Let’s face it, the hotel biz isn’t exactly the most eco-friendly industry. Colossal properties and wasteful resorts tend to have a pretty hefty environmental footprint. But one easy way to plan a greener getaway is to start with your hotel booking. The lodging industry has seen a barrage of eco-friendly seals of approval and certification programs. However when it comes to green building rating systems, LEED-certified hotels reign supreme.
Chances are you’ve heard of LEED certification, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Developed by the United States Green Building Council, it’s become the most widely used green building rating system in the world. It essentially sets the global eco-standards for sustainable building practices and helps travelers see at a glance whether or not their hotel is an environmentally responsible choice.
To earn points, buildings are evaluated for meeting certain green criteria across various categories, such as sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation in design. Based on the number of accrued points, a building is categorized into one of four tiers: LEED Certified (40-49 points), Silver (50-59 points), Gold (60-79 points), or Platinum (80-100 points).
The program’s popularity has snowballed with architects, property developers, and even the general public since its creation in 1993. With Earth Day approaching, here’s a look at some of the most impressive LEED-certified hotels across the country. Read on to learn how these eco-friendly escapes get creative with their design, programming, and practices.
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1. Proximity Hotel: Greensboro, NC
The city of Greensboro became even greener when Proximity Hotel opened its doors in 2007. When it comes to the sustainable lodging movement, this 147-room luxury boutique property is a bona fide trailblazer. It made history by becoming the first hotel in the nation to achieve a LEED Platinum rating. Even better, the adjacent Print Works Bistro also received the top level of certification. More than 70 intentionally sustainable practices were implemented during the planning and construction phases. Roughly 87 percent of construction debris was recycled, diverting more than 1,500 tons of waste from landfills. Most of the furniture was crafted within 18 miles of the hotel, and an artist-in-residence created 500 original pieces from a temporary on-site studio, which eliminated packaging and shipping materials. The 4,000-square-foot rooftop is covered by 100 solar panels, which heat the majority of water used in the hotel and restaurant. Groundbreaking technology also played a part. Newly engineered variable-speed hoods in the restaurant enable smarter energy savings, and efficient new elevator models can capture energy and feed it back into the hotel’s electrical grid. Overall, the hotel uses 41 percent less energy than a comparable hotel, and water usage has been cut by a whopping 33 percent.
When you think of the ‘70s, disco, tie-dye, and bellbottoms probably spring to mind. Oh, and ganja—which actually wasn’t the only green fixation sweeping the nation at the time. This transformational era also gave rise to the eco-conscious movement. While the groundswell around environmentalism was already in motion, things really kicked into high gear at the start of the decade, culminating in the very first Earth Day on April 22, 1970.
The previous year, an immense oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, sparked outrage across the country. Senator Gaylord Nelson saw this as an opportunity to engage Americans in the fight against air and water pollution. He teamed up with conservation-minded Congressman Pete McCloskey and activist Denis Hayes to organize a series of “teach-ins” at college campuses and places of worship from coast to coast. An overnight success, it’s estimated that more than 20 million people took part in the first Earth Day—and it only expanded from there.
Earth Day is now celebrated in more than 190 counties around the world. In fact, it’s one of the most widely observed non-religious holidays in history. From parties and parades to protests and panel discussions, there’s not just one way to celebrate this day. Here are some of our favorite Earth Day events happening around the U.S. this year.
Earth Day Initiative: New York City, NYrblmfr / Shutterstock
1. Earth Day Initiative
Where: New York City
For decades, Earth Day Initiative has organized massive Earth Day events for the public across New York City’s landmark locations like Grand Central Station and Times Square. For Earth Day 2022, the nonprofit organization returns to Union Square with an assortment of in-person and virtual events. On April 21, exhibitor booths will feature some of the world’s leading environmental and climate groups, with heavy hitters such as the Humane League, U.S. Veg Corp, and Waterkeeper Alliance. Additional climate conversations will take place on the Earth Day 2022 Virtual Stage, highlighting panels of activists, thought leaders, and entertainers. This year’s lineup includes people like Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, and Earth Uprising International co-founder Alexandria Villaseñor. They’re also hosting an activation at Hudson Yards (April 22-24) focused on sustainability in transportation, fashion, energy, and design.
