Italy has faced major environmental controversy but it’s also in the middle of an eco-renaissance. 

On the heels of its Nutella scandal, it’s important to acknowledge the individuals, winemakers, hotels, restaurants and even a corporation dedicated to sustainability while preserving some of Italy’s oldest traditions that are slipping away.

Here are 5 Masters of Italy’s Eco-Renaissance:

1. Roccafiore Country Resort, Umbria 

Umbria’s RoccaFiore has it all: a boutique hotel, vineyards, cantina, wellness center and a restaurant featuring a sumptuous Zero-K menu. You’ll pinch yourself in midst of lavender gardens and sweeping views over Umbria’s hills and medieval towns. Try a safari through the native organic grechetto vineyards that make a crisp white. Roccafiore is equally committed to ecological balance as well as style and Italian chic. All the while generating their own solar energy that saves a whopping 90.000 Kg of carbon emissions annually!

2. Naturhotel Miraval, Alta Badia

If you like skiing, biking or climbing, this is the place to be. Nestled in Alta Badia, home to the famous Sella Ronda, this sexy new eco hotel is quickly becoming a traveler’s favorite. Perched on the Sasso Santa Croce Mountain, when you take a seat on its panoramic lounge or soak in the outdoor hot tub, you can’t help but feel one with nature. In a UNESCO World Heritage site, locals, tourists, and developers work together to protect nature’s delicate ecosystem. Proud of its KlimaHotel certificate, the Naturhotel Miraval meets very high standards to have a low impact.

3. Toscana Resort Castelfalfi, Tuscany

Many an expat has renovated an old farmhouse under the Tuscan sun. But an entire village? That’s what international travel group TUI is doing. Toscana Resort Castelfalfi is an 800-year-old medieval hamlet that had only five residents left at the time of purchase. Most had moved out of the village years ago in search for employment. Now, employment and opportunity has come to them.

Situated on more than 2,700 acres of vineyards, olive groves, woods and lakes, TUI is busting their buns to make Toscana Resort Castelfalfi sustainable. 96 percent of water comes from collected rainwater on property. And 64 percent of energy comes from renewable resources. Even its promotional paper products are FSC-certified paper to combat deforestation. (Ahem, Ferrero.) Toscana is collaborating with local Italian agencies to create sustainable solutions such as a three-year trial of biomass production with the Scuola Superiore S. Anna of Pisa. And for olive oil lovers, in 2016 its entire production will be completely organic.

4. Arnaldo Caprai Vineyard and Cantina, Umbria

If you like Barolo, then you’ll love Sagrantino di Montefalco. Especially from Umbria’s famed cantina Arnaldo Caprai. One of the biggest producers of Sagrantino, owner and winemaker Marco Caprai is committed to sustainable growing practices and not just in his vineyards. His vision is for all Italian winemakers to join his New Green Revolution project, limit pesticides, create vineyard
biodiversity, limit CO2 emissions and more. He recently presented his sustainable ideals at EXPO MILAN 2015. In vino veritas. And sustainability works. Because his wine – is fantastic!

5. La
Tavola Marche, Marche

Ashley and Jason Bartner, an enthusiastic American couple, help keep local traditions alive while staying green. At their inn, farm and cooking school they use solar panels for hot water and a sulfur mineral spring provides the water for the house and garden. These and more sustainable practices helped them earn a Green Award from Trip Advisor. The couple’s Farm to Fork cooking classes have been featured on many top ten lists due to their unique hands-in -the-dirt garden experiences. You can learn everything from how to forage to how to making your own Italian dried meat and sausages.

Every day more Italians and expats in Italy are experiencing an eco-renaissance by realizing how important it is to become stakeholders in preserving not just the culture but also the sustainability of the land they love.

Oh, and about that Nutella scandal? I have a solution. Make your own. There’s no palm oil. And it’s delicious.

Related on EcoSalon

7-Eco Luxury Winter Getaways in the Alps

Luscious Amalfi Coast Pasta Recipe with Lemon Sauce 

The Greenest Countries Tend to be Happier and More Open

Photos courtesy of: Roccafiore, Ashley Bartner, Arnaldo Caparai Vineyards, Toscana Resort Castelfalfi, Tuscany, Naturhotel Miraval, Alta Badia

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Use your days off to do some good.

