Babcock Ranch: Solar and Green Design of the Future

If everything goes according to plan, soon Babcock Ranch in Florida will be the archetype for solar and green design of the present. In essence it will incorporate everything I write about on this blog in regard to sustainability, including photovoltaics, water conservation, daylighting, and energy savings. It sets a precedent for Eco-friendly urban design, one that will not be easy to live up to. It will take about 25 years to complete and will probably be the greenest city around - literally, over half of the 17,608 acre city is alotted to greenspace such as parks, trails, and nature preserves. Even city rooftops will be 'green roofs' with vegetation to minimize cooling costs.

The city will be powered entirely by renewable solar energy. It will have the largest on-site solar plant in the world that will cost over $300 million. Electric vehicles will be charged at stations powered by the sun, and traffic will be eliminated thanks to the extensive system of pathways for alternative transportation, i.e. walking, biking, rollerblading, etc. No existing city would ever be able to retrofit to such high standards because the design is completed from the ground up taking into consideration all minute details before the site plan is even done.

While in my opinion 'green' and 'city' is an oxymoron, I've got to give them some credit for making a city - the epitome of consumerism and over spending, more sustainable. I still think it is 'greener' to live off-grid (solar and/or wind) in a rural area, raise and grow your own food, and collect rain water. Babcock Ranch is just a great attempt at taking the comfortable consumerism lifestyle and subtracting the guilt that some don't even feel while living like billions of others in the average city. It will be a great place for those who like city life but want to go 'green', which is impossible in any of today's cities.

To appreciate everything this city will have to offer you have to visit their outstanding website, the in-depth interactive presentation will answer all your questions and will leave just one - how can I get a place there?

Ecotourism: Vermont Green Hotel

Park Light Inn located in Chester, VT offers Ecotourism packages and also has great winter specials. This green inn adheres to socially and ecologically responsible practices. Here is a list of some of their environmentally friendly commitments:

Carbon free reservations:	Carbon free reservation system conserves energy and dramatically reduces paper consumption and waste.
Organic Amenity Products:	Guests are pampered with quality organic/vegan amenity productions including those from Vermont Soapworks.
Towel/Linen Care Program:	Voluntary participation by guests reduces water waste and unnecessary detergent use.
Cleaning Supplies:	Facilities are cleaned utilizing environmentally friendly, biodegradable cleaning products and sanitizing processes.
Recycled Paper:	Where ever possible we utilize and provide for our guests recycled paper products.
Reduce, Recycle, Reuse Policy:	Active recycling programs address glass, bottles, newspaper, cardboard, and paper products, etc. Cloth napkins, glasses, real china and silver service are readily available to guests 24 hours – even for picnic baskets, eliminating the need for “disposables.”
Plastic reduction / elimination	As opposed to bottled water, personal bedside pitchers and tumblers are provided for each guest, for use with finest Vermont water. You will find only real silver, no plastic utensils.
Energy Conservation:	In addition to low-flow toilets and faucets, over 100 Compact Florescent Lamps CFL's are presently in use at the Park Light Inn. 1.6 GPM shower heads provide exhilarating shower experience while saving water.
In-room recycling bins:	Guests are encouraged to participate by utilizing the convenient recycling containers placed in each room/suite. A full sized recycling sort station is also conveniently located and accessible to all guests/visitors. A full sized recycling station is located off the stone patio.
Local/Organic Refreshments:	Our coffees are locally roasted, decaf is chemical free water processed. We are actively working with our service providers to increase organic and fair trade selections of beverages and snacks.
Donation programs:	Magazines and items/furnishings no longer needed ( but in good condition ), are donated to local charities.
Energy Star:	Energy Star appliances are found throughout including LCD flat-screen TVs in guest suites.
Automobile Free Travel:	Shuttle and guided tour service year round.
Renewable Energy	A collaboration wth CVPS allows the inn to provide a portion of it's energy using COW POWER – which is not only a sustainable energy source, the program supports Vermont Farmers.

Their Winter Wonderland Romance Package includes: thee days/two nights lodging (minimum), refreshments upon arrival, a three course gourmet breakfast, one candlelight dinner served prepared by your own personal chef, snowshoeing at the ponds, and a private horse drawn sleigh ride (holiday blackouts apply) starting at $289 per person.

Certainly Carbon Zero: Ice Hotel

While we can't all be Eco-friendly by building ourselves an ice house to dwell in, we can make our vacation a carbon neutral endeavor by staying at the Ice Hotel in Quebec. Yes, you would need to get there somehow (ski?), it would most likely involve the use of gasoline. But staying at a hotel made entirely of water is rather Earth friendly! Break free from reliance on foreign oil (wink)

Visit our friends at Bye Boston for the full article!

New England: Green Hotel Getaway

Are you looking to get away from the hectic city life and relax this winter season? I have just the green spot for you, the Eco-conscious traveler. Whether you would travel by plane or take a short two hour drive from Boston, this Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, is an emerging jewel. Recently renovated and ranked as one of the Top Ten Green Hotels in the U.S. by Forbes Traveler, this unique spot is affordable this season thanks to their great special going on now if you book by December 15th (check it out here at Travelzoo).

Their website boasts about the green design and service features of this cozy hot spot:

• The first and only Hotel in Maine to heat with Biofuel
• The first hotel in Maine to be Carbon Neutral
• The first in Maine to offer carbon offsets to guests for travel with Carbonfreemeetings™ and Carbonfreevacations™
• 5 acres of indigenous gardens certified as a Wildlife Habitat
• Air to air heat exchangers added with our 2008 renovation
• First hotel in New England to have dual flush toilets
• Solar heating and salt/chlorine system for the pool
• Recycled rubber floors in the cardio room
• Working with LEED consultant on spa addition
• Low VOC paints, wall covering and sealants in spa
• Recycled sheetrock and metal studs in spa
• 22 nesting boxes and 6 bird feeders
• Recycling bins in rooms & function spaces
• Sheet and towel programs
• CFL’s and LED light, lights on timers
• Green Seal cleaning products for a healthy environment