Intelligent Travel: IT's Earth Day Every Day

April 22, 2008

IT's Earth Day Every Day

Photo: Earth by NASA You didn't think we'd let Earth Day slip by without making a mention, did you? Here at National Geographic Traveler, and at Intelligent Travel, we like to subscribe to the Earth Day, Every Day line of thinking. Sustainable and authentic travel is our beat, our locally-sourced bread and organic butter, if you will. So instead of celebrating the single day, here's a sampling of some of our favorite posts that celebrate and support the planet from different parts of the globe.

WWOOF! No, it's not a stuttering dog, it's the program that let's you receive free room and board on farms in exchange for helping with the harvest. Getting close to nature, knowing where your food comes from, and living with locals? All amazing in our book.

Couchsurfing - Need a place to crash? Join their network and find a world of friends willing to let you cozy up on their couch.

Up Close to the Proximity Hotel - This North Carolina hotel is working to be the first to gain LEED Platinum Certification. Former Traveler intern Ali Ogden interviews the manager in her video visit.

Bears and Bulbs - How many tour companies does it take to change Manitoba's light bulbs? Just one apparently, and outfitter Natural Habitat Adventures offered to supply the city that plays host to their polar bear tours.

Organic New Zealand - Need to know where you can find stinky cheese in Omaru, NZ? This impressively thorough website has got you covered for sustainable eats, hotels, and experiences.

Maasai Inc. - African lodge owners partner with the Maasai community to repopulate the dwindling wildlife and help stimulate the local economy. These partnerships are setting great examples.