Using your vacation time to volunteer is a great way to see new parts of the world, help out in your own city and meet new people. Whether you’re inspired by recent events, hoping to help preserve natural areas threatened by traditional tourism, eager for a cultural experience or just have a few extra days, there are lots of opportunities to get out there and do some good. And, bonus, if you are working with a 501(c)3, your trip could be tax deductible.

If donating just doesn’t feel like enough when disaster strikes, volunteer with All Hands, a non-profit that builds homes and schools, provides clean water and more after natural disasters. Since 2010, All Hands has installed 518 bios and filters (which purify water making it safe to drink) and rebuilt 17 schools in Leogane, Haiti. With active projects in the U.S. and all over the world, there are lots of opportunities to get involved. How it works: Pick a project, apply to volunteer, pay for your travel, get yourself to the project site and then stay as long as you can. That’s it. Once you’re there, food and lodging are covered. Many projects run for months so you can choose one that gives you time to plan ahead.

Perks: No fees, the chance to live where you’re working and connect with locals, the opportunity to help a community in great need.

While tourism is a big industry in many parts of the world, it takes a toll on local environments. Spend 1-26 weeks working on ProWorld’s Eco-Tourism Project in Costa Rica. You’ll be living in a rural community 35 km from Quepos and working onsite to help out in an eco-tourism cooperative. You can work on the dairy farm, help out in the animal rescue center, sow seeds in the vegetable garden and more. For about $1,300 a week you’ll get lodging, meals, health and travel insurance, airport transport and more.

Perks: Live with a (carefully screened) local family, free time in the afternoon, a chance to use your Spanish-speaking skills—or take Spanish classes while you’re there.

If you have 2-12 weeks, Cross-Cultural Solutions’ Volunteer Abroad program has open start dates and let’s you head to 12 countries including Brazil, Thailand and Tanzania. The organization will work with you to determine the right role based on your skills and interests. You might work with locals in orphanages, childcare centers, schools, health clinics and hospitals, homes for the elderly, centers for people with disabilities and other community organizations. A two-week stay will cost you about $3,000 (which covers food, lodging and more) before air travel.

Perks: Weekends off to travel, eating food based on local flavors, airport transportation all taken care of.

Outdoorsy types, head into the wilderness with the American Hiking Society and spend a week hiking and helping to maintain trails in remote areas of the U.S. Trips are rated from easy to strenuous so you can choose the project that’s best for your fitness level. You’ll hike and backpack and sleep in accommodations ranging from primitive campsites to bunkhouses or cabins. The $275 non-member fee covers lodging, food and park entrance fees and, in some cases, travel from the airport to the site. You and your 6-15 person team will get the tools and guidance you need to revitalize the trails.

Perks: Affordability, the chance to unplug and exercise, volunteerism and vacation all rolled into one.

Lots of us get inspired to give when we’re on a trip or something happens overseas. But, what about taking a volunteer stay-cation? There are probably lots of people close to home that could use your help. Check out VolunteerMatch, Habitat for Humanity, or food banks for local opportunities. And, if you’re in LA, New York or Chicago visit iVolunteer for opportunities organized by cause and date along with articles that will help you learn more about how to be a top-notch volunteer.

Perks: If you have a great experience you can become a repeat volunteer, you can involve your friends and family, you’re giving back where you live.

A Few Tips:

Be prepared to work and get your hands dirty.

Ask questions, read reviews and do your research before picking an organization—if your gut is screaming, “Shady!” you should probably listen.

Know your limits and understand the logistics: If you’ll die without A/C, don’t volunteer in Vietnam in June.

Keep your travel eco-friendly.

Images: All Hands, Pro-World, Cross-Cultural Solutions, gabriel amadeus, St_A_Sh

The post 5 Ways to Get Motivated and Volunteer on Vacation appeared first on EcoSalon.

Located on a cobblestone street in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood is the eco contemporary Crosby Street Hotel.

