Bikers Benefit From Bailout

While the 700 billion dollar bailout may help big business, it also gives a Federal tax break to people who ride a bike to work.  Thanks to organizers from Oregon who worked for seven years to get a break for bikers, in 2009 those who cycle to work can get $20 a month from their employers for cycling expenses.  Another good reason to get out of the car and onto a bike.  Read more…

Cultural Tourism for Treasure Hunters and Pirates

If you're longing for a vacation or a snorkeling trip but you're tied to your desk, this mini-documentary has a cool computer generated shipwreck and is the next best thing to diving. Sponsored by the United Nations' Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, which is charged with safeguarding underwater cultural heritage. Watch with kids. Click here or on the photo to see the video and take a 12 minute vacation as an underwater archaeologist.

Going For the Green: Thoughts on Guilt and Greenwashing

"These days, it seems just about every business is finding a way to go green, making it that much harder for well-intentioned consumers to distinguish companies with green products and services." --Entrpreneur Magazine

Green guilt, extreme green, green washing—the over-exposure to green messages leaves me feeling eco-fatigued. Businesses greenwashing in hopes of getting attention has created a backlash of cynicism against the green trend. What's an easy going green gal to do?

I confess, I'm not a purist, I find it to be rigid and confusing. Twenty percent of going green requires expensive, complicated, difficult choices about which most people disagree. I focus on the 80% that has clear impacts instead of giving up because of the debatable and often painful 20%.

The way I see it, lots of people doing 80% makes a bigger difference than a few zealots doing 100%. I set a rational, reasonable example that people can follow, rather than condemn those who are unable or unwilling to adopt a perfectionist’s all-or-nothing approach.

Is that a cop-out? Is that nurturing? Economists say it is the law of diminishing return. The last 20% isn't worth the trouble it takes to go after.

Having said all that, I lose respect for businesses that claim to be green for common sense things like recycling. I find lodgings that claim to be green because they ask guests to use less water or because they switched to flourescent light bulbs laughable.

I give my business to those who assert their green-ness in writing. Certification from third parties that verify eco-friendly practices also offer credibility and I have a few for my business just for that reason. But the field of listings is so crowded, most consumers can't tell one from the other. What it seems we can tell is that it takes a variety of efforts to support local residents and protect the environment and no light coat of green can cover up for lack of substance.

Coolest Condos on Earth: Waldspirale

Notice the trees growing out of the windows? Wildspirale (Forest Spiral) designed by Viennese artist, Friedensreich Hundertwasser, has become one of the more unique and visually stimulating buildings in the world. With over 1000 unique windows, individualized handles on windows and doors, a living roof, café, parking garage, restaurant, bar, playground, and a running stream, it is an architectural wonder. Upon first glance, second and third, one is simply enchanted and astonished.

Sorry, no vacation rentals here for Oktoberfest, I checked.

Must read and see more... Image by Hans S

Travel Enthusiasm Still High, Despite Economy

Consumer resilience means 78% percent still plan to travel for the holidays according to a recent Travelocity poll.  Also savvy, travelers can find more deals now than ever before.  The biggest change isn’t that people have given up, but how they will travel—12% percent say they will not drive and 12% percent say they will avoid flying whenever possible due the new fees airlines charge.  Go Southwest.

 

World of Good Launches at eBay

Earlier this year I toyed with the idea of online selling the hip, green furnishings that our guests love to buy from our vacation rentals.

But my market research didn't support launching an effort with only 100 guests a year. My research did show it was a good idea for a business with a broader audience. And eBay must think like me cuz they just launched a beta site for socially responsible sellers.

If you wanted me to sell through EcoLuxury Lodging, I encourage you to try it. As for you shoppers, I'll keep you posted if I see the fab wash cloths, soft linens, green cookware, and other stuff we stash in our vacation homes for sale on World of Good, especially if it seems eBay has worked out the kinks in the beta site. You can shop for green gifts, fair trade handicrafts, delicious gourmet foods, unique arts and more at eBay's new WorldofGood.com online marketplace.