Bend, Oregon is world-famous for its outdoor pursuits and rugged, natural beauty, but this quaint and quirky mountain town is also committed to sustainability. So it’s really no surprise that the city hosts a pretty epic Earth Day event. Each year, The Environmental Center organizes the Earth Day Fair & Parade. This beloved celebration kicks things off with a colorful parade through the streets of Bend, complete with banners and costumes galore. Afterwards, the festivities continue with an afternoon street fair along Kansas Ave. Attendees can explore a range of local vendors, enjoy live performances, and check out the electric vehicle showcase. Little ones can hang out in the Kids’ Zone while the adults roll up their sleeves for a range of garden demonstrations and activities. Like many of the happenings already mentioned, this year marks the Earth Day Fair & Parade’s triumphant return after a two-year, Covid-induced interruption.
After a two-year hiatus at the hands of Covid-19, Dallas-based global environmental organization EarthX is back with their signature Earth Day event: Earthx2022. Founded by businessman and environmental conservationist Trammell S. Crow, the massive multi-day event is part expo, part conference, and part festival. Think South by Southwest, but entirely focused on building a better, cleaner, and healthier world for the future. A series of sessions and summits will present inspirational ideas and creative solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Meanwhile, the free family-friendly Expo and Festival will showcase live music, food, and art while connecting attendees with exhibitors like Patagonia, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and more. Earthx2022 is billed as the largest green gathering in the world and will take place at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center from April 20-24.
Earth Day at Ix Art Park: Charlottesville, VACourtesy Image
4. Earth Day at Ix Art Park
Where: Charlottesville, VA
Ix Art Park already has so many great things going for it. Formerly a massive fabric mill, the site’s abandoned steel and concrete skeleton has been transformed into an incredible outdoor art park. The attraction is bursting at the seams with life-sized sculptures and technicolored mural installations. And the warehouse space was completely reimagined to become Virginia’s first (and only) immersive art space, known as the Looking Glass. More than 250 events take place on the grounds each year, including a lively Earth Day event slated for April 22. The free festivities will include a variety of sustainability vendors, hands-on workshops, informative demonstrations, and a thrifted fashion show. There will also be a panel discussion with youth activists from Fridays for Future, and a screening of 2040 an Australian documentary that examines the negative impacts of climate change alongside promising technological solutions.
Party for the Planet: Kansas City, MOCourtesy Image
5. Party for the Planet
Where: Kansas City, MO
What better way to celebrate Mother Earth than with a party? That’s the idea at the Kansas City Zoo. This year, they’re throwing a Party for the Planet on April 23 and 24. Guests can unleash their wild side while learning important conservation tips and tricks. Not only will there be a special showing of The Lorax, but children can even snap a photo with the famed, fuzzy character. Visitors are invited to partake in eco-friendly activities, like making native plant seed balls to attract garden pollinators. The zoo will also be collecting old electronics (like that cracked iPhone that’s been sitting in your junk drawer) in exchange for a surprise gift. Afterwards, explore Kansas City’s iconic jazz clubs, world-famous barbecue, and eclectic art scene.
Orlando’s Lake Eola Parkaphotostory / Shutterstock
6. Central Florida Earth Day
Where: Orlando, FL
Looking to celebrate Earth Day in the Sunshine State? Consider heading over to Downtown Orlando. Held on the beautiful grounds of Lake Eola Park, Central Florida Earth Day is the largest, longest running, and best attended event of its kind in the region. The Vegetarians of Central Florida have organized this event since 2006, and the day famously blends education, celebration, and action for the planet. Best of all, it’s free to attend and fun for all ages. Get an up-close and personal look at solar power displays, grab an organic bite from local vendors, or pop into a workshop to learn quick and easy lifestyle changes to live a little greener. There will also be live music performances by Florida-based musicians, activities for youngsters in the Earth Kids Zone, and on-site companion animal adoptions. Experience it all on April 23.
Boom Island Park in MinneapolisJames Kirkkis / Shutterstock
7. Minneapolis Earth Day Cleanup
Where: Minneapolis, MN
The residents of Minneapolis have built an admirable tradition around the Earth Day movement. Every April, locals and visitors alike team up during the annual Earth Day Cleanup. Held throughout the City of Lakes, participants are encouraged to volunteer by picking up trash and debris from the various parks, neighborhoods, and watersheds in the area. Bags and gloves are even provided on a first-come, first-served basis. This year’s cleanup is happening on April 23. Participants can head off on a solo mission, gather their own crew for a group effort, or register for the corresponding Earth Day 5K Bee Run/Walk/Cleanup event in Boom Island Park. The long-standing Earth Day event is a collaboration between the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and City of Minneapolis Solid Waste and Recycling—and it goes to show just how much we can accomplish when we work together for the greater good.
The Esmé Burger stacks Wagyu A5 beef, sambal “animal sauce,” fried and caramelized onions, smoked gouda, and bacon between a challah bun. From personal experience, we can tell you it pairs perfectly with a sunburn and a margarita. Come night, the space transforms into a buzzy nightclub of sorts. Dance under the stars or sip sangria on a sofa. The choice is yours, and there’s no wrong one.
