by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

One of my friends gave me an awesome gift the other day. I was coming to visit him and mentioned that I was riding my bicycle. He grumbled, since I’m continuously speaking in eco-tongues in his presence. “This road is damn dangerous and I’d rather not have to peel you off the pavement,” he said and promised to make it up to me. The next morning I called, expecting to find him, as usual, at his favorite coffee shop, but he was at home. “What’s wrong - you sick?” “Nope,” said this reluctant enviro, “we had a deal - I skipped the drive this morning.”

Whoa. Not only was I kinda moved, but I realized that he was on to something! Maybe we could offset for the ones we love!? Are your friends flying to Paris on a honeymoon this June? Carpool to work that month in their honor. Driving to visit grandma? Bring her a set of CFLs!

Traveling to visit loved ones is a fact of our current culture and I say “sustaining” relationships is important. First, make sure those trips are about quality, not quantity and rethink those that fall under the “obligation” category only. We could also consider other meaningful ways to “be there” - arrange a strategically timed phone call during special events or send a letter that can be read aloud. Some years, my family has sent a video of a celebration that I missed.

Beyond this, there’s only one thing left to do - OFFSET!

Already trading out those love miles with a carbon offset company? Then you and your loved ones could challenge yourselves to accumulate offsets in other ways. Wanna visit the new friend you made at Green Fest? Change a bulb, ride a bike, car share, jog outdoors instead of on the treadmill, use only the cold setting on your washing machine, turn off the ice maker in your freezer - the list is endless! Once you start creating new green habits, you’ll get hooked - and then you’ll be sharing all of the LOVE and the eco-ball will be rolling!

The Changers offset mileage and other every day energy use at Terra Pass. It’s fast, easy and affordable. Go there now and share the love!

by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

Tree-hugging roadside assistance? Who knew? Now you do, so it’s time to wake up and smell the petroleum - AAA is not only old news, it’s bad news, with a long history of lobbying against any and all auto alternatives like mass transit, bicycle paths and even the Clean Air Act.

Better World Club, roadside assistance and travel service jumped out of the auto-industry supporting box, bringing travelers an intelligent way to improve their “car-ma”. Two boyhood friends from Ohio survived the ’60’s, worked their way through law school, did some other worldly stuff and eventually created a company that is un-paving a way to better travel. Better World not only offers all the traditional roadside services with generally lower rates, but members receive discounts on hybrid and bio-diesel rentals as well as other types of eco-travel. They also offer Roadside Bicycle Assistance, Auto Insurance and family membership prices for domestic partners.

Ok, so BW won’t bail you out of jail, but you get the benefit of knowing that they are actively promoting “low impact, responsible travel through partnerships with companies who share their philosophy and commitment to protecting the planet” and donate 1% of revenues to environmental clean up and advocacy. They are supporters of the Pay As You Drive (PAYD) insurance initiative, even showing up to testify in it’s favor before the Oregon House Transportation Committee. PAYD programs will encourage less miles on the road (studies project as much as a 20%decrease) but could result in fewer new roads and fewer accidents.

It gets even, uh, Better. Members booking flights or becoming BW-insured, receive free carbon offsetting and are encouraged to make donations towards additional offsetting of personal energy use.

If you’re already a member of another roadside service, you can still join now and become an active member of Better World Club the day your old (smelly) service expires. Call now or visit them at www.Betterworldclub.com.

by Tao Oliveto, Brattleboro, VT

Brattleboro has a dominant number of thriving local businesses, many of which thoroughly but subtly display their green creds. Thrift and vintage places - my personal eye candy - were especially irresistible, and practical, as it turned out. I suddenly needed a nail clipper/file and I found both, hidden amongst hundreds of antique collectibles of every category at a store called “Twice Upon A Time”. Proving, once again, that they don’t make things like they used to. These stores can be full of surprises - I have managed to stay out of mainstream drugstores for years by using thrift/vintage for basics like this - low cost and no packaging is a bonus.

I went back several times to Boomerang - a vintage and vintage-inspired clothing and accessories shop owned and operated by Loretta, who replanted her creative roots from LA. Here I found some fun and stylish used clothing - some are cleverly marked by era - Jerry was drawn to the 50’s while I found out I’m a 60’s - 70’s kind of girl. Boomerang also supports Rise Up International, a group of artists, ideallists and social entrepreneurs using the fashion industry to empower children out of poverty. Rise Up International doesn’t mess around when it comes to giving - they donate all profits to support free education centers, drug rehabilitation and art vocational schools in India, Central America and China.

