Use these eco-friendly ideas and products for your next big adventure.

1. It all starts with inspiration, right? Subscribe to a magazine like Afar magazine and you’ll be treated to travel stories with a focus on authentic experiences, cultural exploration, geo-tourism and more six times a year. And, bonus, with every issue, Afar makes a donation to Sustainable Travel’s International Gold Standard portfolio to offset the carbon emissions generated by flights taken for the magazine. Nice.

2. Plan your trip with help from sites like Travelocity’s Travel for Good. The sub-site offers up info on green destinations, volunteer opportunities and hotels. The site has high standards for giving out their seal of approval – no self-certifiers allowed.

3. If you’re traveling by air, choose a greener airline. The Huffington Post has a great roundup of the top 20 most energy-efficient airlines. Does it really matter? According to researchers at Brighter Planet, yes. “A passenger flying from New York to Los Angeles on Qantas could leave a carbon footprint almost three times greater than the carbon use of a passenger flying the same route on JetBlue. That is because the Qantas flight uses a much larger aircraft, which burns almost four times as much fuel. In addition, the flight is nearly half-empty, carrying only 44 more passengers than the JetBlue flight.”

4. These apps can help. Instead of printing out a piece of paper, use your iPhone as a boarding pass. Many airlines offer you the option of an e-boarding pass. It just gets scanned at the gate. TripIt puts flight, hotel and car rental confirmation emails into one easy itinerary. Maps are old school. Use EveryTrail to figure out where you are, share your walks and find new destinations.

5. We all know the rules by now: liquid carry-on items have to be 3oz. or less and fit into a clear, one-quart bag. According to Three1One, consumers worldwide use a staggering 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags annually – 5% are recycled. Don’t be that guy. The company offers reusable zip top bags that will hold all of your goods.

6. Get a brand new old bag. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly suitcase, check out Craigslist or your local vintage shops. Want something new? The Kind Life breaks down some great options, including the Heys USA Eco-Case three-piece. These suitcases are made from 100% recycled plastic and come with a seven-year warranty.

7. Bring an empty water bottle and fill up at the gate as many airlines offer water stations now. Choose glass or metal and you can fill it up with coffee on the way to the airport, rinse it out and add water for the flight. Done.

8. Flying can do a number on your skin. Hydrating is a good start, but stay refreshed with a good toner – this one is travel-sized and smells fantastic. French Rosemary and Sweet Orange beat the smell of airplane food any day.

9. Lots of cities, including Paris, Miami and more, have  really easy bike rentals. Many places allow you to grab a bike where you are and drop it off where you end up. Check out the rental options in your destination.

10. If you’re heading to a city, traverse it like a local. Get a transit pass and a map and download the city’s transit authority app if there’s one available. In some cities – like Chicago and Oahu–the local transportation offers some of the city’s most interesting views.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out EcoSalon’s top travel quotes and music to inspire travel.

Now… go!

Images: romana klee, Kuster & Wildhaber Photography, kthread, vxla

The post 10 Travel Tips To Get You On a Greener Course appeared first on EcoSalon.

One more way to reuse a wine bottle.

Just when you thought companies had exhausted every possible option for reusing a bottle, along comes the GrowBottle Hydrogarden from Potting Shed Creations. They’re handmade from recycled wine bottles, and filled with USDA certified organic/heirloom seeds, clay pebbles, soil, wool wick, plant nutrient, a cork coaster, and ribbon sourced from recycled plastic bottles.

Perfect for growing culinary herbs and virtually brown-thumb-proof with simple and easy to follow instructions included. Your job is to remember to water them and let the wonders of hydroponics take over.

GrowBottles are available in Oregano, Chives, Basil, Parsley, and Mint. Sold individually for $35.

Look for Lustables daily at EcoSalon. 100% gorgeous green finds, and never sponsored. Submit your favorite to tips@ecosalon.com

The post Lustables: GrowBottle Upcycled Hydrogardens appeared first on EcoSalon.

Just in time for holiday shopping and gift giving: The Box is back!

Our exclusive EcoSalon shopping must-have, the curated eco product assortment known as The Box, is back, with the Holiday Food Box. We’re offering $500 worth of holiday eco-goodies for just $99 and these won’t last. That’s a guarantee.