Living Rich Break Down Part 1: Do Good, Save More on Your Green Remodel

The most time consuming and frustrating part of my green remodels was the demolition and replacement. Contractors were unwilling or unable to recycle the useful appliances and fixtures. Usually they agreed upfront to haul things to the recycling center or to the local Habitat Restore, but that always seemed to work more in theory than in practice. Various failures ranged from reasonable to ridiculout, “It’s too late in the day," or "too far to drive with fuel prices this high." "I tossed the sinks and cabinets in the dumpster."

But my story has a happy ending. When I remodeled the bathroom last month at Casita Colibri, I found a socially responsible group of contractors, Green Demolitions who extract items for free and sell them in a self-sustaining nonprofit. I was in heaven--luxury home decor from cool places like kitchen display stores (birds eye maple!) and estates of the rich and famous, including Robert Kennedy.

Proceeds fund programs to support addicts at Recovery Unlimited. The partnership is described as “Recycling Luxury for Recovery.” Donation items include furniture, vanities, and mobile homes. There is a sale through Halloween for 50-75% off.

The only catch is they’re on the east coast.

Spooked from Blue to Green? Shake Off the Blues

Feeling scared to death about our economic future? The VIX Index, a "fear gauge" which measures market volatility, hit record highs last week, showing we have more anxiety than we did following the 9/11 attacks. That's pretty spooky. 

Experts tell us the best way to manage fear is to take action, stay productive to stave off failure. My uber eco-mom says, "The best cure for the blues is to stop focusing on yourself and start focusing on being of service. Do something for someone else, you'll feel better."

How about collecting the blues--as in jeans--instead of candy this Halloween? The average American throws away more than 68 pounds of clothing a year. Instead of filling up a landfill, you can turn denim into something far more useful: sustainable and eco-friendly housing insulation.

Fair Indigo’s goal is to collect 500 pairs of jeans by October 31st– enough to make insulation for a Habitat for Humanity home.

How do you do it?  Gather up old jeans or any denim by Oct 31 and ship them to:
Fair Indigo Denim Drive
c/o Green Jeans Insulation Inc.
1109 W. Milwaukee St.
Stoughton, WI 53589

You’ll join young people inspired to change the world one pair of jeans at a time in the COTTON. FROM BLUE TO GREEN.® denim drive.  Fair Indigo teams up with them, colleges, and other groups across the country to collect old blue jeans and make eco-friendly, hypo-allergenic, super acoustical insulation.  See the ABC, Money Matters video here. 

Since its inception in 2006 the COTTON. FROM BLUE TO GREEN.® denim drive has generated over 100,000 square feet of eco-friendly UltraTouch™ insulation and it has been installed in over 100 new homes in the gulf coast region through Habitat for Humanity.

 

 

Fall Savings~Rate Alert

SEDONA, AZ. Save $174 Oct 25-31 at Casita Colibri. Use code Blog3 for discount.

CANYON De Chelly, Az $69 a night winter 2008.

Winter Specials in Yellowstone as low as $125.

SAVE ON AIR TO FLORIDA. Airfare costs dropped in the Orlando market, check major airlines. Fly in there and head to St. Augustine to catch the eagles returning to nest. Details on the vacation rental website.

MYRTLE BEACH, NC $29 a night. Beautiful Crown Reef Resort, unbelievable rate.

Lean and Green: Money and Earth Saving Tips

No, I'm not going to give you yet another suggestion to change your light bulbs. I get that eco-fatigue has some of you wishing you could donate to Bono's causes or buy those $200 organic sheets, but you just can't afford it. And yet, other greenies will ride their bike to work no matter which way the winds of the economy blow. I swing back and forth depending on my mood, cynical one day, optimistic the next. But whatever my inclination, I always love saving green. I love a sale, a deal, and every bargain.

Here's how I'm cutting back on spending and helping Mother Nature at the same time. Feel free to add your ideas.