As happened in a few different cases, I was readily engaged in conversation by the locals and felt welcomed, even as I accepted my designated title as a “flatlander”.
A haven for art, music, alternative health and recreation, “Brat” - as I brazenly use the local term - has not seen the last of me!

by Tao Oliveto, Brattleboro, VT

Our first meal in Brattleboro was at the local Co-op down the street from our historically amazing hotel (see below). Now that I think about it - while we enjoyed coffee, tea and homemade goodies from many other local establishments - our first, last and most meals in between were at the co-op down the street. This is not a coincidence. A food co-op is high on my list of priorities when I’m choosing a travel destination. It allows me to eat in a healthy, simple, affordable and local way, and on my own schedule. I can also stock up on wholesome snacks to stow away for other activities like hiking.

If you’re thinking this is some kind of sacrifice - think again. In addition to organic produce and bulk items like nuts and energy snacks, co-ops usually have “salad, etc.” bars and delicious-looking hot foods (which change daily), in addition to local specialties like baked goods and farm products. In this case, we tried various local cheeses and yogurt and even an outstanding chocolate bar by Taza, made in Somerville, MA. In fact, my first meal was entirely local and organic: baby swiss cheese, cultured daikon and cabbage, fresh-baked bread with local butter and even tapioca pudding - compliments of a cow named Stella. From the hot bar, we experienced excellent scrambled eggs, breakfast burritos, vegetarian lasagna and polenta.

I like meeting co-op employees and other patrons, too - friendly, interesting and interested folks who don’t look at you funny when you pull out your canvas shopping bag or your cloth napkin. We even stumbled in on a wine-tasting event one day - no plastic cups! They gave each person their own real wine glass to use for the event. We did buy a bottle at the local wine store and when we mentioned we were at the hotel, we were offered two glasses to take with us and return later.

I save sit-down dining for selected occasions, so I’m not sure how much less I spent eating this way, but I imagine it is significant in terms of the average traveler. As you’ve read, though, I’m in it for the experience, curiosity and to satisfy my green greediness. I’ve been munching my way through many miles this way and I always end up feeling healthy, energized and happy to be part of the local economy of each new place.

Happy and deliciously greener travels.

by Tao Oliveto, Brattleboro, VT

We stayed at the historic Latchis Hotel, circa 1938, now a preserved memorial building on Main Street in Brattleboro. The original lead-paned windows still open - something now rare in most hotels - there is no A/C and the heat still comes from radiators. The stairwells are welcoming, with natural light and I noticed most guests used the stairs to the 3 floors of rooms. There is no parking garage or large, new lot, or luxuriously furnished lobby, just a straightforward comfort and friendliness.

If you do want to be impressed by style, however, visit the original Latchis “theatre” next store - now a movie house. Detmetrius Latchis had the walls painted with the images and scenes of the Greek gods, like Jupiter welcoming Psyche, the temple of Zeus and Colona with her children, Apollo and Diana. There are also statues - one of Thalia, the Muse of Comedy and Cleo, the muse of History. The ceiling is sky blue with stars and the twelve signs of the zodiac.

Staying in the heart of a city allows you to sightsee car-free and I chose this place because it’s one way to support local business (and history!) while traveling. The rooms are simple - just a few pieces of maple furniture, including a wooden bed frame. The rooms also feature consigned art by local artists.

The Latchis is participating in the Project Green, which asks guests to save resources by reusing linens. This is not so impressive, however, when you consider all the other ways we can consume less during hotel stays. Here’s my list - feel free to add on.

1. Bring your own toiletries, rather than using the small bottles and tubes provided, which will be thrown away and replaced after each use. I travel with a small shampoo/body bar, which is wrapped only in paper and can be carried with you while flying.
2. Use one towel for everything, rather than using bath mats/handtowels.
3. Skip room service during your stay, eliminating more water, energy, detergent use.
4. Use your own drinking mug and water bottle.
5. Use the stairs instead of elevator.
6. Use one trash can - rather than the two usually provided - and you will keep more plastic out of landfill.
7. Open windows instead of A/C. Turn heat off when you leave your room.

