Park for free

Posted by Staff in Eco Saturdays, North America

A little birdie over at The Fairmont Hotel in San Jose, told me that they have a new program that allows guest driving hybrids to park overnight for free.

After some research I discovered that many hotels in the US offer a similar deal….and considering most hotels charge over $20 a night for parking, it’s a great deal!

So if you drive a hybrid, make sure to find out if the place your staying at has a deal like this.  To get more info on the Fairmont in San Jose, click here.

Project shut-down homebase

Posted by Staff in Eco Saturdays

Don’t forget to shut-down your house before you leave on your next trip.  

Computers, alarm clocks, cable boxes and many other electronics use up unnecessary energy when you are out of town…..to do your part, go on an unplugging rampage through your house before you leave.  

Also, don’t forget to unplug chargers….a mobile phone charger can use up to 5 watts per hour even when it is not attached to a phone!

By shutting down your home you not only help conserve energy, you save money and cancel the risk of a power surge murdering your electronic loved ones.

Camping at it’s finest

Posted by Staff in Canada, Eco Saturdays

Rumor has it that actors Scarlett Johanssen and Ryan Reynolds tied the knot recently at the uber-luxe Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, located in the Clayoquot Sound Biosphere reserve, in British Columbia, Canada.

The resort consists of 20 white tents, decked out with lavish antiques, remote-controlled propane wood-stoves, oil lamps, each with a private bathroom.  For families, the resort has nine suite tents with a seating area and sofa bed.

Gourmet meals are served in the ranch-style cookhouse, or for a more intimate experience, dinner can be served in either the ‘bistro’ or ‘family’ dining tents.

Every outdoor activity you could ever imagine is offered, from fishing to bear watching.  For those (like me) who prefer the creature comforts, can spend the day at Healing Grounds, an “eco-safari style massage and therapeutic treatment centre.”

Rates for the all inclusive resort start at $4,750 CAD (per person) for three nights and include return floatplane transfers, 1 hour massage, all activities and meals. For more information visit wildretreat.com

Beware of organic abroad

Posted by Staff in Eco Saturdays, Morocco

When traveling in less developed countries, many foods are grown organically. Although the lack of chemicals is great, remember what is used instead…..manure….poop…caca…whatever you want to call it.

When in Djemma el Fna square in Marrakesh, there are tons of carts selling fresh sqeezed orange juice. Although you may think “it has a peel so it should be safe,” you are mistaken.

In Morocco, donkey maneur is used instead of pesticides…..and the oranges are not usually washed well….so when they are sliced to be juiced, you can end up with traces of donkey dung in your juice.

My host in Morocco said that many tourists drink the orange juice and are fine, but many get sick as well. So to avoid only seeing the inside of a restroom in Marrakech….stay away…..unless you are a gambler!

And remember, when traveling always vigorously clean pealed fruit…..even if you only eat what is inside.