries are made of can be very toxic to the environment in landfills, so the fewer batteries that we dispose of, the better.

Travel or hiking gear from ecofriendly materials

If your green vacation involves hiking or backpacking, you’ll want to make sure these bags are environmentally friendly, too. Companies like Eagle Creek, Osprey Packs, and Timbuk2 offer products from recycled and ecofriendly materials that are designed to last and last, ensuring that there’s no need for frequent replacements and the subsequent waste.

Environmentally friendly toiletries

Even your toothpaste makes a difference when it comes to your impact on the environment. Anything you put on your body from soap to shampoo is not only better for you, but also better for nature when it’s organic and chemical-free. Because beauty and health product companies have been working to encourage the development of natural products for a while now, you’ll have plenty of options, too, from Tom’s of Maine and Burt’s Bees to smaller companies.

Top 10 Green Cities Around the Globe

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Our world is working to be a greener place every day. With new sustainability initiatives that include everything from green building to recycling to organic farming, there are plenty of ways that individuals and corporations can make a difference for the environment. If you’re looking to continue your environmentally responsible practices on your vacation, then it’s a good idea to take a look at the green reputations of your destination before you go.

There are several factors that go into determining how “green” a city is. First and foremost is their commitment to reliance upon renewable energy, eschewing fossil fuels as much as possible in favor of solar energy, geothermal energy, and even biofuels. Another important criteria involves their adoption of green policies, whether that has to do with citywide recycling regulations or building code adjustments that require new construction to adhere to sustainable construction guidelines. However, it’s not just about the objects in the city, it’s about the people, too. Cities that promote green lifestyles by encouraging biking or walking instead of driving, and offer healthier and more environmentally friendly diet options like organic food and farmers markets tend to rank higher on these lists.

For travelers in search of the greenest cities to visit, this list represents that top 10 green cities across the globe from recent evaluations by environmental organizations. While there’s no authoritative list, these cities consistently rank highly and fairly represent global green practices.

Reykjavik, Iceland

This distinctive European capital runs almost entirely on renewable energy. The availability of geothermal energy goes a long way towards meeting the city’s energy needs, reducing the need for fossil fuels to below 1%. Their future goals include improving public transit and reducing the need for commuting via fossil-fuel burning vehicles, increasing the availability of public greenspaces and preserving the already extensive park system, and reducing pollution across the board. Reykjavik is also a hub for researchers working to improve upon green technologies. Plus, the Icelandic government funds a significant amount of climate change research.

Bristol, England

Not only the UK’s greenest city in recent years but Europe’s as well (in 2015), Bristol is an up-and-comer on the eco-friendly scene. Their Bristol Green Capital organization is dedicated to making Bristol a low carbon city that offers green living options to all its residents. They consistently achieve high environmental standards like a reduced carbon footprint, use of renewable energies, and widespread sustainable building practices. They also have a very good air quality that is only improving with the increase in cycling commuters and the expansion of greenspaces.

Portland, OR, United States

Portland has some serious green credentials, not least of which involves their use of renewable energy: they utilize 20% more renewable energy than the national average! As far as greenspaces go, they offer 250 miles of bike and walking trails, plus a number of parks and a couple of botanical gardens. Much of their new construction adopts sustainable building practices, and there are even entire real estate agencies devoted to providing green living options. And of course, there are plenty of green eating options, too, like farmers markets and farm-to-table restaurants.

San Francisco, United States

A leader among American cities that strive for green living, San Francisco has been promoting intensive recycling efforts for several years now, banning plastic bags and making citywide recycling mandatory. They encourage zero waste production among their businesses and residents, and offer educational programs to help people learn about healthier, greener lifestyles. They also have a high number of people who bike or walk to work, and an extensive number of parks like the iconic Golden Gate Park and nearby Muir Woods. And of course, they’ve been a leader in sustainable dining for a long time now.

Vancouver, Canada

With aspirations of being the greenest city in the world by 2020, Vancouver is currently Canada’s most eco-friendly urban area. Greenspaces are abundant here, with more than 200 parks (including the gorgeous, waterfront Stanley Park) to provide residents with fresh open space to exercise and play. New technologies like solar-powered trash compactors are everywhere, and new buildings consistently rank among the most sustainable constructions in the country. They also offer community resources to help everyone from citizens to corporations to make their practices greener.

Malmö, Sweden

This Swedish city makes it onto the list for their massive wind-energy park; it’s actually the world’s third-largest facility of its kind. They also offer a significant amount of greenspace to their residents, which contribute to fresh oxygen production. One district to highlight is the Western Harbor, which runs on 100% renewable energy through the use of various alternative sources of energy like wind and solar power. Most construction in this neighborhood utilizes sustainable building practices, and commercial operations run on biofuels.