In a city that’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the U.S., as well as home to many eco inventors, we’re excited that there’s an eco-hotel that’s leading the way in the industry. We are, of course, talking about New York City and tucked smack in the middle of SoHo sits the Crosby Street Hotel.

Featuring floor-to-ceiling warehouse style windows to take in the natural light, each of the 86 rooms are individually designed, some with private terraces planted with native plants. But what’s impressive is that the Crosby Street Hotel is one of the first LEED Gold certified hotels in New York City and is one of the most environmentally responsible in the U.S.

In addition to a slew of green features like green power, use of recycled materials during construction, and usage of regional materials, the Crosby Street Hotel also maximizes their open space. A whopping 61% of the hotel’s site is considered as such, “open,” and on the rooftop is a kitchen garden with a seasonal vegetable patch. Managed by head chef Anthony Paris, also in the formerly unused space on the roof is a Tudor style chicken coop in which the Araucana chickens produce eggs used in the kitchen as well.

Guests are encouraged to visit the Sculpture Garden and the Crosby Bar, both of which are outdoor spaces filled with green space and cool décor, perfect for relaxing with friends.

If you go: Check out the state-of-the-art screening room with 99 seats featuring different films every Sunday. Rates start at $525 per night.

Places & Spaces is a travel guide that will inspire you to carve out a vacation on your calendar. All of the gorgeous locations and accommodations in our guide share our concern for the environment. From tent glamping to lavish built environments, fair warning, you’ll feel compelled to pack your suitcase.

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After a quick snack, it was out the door on our bikes or roller skates or skate boards, not to return until the sun was setting. We built forts, climbed trees, played tether ball; we enjoyed the fresh air and freedom for the three hours between school and dusk when our mothers had to drag us inside by our shirt sleeves.

Our fun was finagled out of nothing other than ourselves and, well, dirt and trees.

Climbing trees wasn’t just a boy thing, or maybe it was but I didn’t notice. I liked hanging out up high and watching the world go by below.

Tree houses are iconic. They hold memories of a time gone by, of our childhoods and our children. And nostalgia is intoxicating.

Up, above and away from it all, the tree house offers a natural, peaceful, secluded and special-like-no-other place to relax and contemplate nothing. So when I heard about a hotel of tree houses in Sweden, I needed to know more.

Located 60 km (approx 37 miles) south of the Arctic Circle and just outside the Swedish town of Harads, Treehotel opened this past July to rave reviews. At the time, only four structures were completed, but as of October 2010, there are seven uniquely themed structures – six “rooms” and one Tree Sauna (drawing above).

The project was inspired by the 2008 documentary “Tree Lover” (Trädälskaren):

“…the story of three men from the urban environment who look to get back to their roots by building a tree house together. It is a philosophical film about what “the tree” means to us humans, both historically and culturally.”

Each structure is completely distinct and designed by a different Swedish architect. Each sleeps 2-4 and the sauna holds up to 12 comfortably. Powered by sustainable electricity and equipped with freezer or “incinerator” toilets, they’re attached to the pine trees via an adjustable metal clamp that won’t harm the trees as they grow. I love that part!

The concept and construction are intended to allow for expansion and increased innovations in sustainability. It’s truly an inspired and inspiring spot that I’d love to visit. The Swedish should be proud of this forest retreat.

I could go on for days about each individual house but the gist is this – hip, slick, cool, green, peaceful, respectful, secluded. Now let’s have a closer look at a few of the finest…

The Blue Cone (image above) is a simple, wood constructed two-story cabin colored in red that looks lego-like in its structure and texture.

The Bird’s Nest (image above) is a more complex 3-legged structure that is accessed via a retractable staircase (I really want to walk that staircase!). Its twiggy exterior contrasts distinctly with the modern, minimal design on the interior.

There aren’t words for The Mirrorcube (image above). It’s a lightweight aluminum structure covered with mirrored glass. Kind of unbelievable if you ask me.

And especially remarkable when the interior (image below) is pure plywood with views that go on forever. Dwellers reach the Mirrorcube via a rope bridge.

The Cabin (image above) is another odd looking creature that seems to jut out from the middle of nowhere and sit comfortably amongst the trees. The room is accessed via a footbridge that opens onto a large deck at roof level.