Saving With Solar. For many years, adding solar panels was too expensive for me to install. But new leasing programs like those offered by Solar City help people with utility bills over $150 save money switching to solar, as NBC points out in their recent coverage. As a penny pincher, I get very excited watching the dial spin backwards on my utility meter. Take that APS!

Throw in the Towel. The average American has $497 worth of cleaning products in their house and only uses three of them more than once a year. Paper towels and tissue costs go up every few days. I've given up 80% of my cleaning products and paper towel use.

Dura-hooked microfiber clothes and hot water can replace chemicals and cleaners. I didn't believe it until I tried it, but it cleans better than abrasive cleaners or fume-filled sprays for most cleanups. As for getting rid of the unused products, if I have just a small amount of cleaner left, I wash or flush it down the drain with lots of water. For large quantities, I check Earth911 to see how to dispose of it. My neighbor sold her cleaning products at a yard sale! Didn't help the planet to keep those products in use, but in the long run Mother Nature wins because she won't be buying any more cleaners.

Give it Up. Cutting back on spending for me means less cash to donate to my favorite causes. Instead of feeling guilty, I'm cleaning out closets and clutter to recycle unwanted, unused household items through Freecycle.org. Artwork that no longer fits my decor and jewelry I no longer wear goes to the local silent aution.

I gave up shopping alone and joined a warehouse club with friends. BJs, Sam's Club and Costco can take a big bite out of shopping expenses. They also allow member's to bring a guest. I drive and shop with my friends for more fun, less gas, and lower fees. I also pick up tips about coupons and specials and new items by shopping with someone else.

The nearest health food store is 20 minutes away from my house by car. I've cut back on driving by buying in bulk from Amazon.com. Shipping is free when you sign up for auto delivery.

Cut the Plaque. Research makes a connection between poor dental health and heart health. Realizing that keeping your teeth clean now might prevent bill health care costs in the future, some health insurance companies have started offering inexpensive dental plans. Steve and I spent $600 on routine cleanings on our last visit to the dentist. All of that is covered in our new plan for $10 a month, no co-pays. We have to use the HMO providers, but there were two green dentists on the list which made going HMO easier to swallow.

All Washed Up. I switched from my expensive, organic soaps to Kirk's basic bar and saved $4.97 a bar. Available for $1.57 a bar on Amazon. But watch the shipping, if you're not in the Subscribe and Save program, the shipping is a ridiculous $6.00.

Check what food is in season locally and therefore, usually less expensive. Lime.com has a map for the entire US to help you find it.

For me, eco luxury is about making life easy on me and the planet, it's not about one or the other, it's both.

Connecting With People Who Share Your Passions

You want to live the good life – but you also want to make the world a better place. Finally, you can do both. Learn how to green your business, or if your business is already green, how to grow it, at the Co-op America Green Business Conference, November 12-13, 2008, in San Francisco. www.coopamerica.biz. And consider setting up shop at the Green Festival immediately after – www.greenfestivals.org

[Investor Insight] 10 HIP Places to Park Your Cash — for Profit and Good

[Investor Insight] 10 HIP Places to Park Your Cash — for Profit and Good

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Spread the Love: Easy Tip For Greening Your Travel

Encourage vacation rental and hotel owners to go green by sending them this link or printing the suggestions on this form and leaving them when you check out.

Study Shows Toxins in Laundry Products

This is why we use only green products to launder the linens at Eco Luxury Lodging. And I always ask if "green cleaning" at other lodging includes laundering. Often, it does not.

SEATTLE—A University of Washington study of top-selling laundry products and air fresheners found the products emitted dozens of different chemicals. All six products tested gave off at least one chemical regulated as toxic or hazardous under federal laws, but none of those chemicals was listed on the product labels. “I first got interested in this topic because people were telling me that the air fresheners in public restrooms and the scent from laundry products vented outdoors were making them sick,” said Anne Steinemann, a UW professor of civil and environmental engineering and public affairs. “And I wanted to know, ‘What’s in these products that is causing these effects?’”