Are you a food lover? Whether you love eating food, cooking it or just talking about it, this box is for you. It’s full of anything a foodie could ever want, from cookware to gourmet goods to shade-grown coffee, so be sure to snag one before they’re gone.

(If you do miss out this time around, our friends at The Daily Meal are hosting a giveaway for the last remaining Food Box standing. Head on over to their site and register to win!)

Just look at what we have in store for you this time around:

Slate Cheese Board

Serve up a round of artisan cheeses on this simple and functional Slate Cheese Board from VivaTerra. Chalk lets you introduce guests to new cheeses with style. And don’t think this board is reserved for cheese only; the modern design makes it the perfect serving platter for everything from charcuterie to chocolate, so get creative!

(Retail value of $69)

Mortar and pestle

Made from 100% organically-grown bamboo, this bamboo mortar and pestle from Core Bamboo will brighten up any kitchen. Now you’ll be able to make handmade pesto, crush mint for your mojitos and grind together fresh herbs for garnish. Unstoppable, mama.

(Retail value of $37.50)

2 pounds of coffee from Coffee CSA

Now that you get your kale, chard and carrots thanks to a C.S.A., why not your coffee? Coffee CSA makes sure that you get the best selection of coffee directly from small-scale farms. No middlemen, just farmers and people like you who love great coffee. You’ll get two pounds of fresh-roasted premium coffee delivered right to your doorstep.

(Retail value of $29.98 – $32.98, depending on the coffee farmer selected.)

Bamboo Bottle Company Reusable Bottle

This isn’t your your mother’s water bottle. With a unique design that uses bamboo and glass, Bamboo Bottle Company has created a bottle that will not only keep you far, far away from disposables, but you can fill it with hot and cold drinks alike, meaning you can go from coffee in the morning to water in the afternoon. The glass interior is removable and dishwasher safe so keeping your bottle clean is easy. Cheers!

(Retail value of $25.00)

Wei of Chocolate

We all know that chocolate makes us feel better, but Wei of Chocolate just might go above and beyond your normal cocoa expectations. Wei Relaxed dark chocolate is organic, fair trade, dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, 68% cacao, and enhanced with flower essences that work to calm & relax the mind and help you sleep better at night. Who knew chocolate could do so much?

(Retail value of $11.00)

Night Owl Paper Goods Recipe Card Books

Keep all your recipes in one place with this cute recipe card book from Night Owl Paper Goods. 24 recipe cards printed on a letterpress are held inside a sustainably-harvested birch wood cover, and with a self-standing easel is easy enough to prop up when you’re in the midst of your culinary creations.

(Retail value of $26.00)

D.I.Y. Delicious by Vanessa Barrington

If you follow EcoSalon’s food section, we’re pretty sure you’re fans of homemade food. Cooking from scratch not only puts good food on the table, but it allows you to experiment. EcoSalon’s very own food columnist, Vanessa Barrington, leads the way through the homemade cooking process in her book D.I.Y. Delicious, full of new explorations – ever made yogurt? – and simple solutions to the question, “Can’t I make that myself?”

(Retail value of $24.95)

Recipes Every Man Should Know by Susan Russo

There are just some things men should know how to do. Cooking is certainly one of them. Here’s the perfect gift for your husband/boyfriend/lover/brother/nephew/next door neighbor, because every man should know a thing or two in the kitchen. Penned by one of our favorite food bloggers, Susan Russo, this is the down and dirty guide for ensuring that a man can easily navigate the wide world of food. Fingers crossed you get to reap the benefits!

(Retail value of $9.95)

Zhena’s Gypsy Tea Hazelnut Chai

Making tea is an art, and Zhena’s Gypsy Tea does it well. 100% organic and 100% Fair-Trade certified, this container of 22 sachets of Hazelnut Chai is sure to become your winter favorite. Think of it as a hazelnut torte, turned into a tea. Brew a batch and within minutes your house will be smelling of cinnamon, ginger and vanilla.

(Retail value of $9.95)

Fat Toad Farm Caramel Sauce

If ever there were a sauce you’d want to put on everything, this is it. Made from organic goat’s milk, Fat Toad Farm’s caramel sauce is creamy, rich and flat-out amazing. A family farm, Fat Toad’s 47 milking does are pasture-raised, their milk used for making cheese and caramel, or cajeta. Because this form of caramel is primarily dairy based, it’s creamier and less sweet than standard caramel sauces. Be careful not to down the entire jar on one apple.