Would you believe me if I told you there were spaceship sightings in Sweden? The UFO (image above) is a newer structure that the creators envisioned would “…have a huge appeal for people with fertile imagination.” You think?

I’m wondering what they’ll come up with next. Clearly, the sky (or tree) is the limit.

The price per night varies depending on which structure you decide to inhabit, but the range is around $600 per night, which includes breakfast. Not your Euro Youth Hostel situation.

But worth its weight in sustainability and 360 degree views, for sure. The Swedish countryside and forest is so spectacular and austere; pure and still. Imagine resting inside one of these rooms and looking out at the trees and water and vastness. Wow.

And of course, the peace of mind, tranquility, silence and relaxation are all free of charge.

Top Images: emdot, Design Squish

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As many of you know, here at EcoSalon, we often emphasize the point that sustainable travel is not just about carbon offsets and packing lighter. Sustainable travel is about conscious travel, and thinking about your next adventure with a holistic approach; everything from where you go and who you stay with, to what tour operators you use and how you get around town. Ultimately, sustainable travel is also about making sure that as travelers we’re doing our best to ensure that the places we want to explore stick around for other people to enjoy them as well, and that means traveling in a manner that’s environmentally, humanly and culturally conscious.

There are a lot of great resources out there on sustainable travel and eco tourism to help guide you in your quest to be a more conscious traveler, with everything from general travel guides to specific listings of sustainable destinations. We’ve rounded up our favorite top 10.

1. Sustainable Travel International – This is the eco traveler’s go-to resource for all things related to sustainable travel. They run an excellent and informative blog that keeps you up to speed on the latest developments in the eco tourism world, and their Eco Directory lets you search travel and tourism providers that have been vetted for their commitment to sustainable practices.

2. Matador – The world’s largest independent magazine, Matador offers a wealth of information to those looking to travel off the beaten path. The articles here are succinct, savvy and are all focused on travel that benefits both the traveler and the local communities. Check out Matador Change which boasts a variety of green travel tips as well as voluntourism organization profiles.

3. Intelligent Travel – National Geographic’s Intelligent Travel blog isn’t specifically green focused, but with the traditional National Geographic attitude it features articles, profiles and tips that all fall under the category of conscious travel, with travel dispatches everywhere from New York City’s High Line to ancient rainforests in Australia.

4. Why Go EcoTourism – Part of the Bootsnall consortium of travel blogs, Why Go EcoTourism is a great place to start your eco travel research. You can easily navigate through various modes of accommodation, including eco lodges and farm stays, and get tips on other eco travel resources like books and guides.

5. Green Traveller – A UK-based site, Green Traveller offers advice on everything from cargo ship travel to staying in treehouses. It’s a well-respected site that’s been mentioned by other travel media like Conde Nast and Rough Guides.

6. Go Green Travel Green – Co-founded by travel savvy ladies Kimberly and Elizabeth Sanberg, Go Green Travel Green features the latest and greatest in green travel gear and tips. They’ve also got a great section on Green Travel 101 for those still a little unsure on the Who, What, Where and Why of it all.

7. HelpEx – If you’re looking to add a stay at an organic farm, or do some volunteer work on your next trip, HelpEx provides a great community of farms, B&Bs, and even sailboats that invites volunteer helpers to stay with them short-term in exchange for food and accommodation. An excellent way to experience a new place if you’re a fan of slow travel and truly taking part in a local community.

8. The Guardian Green Travel – The Guardian’s section committed to green travel offers a wealth of advice, and includes features on up and coming destinations along with highlighting those spots you just thought couldn’t get any more interesting.

9. Seat 61 – If taking the train enters into any of your travel plans, make sure to consult Seat 61. In the online travel community, this is the one and only site to go to when it comes to researching train travel in other countries. The site covers in detail train travel in almost every country that trains exist, including links to train travel companies, tourism boards and tips on buying tickets.

10. Traveling Greener – Traveling Greener is a blog inspired by green travel news and trends, so it’s jam packed with the latest and greatest in green travel information. Check out Traveling Greener’s Twitter feed too which always has links to interesting articles and tidbits.

Image: Gianni D

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