View article

Top Ten Things Vacation Rental Owners Won't Tell You

1. It's a renter's market, so let's really make a deal. The number of vacation rentals in some areas like Florida have doubled in the six months. Owners can't sell or rent, so they're looking for quick cash from a vacation rental. When supply exceeds demand you can not only get better rates off-season, you can negotiate perks in-season. Ask the owner to pick up the bed tax or cleaning fee. Or see if they'll have a bottle of wine or supplies for you at check in. Ask questions to be sure you'll be booking with experienced owners. No point in taking a break from work just to break in a new owner.

2. You Can Get a Guarantee, Free. HomeAway offers a gaurantee for properties listed on their website. Amateur owners won't stay in business for long if they can't meet tough standards that guarantees like HomeAway demands. This is one reason I list my properties with HomeAway. And I don't make any money for saying so.

3. A Picture Isn't Always Worth A Thousand Words. For an example, see the picture in my July post showing a vacation rental promoting their view and outdoor dining. The table is actually in a driveway. Another picture shows the view, it is actually a photo from the Chamber of Commerce, not the view from the property.

4. "Sleeps Four, Must Eat Out." You can't save money eating-in if the vacation home is furnished with a cafe table that seats two. New owners often focus on getting beds and sofas and skimp on the dining. I visited one rental that used the outdoor furniture for the dining table.

5. Good Rate, Lot's of Extra Fees. Owners sometimes lower the rent and add a key fee, a parking permit fee, bed tax, security deposit, or a processing fee. Stick with owners who disclose fees upfront or better yet, book with owners who include fees in the rent.

6. Extra Paperwork. Do you really need a complicated lease, more forms for key pick up, and an extra stop at the management office when you want to relax? Make sure the hours for key pickup aren't limited, you may not want to rush your drive just to make the office hours. Look for rentals where you don't have to deal with a third party and the owners keep things simple by handling paperwork online. New laws mean you don't have to use fax or mail for signatures and credit card payments mean you have added security from your financial institution if something should go wrong.

7. Great Views, And Road Construction. Highway 89A in Sedona, AZ will be under construction for nearly a year. The heavy equipment, trucks, and traffic jams echo in the canyon walls, amplifying already ear crushing noise. Add a house on the hill with a view and you've got round the clock headaches and dust. Always ask owners about nearby construction.

8. What's an Air Filter? Indoor air is usually more polluted than outdoor air, especially in homes where the heating and air conditioning filter isn't changed regularly. Manufacturers recommend changing standard air filters every 30 days, but many owners cut costs by stretching the life of cheap filters. I've stayed in 12 vacation rentals in the past two years and had to buy or request a new filter at each one. Ask that the filter be changed for your arrival and support owners who spend the extra for permanent or HEPA filters changed on a regular basis. Who needs to go on vacation and get sick?

9. We Spray. You get respiratory problems. Bug spray, pest control may get rid of roaches, but it also aggravates allergies, asthma, and can weaken your immune system.

10. Lots of tennis courts, pools, and golf--NO ACCESS. Make sure you don't have to wait for play time. Find out how crowded the pool gets and what availability is like for recreation sites.

New URL for this Blog

If you subscribe to my Red Hot Rate Alerts, vacation rental travel deals or Eco Luxury Living blog please bookmark or sign up for the feed from this page. After November, I will no longer be mailing email alerts directly. You can get email alerts in an RSS Feed, different method, same result.