Note: While Esmé Miami pool is only available to guests, there are only five larger daybeds set along the pool, so get there early. If one’s not free, don’t sweat; there’s a whole area of sofas between the pool and bar to camp out on.
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The Drexel
Mediterranean fare awaits at this breezy spot. It’s evocative of Europe’s main summer haunts and coastal towns. As such, the menu is heavy on the seafood and has a whole section dedicated to vegetable dishes, as well as a bevy of pastas and pizzas, and ones made entirely in The Drexel’s wood-fire oven and charcoal grill (think wild prawns, braised lamb shank, and roasted chicken with salsa verde).
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Tropezón
Keep the tapas comin’ at this Andalusian gin bar. Housemade gins infused with aromatics (e.g. Moroccan mint, blue matcha yuzu, and Egyptian lemongrass), fruits (e.g. sour cherry, nectarine, and backyard mango), nuts (Sri Lanka coconut or marcona almond), and even cured meat (bellota iberico or hojiblanca alive) are the main draw, but you can order any number of craft gins from the custom-tile bar. Go classic with a G&T or choose one of the spirits from the signature infusion program to reinvent your go-to libation.
Las Vegas is the epitome of an adults-only playground. One of the biggest parts of that reputation is its drinking culture—between the myriad lobby bars, clubs, cocktail lounges, breweries, distilleries, and dives, there are tons of unique bars in Las Vegas.
Looking for some memorable ways to imbibe on your next visit to Sin City? You’ve hit the jackpot. Consider this list an introduction to some of the most unique, only-in-Las-Vegas establishments to grab a drink or two.
The Best Bars in Las Vegas: Drinking Experiences You Can Only Have in Sin City
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In early 2019, I went to Japan on a week-long vacation—but didn’t return home until nearly two months later. My reason for sticking around, other than being a digital nomad with a very flexible sense of home: I absolutely had to see the cherry blossoms in Japan.
Cherry blossoms, or sakura, are the national flower of Japan, and they tend to bloom around the end of March and beginning of April. (It varies from year to year, so be sure to plan plenty of time in the country if you’re hoping to catch them at their peak.)
In Japanese culture, the short-lived cherry bloom is seen as an icon of ephemeral beauty. The blossoms are celebrated through a practice called hanami, which literally translates to “watching the blossoms.” It’s a thousand-year old tradition that continues today: You’ll see plenty of people taking a break to enjoy nature and celebrating the flowery displays with everything from specialty foods to pink-colored toys in arcade games.
But you don’t have to be from Japan to appreciate the country’s sakura season. It’s incredibly beautiful, which explains why the annual flood of pink flowers ranks high on so many travelers’ bucket lists.
The big question is where to see them. When it comes to best-of viewing lists, locations like Kyoto, Mount Fuji, and Hirosaki Castle usually get most of the press. (For good reason—they’re beautiful.) But there’s nothing quite like a sakura bloom in the heart of Japan’s biggest city. While the country is full of fascinating destinations, why not mix sakura with Tokyo’s iconic sights, Michelin-starred restaurants, and dizzying array of things to do?
Unfortunately, Japan is not currently open to tourists, but the country’s COVID-19 restrictions are changing, so keep an eye on the official regulations for the latest updates. But if you’re ready to at least dream about a trip to see cherry blossoms in Japan, read on. While this is by no means an exhaustive list, here are a few places across the city of Tokyo worth exploring in spring.
Cherry Blossoms in Japan: Where to See Sakura in Tokyo
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Joshua Tree National Park might be one of the most starkly beautiful places I’ve ever visited. Despite living in Southern California my entire life, it was only last year—when artist Ellie Pritts’ surreal color-saturated images of the area first caught my attention—that I really got interested in exploring the park. Although my first trip was a bit of a disaster, this desert playground is definitely worth a visit. The trick is to arrive prepared.
Joshua Tree Mythology: Iconic Trees, Strange Rock Formations, and More
Joshua Tree didn’t receive its national park status until 1994, but it quickly became one of the most popular sites in the NPS system, thanks in part to its iconic yucca plants that look like Dr. Suess drawings (yup, those would be the Joshua trees). All kinds of people have been drawn to its otherworldly landscapes over the years. The Eagles, U2, and even aliens (or so the rumors go), have taken inspiration from Joshua Tree—and Gram Parsons loved it so much his ashes were scattered on the grounds.
