Today, the family owned and operated vineyards are comprised of 35 total acres producing about 5,000 cases of wine each year. The land is divided into 25 acres of Cabernet, four acres of Chardonnay, two acres of Merlot and several micro-blocks of Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petite Sirah. True to tradition, the family members are involved in the day-to-day process of producing and selling each bottle.

Sustainability: Actions Speak Louder than Words
According to Schweiger Vineyards, sustainability is much more than farming, it is a way of life.  The Schweiger family believes that being friendly to the environment means finding ways to use the land that will provide for people and still preserve precious resources for those to come.

The Schweiger’s incorporate sustainability practices in many creative ways around the farm ‒ a few are listed below.

Energy Savings. The wine barrel cavern is completely underground which eliminates the need for refrigeration. Schweiger Vineyards also makes excellent use of solar panels to power all energy needed to run the farm. Visitors can also check out daily energy usage of the vineyards on the company’s website by clicking here.

Air Quality. To decrease their carbon footprint, the vineyards have chosen to clear only 60 percent of the total property. This has left indigenous plant life such as Giant Redwoods, Douglas Firs, and Live Oaks which absorb Carbon Dioxide and release Oxygen into the air.

Erosion Prevention. The terraced hillsides on the farm are designed to have only a two percent slope with a two percent slope going into the bank (slopes that are more than five percent come with drainage catch basins). Schweiger Vineyards also take an extra step to prevent erosion by pre-wintering each harvesting area with seeding and spreading of rice straw.

Rich Soil. The Vineyard is cultivated to create compost of wintering legumes that add nitrogen to the soil. The property also sits on rich volcanic soil and features unique micro-climates favorable for Cabernet Sauvignon.

Green Building. A recently built winery facility has been constructed with insulated concrete forms which provide an insulation factor of R-50. When construction was completed there was no excess form work to strip and dispose of ‒ eliminating any potential wood waste.

Other Eco-Friendly Items. Organic merchandise is available for purchase in the tasting room for all guests to take home.

Inside Each Schweiger Wine
Each organic bottle of wine produced by Schweiger Vineyards is guaranteed to have to the freshest fruit quality and no chance of oxidation or taint. Every bottle is accompanied with a detailed description which includes specifics such as; age of vines and soil type, date picked, release date, number of cases produced, alcohol analysis, and the winemaker.

New this year is the release of Schweiger Vineyard’s 2006 Dedication™ wine. This special wine marks the fourth release of the bordelaise project. This fruity blend consists of 55 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 34 percent Merlot, 9 percent Malbec, 2 percent Cabernet Franc. The wine was produced on the sustainable farmland and has perfect layers of cherries, red plums, dark chocolate, and much more. The Dedication™ will be a limited release of 420 cases and comes with a 20+ year lifespan under proper storage conditions.

Family and Friends Always Come First
To show their appreciation for loyal customers, Schweiger Vineyards has an Extended Family Wine Club service where wine enthusiasts can build their collections and support the eco-friendly efforts of the vineyard.  Members of this club enjoy exclusive benefits and levels of membership not available to the general public.

Advantages of  joining this program include; invitation to special winery events, 20 percent off current released wines (online and at the winery), first priority to purchase new and limited release wines, access to wines made only for club members, opportunities to buy library wines, and complimentary tasting for up to six guests at the winery.  Club levels consist of Extended Family, Red Connoisseurs Club, Collector’s Club, and Bonus Shipment.

For more information about Schweiger Vineyards and their sustainability practices visit www.schweigervineyards.com.

~Monica Breeden

Eco-inspired Hotel Opens in Soho

Every once in a while it’s important to take time out and pamper yourself.  With your seemingly endless workload and currently porous investment portfolio, times are stressful.  And, while the latter may make the Dionysian side of life seem inequitable at the moment, never has it been more important.

Presenting The James New York, opening today in Soho.  An import from Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, The James follows a strict philosophy of “luxury liberated.”  Rejecting the assumption that lux equals ostentation, the hotel’s take on opulence rests in more basic and enlightened accents, favoring green over gold.