5 Places To Get Greener, Healthier Food

Grabbing fast food isn't my first choice, but it's usually unavoidable while traveling with my family. Can you suggest some healthier, green options?
- Megan Morgan, Columbia, South Carolina

We know how difficult (and expensive!) it is to eat out for every meal when your family's on vacation. Fortunately, some conscientious companies are working to change the artery-clogging, Earth-trashing image of fast food chains. Locally sourced and eco-friendly, here are our five favorite "green" fast food restaurants across the country. The kids will love it and you'll feel good about it, too. Read more on Yahoo http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/5-places-to-get-healthier-greener-fast-food-249341/

Fall in Love with St. Augustine: Autumn in the Old City

Sometimes the best things in life really are free--including my Florida fall favorite things to do. The summer family tourists have cleared out and so has the humidity. Temperatures, prices, and hurricane threats drop and spooks and sparkling festivities go up. Read on if you like to skip the most of the touristy, admission, military, or golf activities. They're easy to find on many other websites with ads. I focus on local flavor, fun, and free or at least a fantastic deal.

If you can only do three things, see the holiday lights, take the kayak trip, and hit the chowder taste test. Be sure to try the Minorcan Chowder entered by Hot Shot Bakery. Click here to get the recipe or sample it at the Hot Shot Bakery across the street from Casa Monica Hotel. Say hey to Sherry for me.

FIRST FRIDAY ARTWALK (First Friday of Every Month 2008) - Self-guided walking tour of numerous art galleries. The cost of living is lower in St. Augustine than in many other quaint towns, so real artists can actually afford to live here. 5 PM - 9 PM Historic District

UPTOWN SATURDAY NIGHT - This is a locals' favorite which makes the turnout lively. The last Saturday of every month enjoy extended shopping hours, live entertainment and book signings as the quaint shops along San Marco Avenue host an evening of entertainment and socializing. Exhibits, wine, champagne, authors and music are part of the fun. San Marco Avenue, 5 - 9 PM.

LIVE MUSIC, HEALTHY FOOD at The Present Moment Cafe Friday & Saturdays at 9 PM. An eclectic mix of local music, soul to funk, bluegrass to Africa. Watch for the detour on King Street. Bring Your Own Mug for $1 Cup of Coffee.

HAUNTED ST. AUGUSTINE IS EVERYWHERE Oct. 16-31. Hayrides, ghost tour walks, trick or treat parties.

RIPLEY’S HALLOWEEN GHOST TRAIN: Not so free, but oh, so funny. Board the Ghost Train for a ride throughout the haunted streets of old St. Augustine. There are stops along the way where tales are told and guests can photograph orbs and use EMF meters to identify the presence of spirits or something gassy? Tours begin from Ripley's Believe It or Not at 7 PM. Fee: $24 for adults,$12 for children. See website for $2 off coupon.

ENCHANTED FOREST: Enjoy a magical "scare-free" walk through the enchanted forest loop at Anastasia State Park. The trees will be magnificently lit with sparkling lights for a scare-free walking loop filled with charming scenes. All proceeds benefit the non-profit Friends of Anastasia State Park. Enchanted Forest is located at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. For more information call 904-814-2113.

Indians of the Estuary Kayak Tour in St Augustine - (Oct 21) Come along on a leisurely paddle through one of Northeast Florida's most beautiful landscapes and discover how the Timucuans lived and loved this land. Explore with a professional naturalist/kayak guide and enjoy stories about the important role the Matanzas Estuary played in their everyday lives. Tour fee is $60 per person, includes all needed kayaking equipment, kayaking instruction, park entrance fees, catered lunch and bottled water. For info, contact Coastal Outdoor Center

28TH ANNUAL LINCOLNVILLE FESTIVAL - (Nov 2-4) Lincolnville is one of St. Augustine’s oldest neighborhoods with more than half of its buildings dating from the late 19th century black settlement. Historic visitors included Martin Luther King. The event kicks-off on Friday with live R&B music, food, games, and arts and crafts. Free Admission. For more information call 904-669-0739

BRITISH GARRISON WEEKEND AT THE CASTILLO DE SAN MARCOS (Nov 3-4) Experience what the fort was like during the British military occupation of 1763-1784. Reenactors and rangers will be dressed as British colonial soldiers as they provide historic weapon demonstrations, talks and displays. Hours: 8:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Admission: Adults $6, children 15 and under free. 904-829-6506