Trees aside, Joshua Tree’s popularity also stems from its many opportunities for recreation. It’s like a Swiss army knife of trip experiences. On any given day, you’re likely to spot photographers, artists, rock climbers, and families all sharing one of the scenic turn-offs. (Just look for the signs announcing “Exhibit,” which pop up frequently as you drive through the park.) Located 130 miles from Los Angeles and 187 miles from Las Vegas, the park is a doable weekend trip for many—and you won’t have to take time off in order to have something to brag about on Monday morning.
Be Prepared for Wilderness
But the first time I visited, I paid dearly for thinking that the park’s relative accessibility meant I could roll in unprepared. Unlike NPS sites like Yosemite or Muir Woods, Joshua Tree had no snack bar where I could grab a bite, meaning I had to make do with the mini cereal boxes, stale popcorn, and half-empty bottle of warm water I had stashed in my trunk. But I pushed on, and despite arriving after midday, still managed to have a great time hiking and climbing around a small sliver of the park before sunset.
The next morning, I regretted my decision when, thanks to the lack of food, water, and common sense the day before, altitude sickness kicked in. It was a good reminder that like any wilderness adventure, you need to be prepared before you head into Joshua Tree.
The good news: It only takes a little bit of prep to have an enjoyable visit. Below, I’ve compiled a few key suggestions for safely getting the most out of your time in this magical national park.
Joshua Tree National Park: Essential Tips for Your First Visit
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After two years where passenger ships were largely kept in port, it looks like 2022 will be the year that cruises make a comeback. And to celebrate that, sailing companies across the board are rolling out all kinds of exciting new itineraries.
If you’re thinking about a cruise this year and want to experience something different, consider going on an expedition. Simply put, expedition ships are purpose-built to explore some of the most remote destinations on the planet, ranging from the Arctic and Antarctica to the Galapagos and tiny Pacific islands.
While large-scale cruising vessels are characterized by having hundreds (if not thousands) of rooms and a rigid itinerary of sailing from one port town to another, expedition ships are more intimate and have looser itineraries. Their smaller size allows them to stop in places that can’t accommodate massive cruise ships, and the flexible itineraries mean no two trips are ever the same. That might mean tucking into a secluded cove to swim with curious seals, hiking to a penguin colony, zipping between icebergs on an inflatable dinghy, or spending time in small communities that don’t often see visitors—let alone the hordes of tourists that typically arrive with bigger cruises.
Read on for our list of some of the newest and most exciting expedition itineraries on offer for 2022.
The Best Expedition Cruises to Book in 2022
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The National Park Service released its 2021 visitation stats and, to nobody’s surprise, the most popular national parks remain…the most popular. The NPS reports more than 297,115,406 recreation visits to the Park System’s 423 parks. However, the stats are top heavy with the top 25 national parks accounting for more than 50 percent of visits.
“It’s wonderful to see so many Americans continuing to find solace and inspiration in these incredible places during the second year of the pandemic,” says National Park Service Director Chuck Sams.
Digging down in the stats
According to the 2021 statistics, Blue Ridge Parkway remains the most-visited park with 15.9 million visitors. Next is Great Smoky Mountain National Park that set a new visitation record of 14.1 million. In addition, Golden Gate National Recreation Area (13.7 million visits) is the only other park to surpass the 10 million mark. They’re joined in the top 25 by heavy park hitters like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Yosemite.
While the top 25 national parks dominate, the NPS suggests the other 398 parks have much to offer, too.
“We’re happy to see so many visitors returning to iconic parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite, but there are hundreds more that should be on everyone’s bucket list.” Sams said.
To balance the numbers, the NPS suggests visiting clusters of parks, instead of just one. Per the NPS news release, you can “create your own circle of discovery.”
How to Stack Your National Parks Tour
Stephen Moehle
If you’re visiting Redwood National and State Parks…
The NPS suggests tacking on Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve, and Lassen Volcanic National Park to the itinerary.
Acadia National ParkEric Urquhart
If you’re visiting Maine’s Acadia National Park…
The National Park Service recommends Saint Croix Island International Historic Site and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.
Great Smoky Mountains National ParkSean Pavone
If you’re visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park…
The NPS provides a long list of possibilities that include Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, as well as Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. In addition, the Park Service suggests Little River Canyon National Preserve, Carl Sandburg National Historic Site, and Obed Wild and Scenic River.
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Sitting in one of three large jacuzzis on the elegantly designed rooftop terrace of Hotel Galería Plaza San Jerónimo, nursing a craft cocktail while the sun sets over the southern flank of Mexico City, it’s easy to feel like one of the country’s famous futbolistas. In fact, there’s a good chance those fit fellas sitting in the next jacuzzi over are professional soccer players. The hotel’s unique location places it near the three biggest stadiums in Mexico City, making it a favorite home base for visiting soccer teams and their traveling fans.