Relax in The James’ urban garden: an expansive outdoor space overflowing in greenery, raised above the city’s bustling streets as an oasis for its guests.  Take in the locally produced art placed throughout the hotel.  Return to your room and admire the reclaimed wood floors and furnishings as you partake in one of The James’ eco-friendly in-room spa services. Finally, grab one of their hybrid cars or bicycles to explore a local area or go out to dinner.

Feeling sufficiently unburdened?  Walk uptown to the Urban Green Council, running September 27-29.  The exhibition will feature talks from some of the industries leading green-building professionals as well as demonstrations and exhibits by eco-friendly corporations.

Luxury you can feel good about.  Now get back to work.

~Alexander Forbes

Writing Instruments
Start the new school year off write with Paper Mate® Earth Write #2 pencils. Each pencil is made from 100 percent recycled cedar wood. Packages of 10 pencils can be purchased from Amazon.com for $2.99.

To go along with your recycled pencils, Paper Mate also offers biodegradable retractable ballpoint pens. Made from corn-based materials, each pen will decompose safely in the Earth’s soil in about one year. Available in 3-packs of black, blue, and purple these pens can be found at Kmart for $5.69.

Paper/Notebook Supplies
Great for the office or classroom, 100 percent recycled multi-purpose copy paper is an easy way to be more eco-friendly.  This type of paper can be purchased for $10.99/per ream (500 sheets) at Staples.

If you are looking for green organization supplies, try ReBinder® chipboard recycled binders. These cool 3-ring binders are made from non-toxic, 100 percent recycled chipboard. Available from OfficeMax, each binder costs $3.99.

An exciting new green product this year is recycled Post-it® notes. Available in a variety of colors and sizes, these handy sticky notescan be purchased at OfficeMax ranging from $7.69 to $30.49, depending on quantity and size.

Electronics
Another smart way to be environmentally friendly is to go back-to-school with a solar powered calculator by Royal®. This clever device is powered by light sensors and also comes with a battery backup. These can be purchased for $14.98 from Wal-mart.

Perfect for back-to-college or the office, MacBook Air laptops from Apple are a high-tech way to help protect the environment. The unique MacBook Air computer meets ENERGY STAR requirements, has a highly recyclable aluminum enclosure, PVC-free internal cables and much more. You can purchase one from Apple at one of their retail stores or on online (http://store.apple.com) starting at $1,499, depending on features and configuration desired.

Bags
Now that you have all of your new eco-friendly supplies you need something to carry them in. Try the stylish yet practical Mobile Edge® backpack. This bag is made from all-natural cotton canvas and comes in two colors, black and olive.  This eco-product can be found at any Wal-mart for $47.99.

Don’t throw away another brown paper bag! Lunch time is now greener than ever. Ecobags.com offers a cute, basic, reusable lunch bag made from 100 percent GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified organic cotton.  These simple bags can be customized by kids and adults with fabric markers and little imagination. You can snag one of these bags at Ecobags.com for $7.

Hydration
Staying hydrated and focused during the day begins with a sturdy water bottle. Available in many colors and patterns, the CamelBak® Kids’ Bottle is a fun choice that moms and kids can both agree is good for the environment. Each CamelBak is made of Eastman Tritan™ copolyester, completely BPA-free and dishwasher safe.

The water bottles can be filled with either cold or warm beverages for the kid on the go and comewith an easy to sip cap. Each 13oz bottle can be purchased for $14 at any REI retail store or online.

Know of some other eco-friendly school supplies or want to share your thoughts on our list? We want to hear from you! Leave us a comment or send us an email at news@econewsnetwork.org.

-Monica Breeden

Help Empower and Create New Opportunities for Artisans Worldwide

All across the world, fair trade programs are helping underprivileged people in developing countries by presenting them with new opportunities and empowering them to pursue their dreams and passions.

While people worldwide are receiving help, so is the environment. Fair trade programs promote the importance of being environmentally conscious. Artisans don’t just make your run of the mill gifts, but stylish eco-friendly products.

You might be asking yourself, what does fair trade entail? Fair trade creates equal business options for disadvantaged producers throughout the world. Each individual receives fair prices for goods, a contract providing security, and further education in his/her area of expertise. It also increases sales by helping individuals and families obtain an income, which in turn puts food on the table.