8. Ask your host where you can recycle items. If it’s not available, bring home any paper, newspaper to recycle at home.

by Tao Oliveto, Boston, MA

Arriving at Boston Airport, renting car from a sea of SUV’s and Hummers, then trying to get onto the correct exit to Amherst was crazy/frustrating, especially at rush hour. The one problem of driving less in daily life is that ending up in traffic seems even more exhausting and awkward. But, we had heard of a rare macrobiotic restaurant outside the city and were determined to get there on our way out of this gridlock. We finally parked on another busy street and continued on foot to the front door, which was locked.

Just as I was about to declare Boston the least hospitable place I knew, a man approached us to share our disappointment about the closed restaurant. He explained that it was indeed a popular place but some establishments shut down during Spring Break (which made me look again at the busy streets and wonder what it was like when school was in session?). Our friendly stranger suggested another place serving vegetarian food about a mile away. He even offered to drive us there. We turned down the ride, but not until we showed our gratitude and had an enjoyable conversation about good food, home towns and kilts (Jerry was wearing his).

It was after dark when we arrived at Delta Organic Farm in Amherst. The quiet house was especially comforting. Our host greeted us briefly but warmly, said he would be working in the fields the next morning and invited us to come find him when we were awake.

I felt a little like a kid coming home, tucked in the little bedroom with a breeze blowing through the open window…and fell fast asleep.

by Tao Oliveto

As you know from this blog, my commuting habits are a work in progress. I’ve been journeying from Prius to biodiesel, with a lot of bicycle and a little mass transit in between. I mostly live, play and work at home or within a radius of 5 miles, making it not much of a sacrifice to get around by bicycle and bus. The most regular driving I do is to get my dogs to the trail head. My biggest mileage involves a 45-mile roundtrip one day/week to work in another town. Ouch. I don’t enjoy this trip and it’s not just the eco-guilt - being in traffic is a tense and disconnected experience - something I didn’t notice so much when I was driving regularly.

If I’ve been this happy with my car-lite lifestyle, I often wonder what it would be like to go totally car-free? Chris Balish, journalist and nationally-known lecturer on the environment, sustainable development and green living, reveals all - including the true costs of owning a car, in his best-selling book,

“How To Live Well Without Owning A Car: Save Money, Breathe Easier, and Get more Mileage out of Life.”

This book covers every topic, question and driving alternative in detail and includes resources and testimonials from others living car-free in the U.S.. The new ideas on car-pooling, car-sharing and car-rental were especially interesting. For instance, bringing home heavy garden supplies like potting soil in the Spring, runs to the Farmers Market on Saturdays or weekend hiking are the obvious times to get your friends together in one vehicle. Renting a car on a weekend for projects or trips is not a crazy idea - especially if you are sharing the cost with others. Did you know that most taxis allow pets if they are in carriers?

What expanded my view beyond car-ownership more than anything was cost. I was shown that my car that I’m so proud to let sit idle (not idling) much of the time, is costing me an average of $700/month. What? Then I did the math - it’s true.

This book covers the driving habits for everyone in cities or suburbs, of every age and income level. I found it especially fun and interesting reading the lengthy chapter on dating without a car. Chris’s list of ideas for car-free dates alone is enough to nominate him most eligible bachelor, though, a visit to his website made my head spin. This guy lives it up and gives it up for the environment.

by Tao Oliveto, Carrboro, NC

Lance Armstrong, the seven-time Tour de France champion, has announced plans for opening a bike shop and commuting center in downtown Austin, TX, in May of this year. It will include bicycle/gear sales, bicycle storage and showers for commuters, a training facility and a cafe. Now you can ride in to work, grab a shower, breakfast and a chat with other riders before continuing to the office (by foot, bus, or pedicab).

Mellow Johnny’s, named for the yellow jersey, is making good-sense use of an existing 1950’s building and it is not just about the bike. Lance acknowledges the importance of encouraging and supporting a cycling culture in growing cities like Austin, “We have to promote (bike) commuting. This can be a hub for that.” Armstrong also promotes the addition of safe roadways for cyclists, positioning the new shop in close proximity to the the Lance Armstrong Bikeway, a path conceived of by a local cycling activist and subsequently funded by the city of Austin, that loops approximately 6 miles through the center of the downtown area.

With the revitalization of urban areas and the move towards mixed-use communities, an accessible mass transit system combined with a commuter bike center and safe bicycle lanes is what every city needs and what an eco-motivated population deserves. And I think many of us are motivated and inspired by new ideas and hope for a liveable and happy future.

And, I’m motivated by heroes like Lance, who, instead of resting on his laurels, is doing what he knows best and doing it for Change. Now I know that I’m riding with the best of them.