(Retail value of $12.00)

Twig Servers

A gorgeously prepped salad should have equally gorgeous serving utensils, and these Twig Servers from VivaTerra are just what you need. Nature-inspired, they’re a chic complement to an organic meal, and their design makes them fit perfectly in your hands. Now it’s just up to you to serve up a mean bowl of greens.

(Retail value of $45)

Innate Gear Doppio

Espresso, wine, whisky; this reusable mug from Innate Gear does it all. Throw it in your bag and you’ll always have something to put your afternoon Americano in, even if you’re on the go. And it’s called a Doppio. Which is just adorable.

(Retail value of $9)

Bambu On the Go Reusable Utensils

Aspenware Compostable Cutlery  

Spring and summer picnics are a ways away, but you’ll be well prepared with two sets of Aspenware compostable cutlery. With four spoons, forks and knives in each set, you’ll be able to outfit an army. Or at least all your eco-friendly friends.

(Retail value of $2.99 per pack)

Full Circle Ring Veggie Brush

Scrub your veggies clean with this Ring Veggie Brush from Full Circle. Made from bamboo and natural and recycled plastic bristles, it’s an ergonomic dream and will also ensure that your veggies have that fresh look even after the supermarket wax has been scraped away.

(Retail value of $4.49)

Architec Mixing Bowls

If you’re cooking organic, shouldn’t your kitchenware be just as environmentally conscious? These stacking mixing bowls from Architec are the perfect plastic alternative. Made from 98% natural and recycled materials, the two, three and four quart set will satisfy all your baking needs. We foresee a delicious batch of chocolate chip cookies already.

(Retail value of $29.99)

Epicurean Cutting Board

Slice and dice in style with this 12″ x 9″ EcoPlastic cutting board from Epicurean. Not only is this board made from recycled poly, but it’s also made in the USA, ensuring you can chop your vegetables with a good conscience.

(Retail value of $19.99)

Lodestar Garlic Olive Oil

If you’re attending any good dinner parties in the next few weeks this Lodestar Farms Garlic Olive Oil from Greenfeet makes the perfect hostess gift. This award winning olive oil is made with sustainably harvested olives in the Sierra Nevada foothills, and can be used for everything from dressings to dipping.

(Retail value of $13.95)

Stainless Steel Robot Tea Infuser

Steep your evening cup of tea in this fun, Stainless Steel Robot Tea Infuser from Greenfeet. The arms and feet move to fit your favorite tea mug. In need of more fun eco-friendly kitchen products? Check out the rest of the Greenfeet site for a wide selection of culinary goods.

(Retail value of $8.95)

Navitas Naturals Power Snacks

Power up with one of these Power Snacks from Navitas Natural. This isn’t your average trail mix; superfoods are the name of the game in these snack mixes, which feature cacao, maca, chia, and camu-camu. Easy to pack, they’re perfect for staying energized while you’re traveling this holiday season. Plus they’re raw and organic, which should please anyone looking for an on-the-go natural boost.

(Retail value of $8.99)

Bird Salt and Pepper Shakers

These whimsical salt and pepper shakers from VivaTerra will bring a smile to any guest at your table. And if you don’t want them for your own home, they make a beautiful gift for any bird lover in your crew.

(Retail value of $25)

To buy:

We’re sorry, this Box edition has sold out! Check out the other available options – they’re pretty fabulous, too.

The post The Holiday Food Box: Because Everyone Loves Food Edition! appeared first on EcoSalon.

This weekend, our EIC Sara Ost sent me an email lamenting the fact that finding a logo-free hot beverage vessel in today’s marketplace is circa impossible. After conducting some research myself, I have to agree.

Yes, carting around disposable cups from Starbucks is lame, especially with so many stylish alternatives out there. But what of being a walking, sipping advertisement for said company, your work’s softball team, the last charity event your mom participated in, and so on and so forth? I like Sigg, but until they start paying me to carry their bottles around, I don’t see why I’m paying them up to $25 for services rendered.

Well, here are three semi-decent reasons in Smoked Pearl, Nature’s Return and Sun Salutation:

And here are four (though technically, three) just as acceptable ones that let you drink and slurp cold-weather beverages in logo-free bliss.