Throughout the U.S., several fair trade organizations exist such as GIANNA. The company assists artisan women originating from India, Laos, Thailand and the Philippines who mainly come from urban slums or rural villages. These women are given a chance to experience what business and commerce are like, while becoming educated and making opportunities for themselves.

According to Gianna Driver, founder and owner of GIANNA, her business is much more than buying and selling products. It’s about helping disadvantaged women realize how valuable they are to society.

Driver has personal experiences that inspired her to create this company. Driver’s mother was a mail-order bride from the Philippines who had a short-lived marriage with her husband. Later on, Driver and her mother moved to a women’s shelter. Because of these struggles, Driver founded GIANNA to save women from harsh conditions and to create better living environments for them.

“I want to help women who are similar to my mother and show them they have opportunities,” Driver said. “These women feel like they don’t have any other options, but I want to make them realize they do have opportunities and don’t have to settle.” 

At GIANNA, a variety of eco-fashion products are produced that help preserve culture and the environment through the company’s commitment to helping the planet and its ongoing dedication to creating environmentally friendly products.

These handcrafted, eco-friendly products include scarves, shawls and home accessories made with organic materials and natural dyes. Ancient designs and handcrafted traditions are incorporated into each product allowing each piece to tell its story.

The women come up with their own designs and express how much they learn about family motifs, Driver noted.

“It’s really fun to see them come alive and learn about their history,” Driver said. “These are the sorts of things and crafts that businesses like ours keep alive.”

Another unique fair trade company is UrthBags, which sells eco-chic purses, handbags and totes. These stylish bags are handcrafted by fair trade women’s organizations and artisans using recycled and biodegradable materials. As UrthBags says, these are “purses made with purpose.” The company creates a variety of bags from recycled juice boxes, magazines, sea shells, newspapers and telephone books.

Karma Market is another fair trade organization that helps artisans earn an income and work their way out of poverty. Some of Karma Market’s artisans come from Cambodia, Guatemala and Chile, along with many other third world countries. These artisans design handmade eco-friendly gifts like jewelry, belts, and cards. All of the goods come from companies who support disadvantaged artisans. Karma is further devoted to promoting awareness for fair trades and trying to make the products more easily accessible worldwide.

“Fair trade organizations are so much more than trade,” Driver said. “The idea is not to maintain the status quo, but to improve the status quo.”

To learn more about fair trade organizations or to see how you can help, check out the Fair Trade Federation.

-Allyson Koerner

1. Holland America Line
For more than 137 years, the Holland America Line has been cruising around the country providing relaxation, fun and new adventures for its guests. It is also one of the best eco-friendly cruises dedicated to sustainability. Holland America visits every continent sailing to places such as the Caribbean, Bermuda, Alaska, Europe, and Mexico. It emphasizes environmental conservation and takes great aims to protect the planet.

Aboard each ship, an Environmental Officer trains and educates staff and guests about the environment. Ships include advanced waste water purification systems, eco-friendly cleaning supplies, waste management and recycling programs and low flow water systems for toilets and showers. Holland America reduces hazardous materials by implementing dry cleaning machines that use non-hazardous detergents. Chemical wastes are disposed of ashore in agreement with specific regulations. Guests are encouraged to become environmental stewards offshore and onshore by turning off lights when necessary, recycling and not littering in addition to other eco-friendly tasks. Lastly, furniture, electronics, linens and other unneeded objects are donated worldwide to charities and organizations.

2. Windstar Cruises
Another cruise line committed to conserving and protecting the environment is Windstar Cruises. Sailing all around the world to the Greek Isles, Panama Canal and Costa Rica, Windstar demonstrates a remarkable commitment to environmental protection. Each year, crew members receive eco-training and one is designated as the Environmental Officer, where he/she maintains the cruise line’s standards of protecting the environment. Windstar belongs to the Cruise Lines International Association, an organization assigning members to follow international environmental regulations. While cruising around the world, all chemical and hazardous waste is collected and stored onboard for disposal ashore with licensed contractors. For each trip, the appropriate amount of food and supplies are ordered to reduce waste. Ships use cleaner-burning fuel and low sulfur content. To reduce fuel usage, ships have increased the use of sails. The use of special flow restrictive shower heads, biodegradable cleaning supplies and encouraging guests to participate in protecting the environment are other ways Windstar helps the planet.