Freiburg, Germany

This popular German city has one major unique thing going for it when it comes to being green – the entire city is literally car free. Because of roadways that have barely been expanded since the city’s founding, car traffic is impossible and residents get around the old fashioned way. Other green efforts include ubiquitous solar panels, recycling programs, and the increasing availability of locally sourced food. They also aim to substantially reduce carbon emissions by 2020.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Winner of the European Green Capital title, Copenhagen has a lot to be proud of when it comes to green living. Because they’re also a major tourist destination in Europe, they strive to make green living accessible not only to their residents, but to their visitors as well. Recycling and organic food initiatives are common, and the city itself works to reduce carbon emissions, encourage sustainable building practices, and promote healthier lifestyles among its residents.

Stockholm, Sweden

Much of Europe’s greenest architecture can be found in Stockholm, so it’s no surprise that it ranks on the list of greenest cities. They have incredibly low carbon emissions compared to other major European cities, and have recently achieved a complete revitalization and rehabilitation of their waterways. New initiatives encourage the use of bikes for transportation, to endorse environmentally friendly food production and distribution, to improve recycling practices, and to reduce carbon emissions.

Oslo, Norway

Oslo has been making it onto green lists for nearly a decade now, and has been consistently one of the most sustainable cities in spite of its massive population. They have one of the lowest rates of greenhouse gas emission among comparable European cities, and all new construction adheres to green guidelines. And while many people walk or bike to work and school, those who don’t can take advantage of hydroelectric-powered public transit.

Top Ten Botanical Gardens in North America

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A central part of green travel is the imperative to preserve the delicate balance between human and nature, and to nourish and protect the environment as much as possible. Because botanical gardens and other nature-centric attractions make the conservation of rare and quotidian flora their primary concern, they can be both a great resource for those looking to learn more about environmental issues and a fun place to visit.

Botanical gardens usually double as research centers, housing scientists who focus on cultivating, studying, and working with plants from various ecosystems. Many botanists and other plant scientists work to conserve endangered plant specimens as well, as they advocate for the protection of vulnerable environments in their work. Most importantly, botanical gardens and other similar institutions work to inspire their visitors to go home and live greener, more environmentally friendly lives.

If you’re looking for some of the best botanical destinations in North America, this list will provide a good starting point to help you plan a trip to see nature’s beauty and bounty in all its diversity.

New York Botanical Garden (New York, NY) 

Spanning a massive 250 acres in the middle of the Bronx, the New York Botanical Garden is popular with locals and tourists alike. With literally over 1 million plants all across the gardens, it can take days to fully explore everything this beautiful, verdant park has to offer. Housed in an ornate, historic glass building, 11 different indoor exhibits feature everything from desert to rainforest plants. Outdoor exhibits include more local flora and fun areas like a Japanese rock garden and a rose garden.

Missouri Botanical Garden (St. Louis, MO)

Featuring nearly 80 acres of inspiring, beautiful displays, this St. Louis mainstay also serves as a community center, offering festivals, concerts, workshops, and more. Important features include the 14-acre Japanese Garden (complete with cherry trees!), an extensive collection of rare orchids, and the original nineteenth-century residence of the garden’s founder, Henry Shaw.

Desert Botanical Garden (Phoenix, AZ)

Desert plants, though made to live in desolate environments, are anything but bleak or boring. Exhibits scattered throughout 145 acres at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix highlight the colorful, varied, and fascinating life of the desert. They’re home to more than 50,000 plants, with a special collection of rare cacti. Spring is the most popular time to visit to explore the gorgeous wildflower blooms.

Royal Botanical Gardens (Hamilton, ON)

The largest botanical garden in all of Canada, the Royal Botanical Gardens stretches across nearly 2,500 acres of cultivated and wild land. There are five primary garden areas, several with smaller incorporated gardens. Highlights include a stunning iris garden, a children’s imagination garden, and a newly renovated rock garden. There is additionally a significant amount of uncultivated land that visitors can hike, like Cootes Paradise and Princess Point. It’s also a major center for conservation and botanical research, and they offer a series of educational exhibits throughout the year.

San Francisco Botanical Garden (San Francisco, CA)

This lovely botanical garden is nestled in Golden Gate Park, making it a popular destination for many visitors to San Fran. Spanning 50 acres in the middle of this beautiful cultural park, it includes than 50,000 plants from around the world. Their specialty is magnolias, and travelers from all over flock to their stunning magnolia gardens from January to March each year. They also have an impressive collection of rare cloud forest trees from Asia as well as Central and South America.

Chicago Botanic Garden (Glencoe, IL)

Located north and west of Chicago proper, this extensive botanic garden is one of the largest in the United States (clocking in at nearly 400 acres). This attraction includes 27 distinct gardens across 4 natural habitats, and features a diversity of plant species. They’re particularly known for their extensive collection of bonsai trees, maintained by a master in the art of sculpting these living masterpieces. Their conservation work is also incredibly important.

Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden (Coral Gables, FL)

Just near Miami you’ll find the unique Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden. As the name implies, they focus almost exclusively on tropical plants, but their reach actually extends around the globe. Their 83 acres contain expansive collections of rare exotic species, from palms to orchids and beyond. One of their most popular exhibits is the butterfly conservatory, where visitors can actually watch these colorful creatures hatch each year.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden (Dallas, TX)

A 66-acre garden that’s located right on the shore of the lovely White Rock Lake, this expansive natural wonderland offers locals and visitors beautiful views year round. With 19 formal gardens and a number of other natural areas, there are multiple places to roam that encompass everything from locals flowering plants and trees to roses and ferns. There’s even a charming sunken garden that attracts a significant number of wedding parties each year.

Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art (Nashville, TN)

A sizable private estate on the edges of Nashville, Cheekwood offers both a botanical garden and an art museum to culturally inclined visitors. The garden spans 55 acres and has much to offer in terms of both aesthetic and educational benefits. They have particular strengths in local flora, including crepe myrtles and wildflowers, and a number of specialty gardens like the Japanese Garden, the Perennial Garden, and the Herb Study Garden. The art museum holds the collections of the former Nashville Museum of Art, and it’s definitely worth a wander through after you see the gardens.

Washington Park Arboretum (Seattle, WA)

Seattle Japanese Garden

Encompassing 230 acres between Lake Washington and I-5 in the Seattle area, the Washington Park Arboretum is the perfect destination for those interested in trees from around the globe. Drive through various paths in the park to see blooming trees in the spring and changing leaves in the fall. The most popular part of the arboretum is the Japanese Garden, which is actually the largest of its kind outside of Japan and boasts many of the iconic blossoming cherry trees.

Best Books to Read Before Your Green Vacation

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By Katie Sagal

If you’re interested in planning a green vacation, then you’ll want to make sure you know what you’re looking for when choosing a destination, a hotel, a mode of transportation, and even activities. Of course, it’s also important to know more about the significance behind these sustainable practices. So while you’ve scoured the internet for advice on the best sustainable hotels and top green accessories, there’s still more to do to prepare. For travelers who truly want the full eco-friendly experience when it comes to explorations, it’s important to read a few foundational books that will inform and inspire you.

Here are a few recommendations for the best books to read before your green vacation. Ranging from nature memoirs to critical studies, these volumes all address something important about the interconnectedness between humans and nature. These books are all available via indie bookstores, too, allowing you to contribute to sustainable business practices by purchasing from a small business!

Silent Spring – Rachel Carson

This now canonical work has been credited with inspiring the modern investment in protecting and conserving our fragile ecosystems. A striking study of the disastrous effects of synthetic pesticides on the natural environment with profound implications for the relationship between humans and nature, Silent Spring has impacted everyone from scientists to college students to housewives for decades.

A Sand County Almanac – Aldo Leopold

Another classic offering, this one by environmentalist and ecologist Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac is a collection of thoughtful essays that probe the relationship between humans and nature and then need for a “land ethic,” which Leopold articulates as the responsible stewardship of natural resources. This book has been credited with contributing to mainstream interest in ecology.

An Inconvenient Truth­ – Al Gore

Written by longtime environmental advocate and former Vice President Al Gore, An Inconvenient Truth introduces the most critical issues when it comes to climate change and the important decisions we as a society face moving forward if we want to prevent further damage to our ecosystems. A documentary film related to the book was also released in 2006.

My First Summer in the Sierra – John Muir

Written by the man after whom the Muir Woods National Monument is named, My First Summer in the Sierra recounts the story of the author’s spiritual connection to nature in central California. It’s one of the most important books in the history of American environmental writing, and is especially significant because of the work that Muir would go on to do in advocating for the preservation of natural land in the United States.

The Turquoise Ledge – Leslie Marmon Silko

Only one of many inspiring and thought-provoking books by Native American author Leslie Marmon Silko, The Turquoise Ledge is a reflective memoir on the relationship between humans and desert life, as well as the struggle to find connections with nature in an increasingly busy modern world. Her other works also contain important meditations on the links between man and nature, if you want to expand your reading list.

Tomatoland – Barry Estabrook

An important volume focused on the history of agriculture in the United States, this challenging book takes the evolution of tomato growing as its case study for a larger interest in the ways in which modern, big business agricultural practices impact the environment and the people who work in the industry. Concerned with everything from the contemporary reliance on pesticides to the human cost of cheap labor, this is a must-read for those who care about what they eat.

The World Without Us – Alan Weisman

This imaginative book asks readers to envision the world without human habitation, and sketches out a vision of our planet where everything from highways to high-rises slowly recedes back into nature. This non-fictional work uses scientific observations to extrapolate what may happen to our everyday objects and to the billions of life forms whose existence is currently impacted by human habitation.

The Lorax – Dr. Seuss

This iconic children’s book (and recent animated film) is the perfect way to introduce your children to issues of environmental conservation and sustainability. A delightful fable that tells the story of how industrial development encroaches upon the environment, The Lorax is an important story that resonates with adults as well.