Galería Plaza San Jerónimo is located in the Jardines del Pedregal neighborhood, where many upscale residents call home. It offers travelers a calm respite from Mexico City’s bustling center, as it’s nestled beneath the Sierra Madre del Sur Mountains.
The modern-looking glass and steel exterior of Hotel Galería Plaza San Jerónimo offers a pleasant, albeit a bit corporate, combination of stylish common areas and spectacular views. The numerous green spaces throughout the property make the hotel a popular local destination, hosting weddings on the weekends and business events during the weekdays.
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Three different restaurants inside the hotel and 24-hour room service make up for a general lack of nearby restaurants or the easy walkability found in other sections of Mexico City. All the in-hotel restaurants serve a typical mix of Mexican and international dishes, with plenty of variety and ingredients sourced from the hotel’s in-house gardens.
The large, well-lit rooms are outfitted in a minimalist style and equipped with modern technology throughout (think flat screens, Bluetooth speakers, and sleek furniture). The bright accent walls contrast well with the light wood finishing and floors. There’s also a full-service business center and nicely equipped gym and yoga space available for hotel guests.
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While distinctly suburban in feel, the San Jerónimo neighborhood is centered around a centuries-old Franciscan Chapel and its cemetery of the same name, surrounded by meandering wooded paths and richly decorated tombs. There’s also a popular ice rink directly across from the hotel called La Pista, which hosts a variety of skating activities and events, including some rowdy amateur hockey tournaments.
The popular Cuernavaca bike trail runs through the area before heading into the Sierra Madre foothills and the rooftop lap pool all offer outlets to get outside, active, and occupied. This is a great stay if you find yourself in Mexico City for business or pleasure—especially if you’re a footie fan.
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Since the beginning of 2022, airlines have canceled thousands of flights in the U.S. These cancellations have been mainly due to bad weather and crew shortages caused by COVID-19. However, this week, a new reason for cancellations emerged: cell phone networks. More than 360 flights were canceled on Tuesday due to the rollout of 5G cellular networks near some airports. According to major airlines, the expansion of phone networks interferes with their ability to safely fly.
Back in February 2021, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) auctioned off airwave licenses. The frequencies in questions were between 3.7 GHz and 4.2 GHz, also known as C-Band. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile were among the companies that spent more than $80 million to build out the fifth generation of cellular networks aka 5G. For consumers who wanted a faster wireless network, it was good news, but not for airlines.
Major airlines have major problems with 5G rollout
In a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttieg, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the FCC, a trade organization for major U.S. airlines had sharp words about possible 5G consequences.
“The ripple effects [of the 5G rollout] across both passenger and cargo operations, our workforce and the broader economy are simply incalculable. Every one of the passenger and cargo carriers will be struggling to get people, shipments, planes and crews where they need to be. To be blunt, the nation’s commerce will grind to a halt,” Airlines for America wrote.
There’s a reason airlines had such a strong negative reaction to the 5G cellular network. Their frequencies for altimeters are in the C-Band, next door neighbors to the expanded networks. Altimeters, which measure altitude and are necessary in low-visibility conditions, operate within 4.2–4.4 GHz.
It makes sense that at a foggy airport, it’s more important for incoming pilots to know the altitude of their aircraft than it is for you to be able to stream TheBook of Boba Fett.
Not everyone agrees on potential dangers posed by 5G
The two federal agencies at the center of this situation seem to be at different frequencies themselves. The FCC, who sold the frequencies, believes airlines and 5G can coexist. On the other hand, the FAA is still trying to figure out what’s safe. In a statement yesterday, the federal agency said it cleared 78 percent of the U.S. commercial fleet for low-visibility flight in 5G areas.
“The FAA is working diligently to determine which altimeters are reliable and accurate where 5G is deployed in the United States. We anticipate some altimeters will be too susceptible to 5G interference. To preserve safety, aircrafts with those altimeters will be prohibited from performing low-visibility landings where 5G is deployed because the altimeter could provide inaccurate information.”
As for the nation grinding to a halt, it’s not happening yet. The White House reached a deal with telecom companies yesterday to delay the 5G launch near certain airports. It’s a temporary solution, but it seems to have assuaged airlines for now. In a statement, United Airlines seems to say that flight cancellations due to 5G were behind them.
“We look forward to a higher level of coordination between the regulators, telecom companies and the aviation industry to ensure that customers are not faced with disruptions going forward.”
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