23nd ANNUAL GREAT CHOWDER DEBATE - (Nov 2) More than 30 area restaurants will compete to see who has the best chowder – each special entry is available for tasting with taste tickets sold for $1 each. An astounding variety of chowders will be available – from local favorites like the Menorcan chowders to an assortment of New England chowders. The event starts at noon and runs throughout the day. The Conch House Marina is located at 57 Comares Avenue. Call the Conch House for info (904) 829-8646

10th ANNUAL WINERY HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE at the San Sebastian Winery. Wine tasting, great music, hors d'oeuvres. (Nov 17-18)

ST AUGUSTINE ART AND CRAFT FESTIVAL- (Nov 29-30) This two day event features art created from lace to limestone and crayons to crystal. The City's largest juried show means this isn't just a street market with palm tree potholders. Festival takes place at Francis Field behind the St. Augustine Downtown Historic Parking Facility located on West Castillo Drive in St. Augustine. Details on the St. Augustine Art Association website.

LEGENDARY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS (Nov 18-Jan 31) Find out why there's very little occupancy at vacation rentals and local lodging at this time of year when you see the millions of white lights outline historic St. Augustine. This holiday season, the Nights of Lights will be illuminated at a special opening event scheduled to begin on November 18 at 4:30 p.m. in the city's historic Plaza de la Constitucion. After a high-energy musical performance the lighting ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. when a single flick of a switch will bathe the St Augustine historic district in the soft glow of two million lights.

HOMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS NIGHTS OF LIGHTS TOUR at Old St. Augustine Village - (Nov 22-30) A storyteller in period costume will tell of holiday traditions in the Ancient City covering over 400 yeas of history. The spectacle of the lighted city will be enjoyed along the way. Old St. Augustine Village is the final destination where an entire city block of historic homes will be trimmed and decorated to reflect the holiday season. After a guided lantern light tour through the homes, refreshments served. Hours: Fridays and Saturdays 7 PM. Admission: $20 WELL WORTH IT.

Do "Green" Cleaners Really Work?

After my August 13 post about the dangers of house cleaning, a few of you, including one of our house cleaners, asked me if green cleaning products really clean, can green cleaning sanitize surfaces like toilets and countertops? I say yes, because our homes can't be sterilized anyway, no surface stays santized for long.

If that's not enough for you, consider the alternatives. "Disinfectants can be poisonous--they're regulated as pesticides..." says Lori Bongiono, author of Green, Greener, Greenest.

~Water evaporating--air drying, is actually a good way to get rid of germs. I clean with hot water to increase the odds. Studies show air dried dishes have 74% less bacteria and germs than towel dried dishes.

~A super-hooked microfiber cloth and hot water is an affordable choice that works on 90% of household messes. Rubbing alcohol and baking soda work on tougher stains.

~I confess, I keep a caustic cleaner on hand, outside in the shed, for the remaining 1% I can't remove with my green cleaning methods. But almost all of the time, my house is fragrance and chemical free.

~The toilets get baking soda for scrubbing and vinegar for sanitizing.

Green Lodging News

Unity Conference Center received LEED Certification, making it the first lodging to meet this classification in the Midwest. The Unity Village Hotel and Conference Center on the grounds of Unity Village, a National Historic Register site located 15 miles southeast of Kansas City has 49 double-occupancy hotel rooms and a multipurpose meeting and conference center which just received Silver LEED status. The building utilizes a ground-source heat pump system for heating and cooling. Thirty-seven ground wells were drilled to a depth of 350 feet. The system uses the Earth’s temperature to heat and cool the building. This is the most energy-efficient way to heat and cool a building, and it is longer lasting than traditional heating and cooling systems. Water efficiency is a key component of the building, with dual-flush toilets, low-volume showerheads, rain gardens and bioswales to purify stormwater runoff. Green cleaning products are used throughout.

Go to the Unity Village Hotel and Conference Center.