3. Celebrity Cruises
Travel to Australia, Hawaii, the Bahamas and the Transatlantic by sailing with Celebrity Cruises. Strongly committed to environmental stewardship, Celebrity Cruises integrate eco-friendly aspects to its cruises wherever possible. On each vessel, an Environmental Officer is available for environmental education and training. Environmental initiatives such as Advanced Wastewater Purification systems, smokeless gas turbine engines, energy-efficient windows and fluorescent and LED light bulbs are included in most ships. Celebrity Cruises is a big supporter of eco-organizations such as Save the Waves, an environmental program protecting the world’s seas and marine life. Also, the cruise line helps the Ocean Fund, a global conservation effort maintaining and promoting awareness of marine ecosystems. Several environmental awards have been given to this cruise line and it has also set up outreach programs benefiting the environment.

4. Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad Expeditions first started its famous travels in the 1950s and continues sailing to exotic places including the Mediterranean, the Amazon, New Zealand and Egypt. Known for its responsible travel, Lindblad has partnered with National Geographic to educate and inspire people to save the planet. Both have joined forces to promote the preservation of places around the world such as the Alaska Whale Foundation and Oceanites, a non-profit organization helping to conserve oceans, islands and wildlife. While onboard, guests can enjoy fresh meals made from local ingredients providing them with a cuisine similar to the regions they explore. Lindblad supports awareness campaigns and helps with scholarships for educators and students to learn about the world. This cruise line even participates in the Climate Change Action Plan, which focuses on reducing its carbon footprint and promoting awareness of worldwide environmental issues.

5. Costa Cruises
If you’re looking for a cruise that sails to Russia, Dubai and the Far East, then Costa Cruises is for you. In addition to its destinations and activities, Costa Cruises also benefits the environment with a system called the Business Excellence Sustainable Task (B.E.S.T. 4). This system ensures Costa exceeds expectations in aspects such as environmental protection. To make sure every ship continues with environmental protection, Environmental Officers educate staff and guests about the importance of remaining committed to the environment. The cruise line even has two ships environmentally certified in design and build, with a Green Star awarded by RINA. Costa also supports the World Wildlife Fund in Italy promoting awareness to endangered marine eco-regions on the planet like the Mediterranean Sea and region of the Greater Antilles.

Other eco-friendly cruises are out there. So, if you don’t know which cruise to sail away on, take a look at Friends of the Earth’s Cruise Ship Environmental Report Card and decide which cruise is best for you and the environment.

-Allyson Koerner

In the past, the removal of nitrogen from wastewater has been conducted in a toxic and unhealthy manner with the use of methanol. Thanks to Environmental Operating Solutions, Inc. (EOSi), a new and improved wastewater treatment process has evolved.

EOSi, based in Cape Cod, Mass., provides solutions for the removal of nitrate-nitrogen in wastewater treatment through a denitrification process.

Denitrification converts nitrogen into water and harmless gases. For facilities to start using this process, a carbon source is required. This can become expensive if treatment facilities choose this process upgrade. However, EOSi’s special products create several advantages for both companies and the environment.

The Denitrification Process Photo Credit: www.eosenvironmental.com

The products offered by EOSi include MicroC^TM Premium Carbon Sources, an electron donor or carbon source for the denitrification process. This carbon source is safe, cost effective and is environmentally sustainable. MicroC™ comes from renewable resources and requires only one-third of energy compared to methanol.

According to EOSi, “Each gallon of MicroC™ Premium Carbon Sources used generates energy savings equivalent to 0.5 U.S. households’ daily heating requirements and 0.7 U.S. households’ daily use of electricity.”

EOSi’s other products include wastewater treatment chemicals such as MicroCm™, containing 5.5 percent methanol and MicroCg^TM, a non-hazardous product containing only agricultural components. Another sustainable product offered is MicroCglycerin^TM, which contains non-hazardous materials and is an alternative to methanol.

