San Francisco, is perhaps one of the most environmentally conscious cities in the world and a great vacation destination. The city boasts many green hotels such as the Orchard Garden Hotel, the one of the first LEED-certified hotels in the world. There are many opportunities to eat locally grown organic foods from up to 30 venders in the Ferry Building which also has a farmer’s markets on Tuesdays and Saturdays. But the centerpiece of any eco-related destination in San Francisco should be the newly rebuilt (2008) California Academy of Sciences, one of the ten largest museums of natural history and the largest public LEED-certified building in the world. Nearly 10 years and $500 million dollars in the making, the Academy is a crown jewel of sustainable architecture.

The Academy is a single structure but containing an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum and the 4-story rainforest. In addition, there’s a 3D theater, a lecture hall, a Naturalist Center, two restaurants, an adjacent garden and aviary, and the amazing living green roof with panoramic views of the Golden Gate Park. The rainforest exhibit is an indoor ecosystem with macaws, moths, treefrogs, lizards, snakes, giant fish, and butterflies flying amongst the huge tropical trees.

In addition to being world’s greenest museum the Academy has many environmentally important research programs as well as the many exhibits that help inspire appreciation and understanding of nature. The building itself boasts many significant green accomplishments such as makes 50 percent less wastewater than previously, recycles rainwater for irrigation, uses 60,000 photovoltaic cells, covered with a 2.5 acre green roof, uses recycled concrete and recycled steel and uses wall insulation made from scraps of recycled denim. The building also houses the Academy science labs and administrative offices, including an extensive library and scientific archive consisting of more than 26 million specimens. The architect, Renzo Piano, is one of the world’s greatest architects who won the 1998 Pritzker Prize.

They have a great website, be sure to check out their live penguin cam! The museum can get very crowded on the the weekends so best to go in the middle of the week (every Third Wednesday of the month are free) Parking can be difficult and expensive so consider biking or using public transportations (you get a $3 discount if you do) Adult ticket is $24.95
Be sure to check out the Golden Gate park as well as the De Young Museum and/or the Japanese Tea Garden across the street.

For more in depth and excellent information check out the book, GrassRoutes San Francisco by Serena Bartlett

View of an Orchard Garden Hotel Room

Ferry Building interior

Built in 1914, this grand holiday resort sits spectacularly above the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Kennebunk River, proudly owned and operated by the Broughton family since 1948. Thanks to some very forward thinking by Jestene Broughton, The Colony became Maine’s first environmentally responsible hotel in 1989. In 1994 the hotel turned its attention to conservation and initiated the Colony Hotel Ecology Group.

Their deep commitment to providing their guests with a quality experience while maintaining the policy of respect for Nature and their surroundings is shared throughout all levels of staff. Varying degrees of on-site educational information is readily available to guests. And, for a very pleasant change you will find your in room waste-bins are conveniently separated for your trash and recyclables. The consistent attention to conservation, waste reduction, and cultural stability have helped to qualify it as a U.S. Backyard Wildlife Habitat.

Open from mid-May through late October. Situated on 112 acres, you’ll enjoy a heated outdoor saltwater pool, private safe surf beach, organic gardens, including flowers, roses, and herb. It’s an easy walk to Kennebunkport, with many area activities including golf, tennis, sea kayaking, nature trails, bicycling, boating, shopping and galleries.

For booking information, CLICK: http://www.thecolonyhotel.com/

A charming small guest accommodation set on a 185 acre organically run farm in the northern Le Marche region of Central Italy. The house, originally built in the 1920s and restored in 1998 with energy conservation in mind; is fitted with solar collectors, the heating system is run with renewable energy, and the overall design provides for both thermic and acoustic insulation to provide all-around comfort.

There are six guest rooms located on the first floor, each with an en-suite bathroom with shower, small sitting area, ceiling fan, mosquito nets, telephone, color TV, a safe, and facilities to make tea and coffee. In addition there are two new separate guest houses, available for self-catering for two.

The farm has been organically certified since 1983 and animals are fed 100% natural feed. Greater than 70% of the food on the table is produced on the farm, the remainder is bought locally, often organic as well. You are assured a very peaceful, enjoyable, and comfortable stay here. Available activities include: dance, music, swimming, hiking, trekking, walking, horseback riding.

For complete details and booking, CLICK: http://www.vallenuova.it/