Maintain an Eco-Conscious Lifestyle On-the-Go
By Colette Chandler

Every day presents constant challenges to eat right and maintain a balanced life. And when you add travel to the equation, it can only exacerbate the dilemma of finding healthy options. By supporting companies that meet your overall lifestyle needs and share your values, you will not only discover healthful options for yourself and your family; you also will help out a conscientious business by giving it your patronage. Although sometimes challenging, finding eco-conscious and organic alternatives can be easier if you are familiar with the resources available to you.

DINING
• Vegetarian Guide to Ohio (www.VegOhio.com): An easy guide to vegetarian and vegan dining in Ohio.
• Green Restaurant Association (GRA) (www.dinegreen.com): Lists not only eco-conscious restaurants, but also    resorts and retreats, pubs, bakeries and coffee houses throughout the nation. In order to be listed on its    website, restaurants have to be certified green. According to its website, “certified” restaurants have to meet    the following standards:
   • Use a comprehensive recycling system for all products that are accepted by local recycling companies.
   • Free of polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) products.
   • Commit to completing four Environmental Steps per year of membership. Environmental Steps include Energy       Efficiency & Conservation; Water Efficiency & Conservation; Recycling & Composting; Sustainable Food;       Pollution Prevention; Recycled, Tree-Free, Biodegradable & Organic Products; Chlorine-Free Paper       Products; Non-Toxic Cleaning & Chemical Products; Green Power; Green Building & Construction; and       Employee Education.
   • Complete at least one Environmental Step after joining the GRA.

HOTELS
• Green Hotels & Resorts (www.allstays.com/green-hotels/green-hotels.htm): Lists environmentally friendly    lodging throughout the world.
• Green Seal (www.greenseal.org); Lists hotels that have become “green-seal certified,” as well as other    products    and services that cause a minimal amount of pollution and waste.
• Green Hotels (www.greenhotels.com): Lists hotels interested in instituting programs that save water, energy and    reduce solid waste.
• Environmentally Friendly Hotels (www.environmentallyfriendlyhotels.com): A list of hotels, bed and breakfasts,    resorts, motels, lodges and inns that are committed to the environment and the greening of the hospitality    industry.

OTHER
• Better World Club (www.betterworldclub.com): When you fly or drive, the CO2 emissions can contribute to    global warming. This organization helps you offset emissions by investing in energy projects. It is similar to    AAA in the services it provides: insurance, travel service and roadside assistance.
• The Green Guide (www.greenguide.com): Called “the source for green-living tips” provides an overall review    of products, including food and beverages. Although it is a magazine that requires a subscription, it also offers    content-rich tips and information on its website.

Colette Chandler is the owner of The Marketing Insider, a virtual marketing and communications consulting firm that provides non-traditional ideas and creative solutions to make businesses thrive from the inside out. The company specializes in assisting companies of all sizes attract and retain consumers who believe in natural health and wellness. The company recently commissioned the first Ohio Health and Wellness Report©. Reach her at (614) 776-1416 or cchandler@marketing-insider.com.