It is important to limit the use of liquid methanol as it is toxic, flammable and is a non-renewable natural gas. In addition, methanol is costly, neither benefiting facilities nor the environment.

EOSi has manufacturing centers across the country and helps clients with onsite, decentralized, centralized and industrial wastewater treatment plants. Many organizations work with EOSi such as the Water Environment Federation, the American Water Works Association and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

Nitrogen produces important nutrients; however nitrogen buildup can cause poor health and an unhealthy environment. With EOSi’s help, nitrogen in wastewater can be controlled.

-Allyson Koerner

America’s interest in naturally produced foods and goods has given a boost to the organic wine industry. So what makes a wine organic? According to the National Organic Program (NOP), organic wine is defined as wine made from organically grown grapes without any added sulfite. Organic or not, grapes naturally produce sulfur dioxide through the process of fermentation. A certain amount of sulfate is needed for the stability of the wine. However, conventional wineries add sulfate to expedite fermentation and longer preservation. An organic wine will include a maximum of 100 parts per million of sulfate (ppm) while the conventional wine contains over 350ppm.

Don’t be fooled! When looking for a great organic wine, be cautious not to confuse “sulfite free wine” with “organic wine” because the two differ greatly. Sulfite free wine is processed to remove the sulfate but it does not have to be produced in an eco friendly way.

Organic vineyards promote an environmentally safe way of farming by reducing the negative ecological impacts from chemicals such as pollution, soil depletion, and lack of biodiversity. To be considered organic, the grapes are holistically grown without the use of any pesticides, fungicides, chemical fertilizers, and other synthetic products that are harmful to the environment.

Many organic vineyards, like Bonterra Vineyard, are centering their viticulture philosophy on biodynamic farming practices, which views the land as the focal point and as a living system that’s to be in tune with the totality of all life. These organic growing practices are dependent upon living organisms, weather, and moon patterns to keep perfect harmony with nature. Coturri Winery, located in the Sonoma Mountains of California, is also known for its dedication of being environmentally conscious.

How about the taste? California’s Coturri Winery has received numerous awards for its organic wines. Being the leading American organic vineyard, it has been featured in the Wall Street Journal more than six times since 1999 and has received the highest rating possible from Wall Street Journal reviewers Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher.

In the east, a popular wine store in Wesley Chapel, Fla., Put a Cork In It, sells an assortment of organic brands along with conventional wines. The storeowner, Phil Kitchingman, says that organic wine is “a growing industry that will be the future of all wine partially because organic wine allows people to enjoy wine without worrying about headaches.” Kitchingman added that he sees an increasing number of people steering away from sulfates in wine by embracing the organic brands. The organic wine industry “is a great way for people with allergies to drink wine,” he commented. People can come on Thursday and Friday evenings to the store and take part in a wine tasting event for $25. At this event, you can learn about an assortment of wines while enjoying grapes, cheese and crackers, and great company. Kitchingman has recently featured a handful of organic wines at his events. Among these organic wines were The Casablanca, Chile Chardonnay, Novas, a major hit with its crisp honeyed fruit taste with a great balance of minerality. The Clos Roche Blanc, a Sauvignon Blanc from France, which was showcased as a fantastic wine to pair with seafood and chicken entrees. The Italian Pinot Grigio, Tiamo was a personal favorite of his that features a fresh citrus taste mixed with flavors of tangerine hinted with pineapple, white pepper and a light mineral finish.

The U.S. is catching up in organic wine production although much of these eco-friendly wines are imported from foreign countries. California produces more than 90 percent of the U.S. organic wine that is shipped all over the states. With the increase in national and global environmental issues, the organic industry has a hearty future. Organic vineyards are one leading example for the rest of America’s agriculture to follow.

Embrace organic wine. Both you and the environment can now be healthier.

Here is a list of must try U.S. organic wines!

• Coturri Winery, Testa Cabernet Sauvignon. Mendocino County
• Schweiger Winery, St. Helena
• Mathieu Vineyard, Cote des Cailloux. Mendocino County.
• Bonterra Vineyard, Chardonnay. Mendocino County.
• Oster Wine Cellar, 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon. Redwood Valley, Mendocino County
• Korbel Champagne Cellar, Chardonnay. Sonoma Valley.