This BPA-free, stainless steel vacuum tumbler from Adesso will keep your hot beverages well-insulated and pretty.

Did you know Thermos was an actual brand, like Kleenex? I had no idea. But they don’t bang on about it, which is why this double walled vacuum insulated mug plus serving cup will work for us.

Stanley makes a basic black travel mug made from eCycle, a mix of recycled plastics that’s equally as recyclable.

This is kind of a tricky one. The Bamboo Bottle Company is, indeed, a company. As such, they’ve got their logo all over this BPA-free hot water vessel made from bamboo and glass. Admittedly, totally counter to our argument. But forgivable given their innovative use of bamboo and their small, up-and-coming, eco-company status.

Can we get away with it? Almost.

Images: Chialion; Pop Deluxe; Thermos; Working Person; Sigg; Bamboo Bottle Company

The post 7 (Almost) Logo-Free Hot Beverage Vessels appeared first on EcoSalon.

Bottled water is everywhere. Supermarkets, gas stations, even vending machines offer it, but there are compelling reasons to kick the bottle habit for good.

9. Cost: A single bottle of water generally runs about one to two dollars. In some cases, such as at concerts or amusement parks, one bottle can cost up to nearly three dollars! Even if bottled water is bought in bulk, the price still averages around .50 to .89 cents per bottle. Filtered tap water is essentially the same product and costs a fraction of the price.

8. Space: Many people live in environments where space is at a premium. One reusable bottle takes up much less space than 12 bottles of the same product.

7. Waste: In a perfect world, everyone would recycle their used bottles. All it takes is a quick drive down the highway to realize that we live in a far from perfect world. Old plastic bottles littering the curb are a common sight, unfortunately. Even in a garbage dump, one bottle can take thousands of years to decompose.

6. Environmental impact: Litter aside, bottled water takes a greater toll on our environment. Oil goes into making the plastic. Large trucks need to be fueled up to transport them, emitting extra fumes into the air. The bottles are usually kept cool in the store, using up even more unnecessary energy.

5. Quality: Bottled water has a reputation for being “safe”, but this isn’t necessarily true. Under extreme heat, like that found in a vehicle in summer, chemicals can be leached from the plastic and contaminate the water within.

4. Regulations: Consider this; the EPA holds tap water to much higher standards than the FDA holds bottled water, meaning there is a chance that bottled water is not as safe as filtered tap water.

3. Not So Pure: Bottled water companies claim their water is “purer,” often toted as spring water or more organic. Take a closer look at the label though. If the words “from a municipal/community source” are present, that water is likely to be no more than glorified tap water. Consumers can have the same taste and effect by attaching a filter to their faucets.

2. Community effect: Bottled water is pulled from local sources near the bottling plant, leading to water shortages in the immediate area. Farmers and local residents take the brunt of the impact at first, but everyone feels the crunch in higher food costs and shortages.

1. Redundancy: It takes a ridiculous amount of water to make one bottle of water! Some studies suggest that it takes nearly seven times as much water to make just one consumable bottle!

Doesn’t it make more sense to ditch to bottle?

Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Louise Baker. When she’s not enjoying a glass of fresh, cold, tap water, Louise Baker is a blogger and freelance writer. Of late she has been writing about online degrees for Zen College Life.

Image: Nexeus_Fatale, xdmag, goldberg, Horia Varlan, bradleygee, calliope, jessicamelling, BAR Photography, Anthony Albright, Todd Morris

The post 9 Reasons to Ditch the Bottle Once and for All appeared first on EcoSalon.

You would think that something as simple as ditching bottled water would be easy to make a regular habit. But as soon as we start traveling, our eco-friendly daily routine has a tendency to fall by the wayside, and water is a prime example.

Just because you can’t bring liquids through security check is no excuse for leaving your reusable water bottle at home; you’re certainly going to need it upon arrival. Worried about space? No one said you had to go with stainless steel.

You can also invest in a handy collapsible drinking vessel like the Soft Bottles from Platypus. They’re BPA-free and can go with you anywhere. Which means buying a bottle of water where potable tap water is readily available is no longer excusable.

The post Green Travel Tip: Pack Your Water Bottle appeared first on EcoSalon.