~Jennifer Scotto

1. O.A.R.
Of A Revolution, or better known as O.A.R., can be heard all around the nation rocking out and entertaining their fans. What most probably don’t know is how dedicated O.A.R. is to the environment. Currently, they are touring across the country in their Green Dream tour bus raising awareness about recycling. At each show, the band promotes the importance of how recycling can have a huge environmental impact. If you’re going to be at one of their upcoming shows, be sure to stop at the recycling centers set up throughout the venue where you can learn how to reduce your carbon footprint. This is not new for O.A.R., as they also promoted the environment during their 2008 “Campus Consciousness Tour.”

2. Maroon 5
The acclaimed band, Maroon 5, isn’t just five guys who make girls go crazy all around the world for their music and looks. This talented band shows the same passion for the environment as they do for their music. They use biodiesel fuel in their tour buses, which reduces their carbon footprint, and also teams up with Vote Solar, a non-profit movement promoting solar energy. In 2006, the band was honored at the Environmental Media Awards for their commitment to the environment.  To see how much Maroon 5 truly loves the environment, check out this video to see how they remained green during their 2008 tour.

3. Sheryl Crow
She isn’t just known for her great songs and relationship with Lance Armstrong, Sheryl Crow is a true environmental activist. In 2007, Crow teamed up with activist Laurie David for the “Stop Global Warming” College Tour. Traveling across the country, Crow entertained and educated students about global warming. She encouraged them to become active and help the environment for themselves, their communities and the country. While on tour, she uses biodiesel fuel for every tour bus and promotes a green lifestyle. She was also one of the keynote speakers at last year’s GreenBuild Conference & Expo, a conference dedicated to transforming the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated to create an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy and prosperous environment.

4. Willie Nelson
Don’t worry, when Willie Nelson goes on the road again he will probably use his own line of alternative fuel called BioWillie. A longtime environmental activist, Nelson promotes the use of biodiesel fuel and keeping the Earth clean. Nelson is an honorary board member of the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance, co-founded by his wife, and that was created to address issues about the U.S. biodiesel industry and its sustainability. He is also a huge supporter of using hemp in fuel and clothing. In the mid-80s, he organized the benefit concert series, Farm Aid, which promoted the environmental benefits of organic and locally grown food and helped family farmers keep their land.

5. The Roots
The Grammy Award Winning hip-hop band, The Roots, may be known for their nightly appearances on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” but did you know they are green activists and animal lovers? The band worked with PETA on the campaign, “Stop the Violence: Go Veg,” combating violence against your body and promoting veganism. They even hosted a Pre-Grammy party in 2007 to raise awareness about green issues. That same year, they launched the “Feed Your Roots” campaign, which educated people on the benefits of composting programs and that helped integrate them into schools nationwide. Continuing their eco-friendliness, they use biodiesel fueled buses while touring across the country.

Many artists, including the ones above, also partner up with the Green Music Group and Reverb to make sure their eco-friendly voices are heard. If your favorite artist or band isn’t on our list, be sure to research and see if they’re doing their part to help the environment!

~Allyson Koerner

Harpoon provides an assortment of great tasting beverages while incorporating sustainable brewing and operations practices to ensure customers receive the best tasting and most eco-friendly products possible.

Located in Boston, Mass., and Windsor, Vt., Harpoon is dedicated to its products and the environment. The brewery assures the most sustainable practices in its production, offices, sales and marketing.

To save energy, Harpoon integrated EnerNOC’s DemandSMART program into its business to create an energy saving environment. DemandSMART helps Harpoon track its energy use assisting in the breweries’ abilities to create more clean and reliable energy. EnerNOC is known for helping businesses utilize energy in a more sustainable and intelligent way.

Harpoon also implements many other environmentally friendly practices into its breweries. For example, the company recycles all paper products, glass bottles and cardboard packaging materials. It also has motion sensory lighting, sells spent grain to farms for animal feed and encourages visitors to use alternative forms of transportation such as bicycling.

In addition to its sustainable production, Harpoon uses all-natural ingredients. If you’re in the mood for a great tasting cider, then Harpoon’s Cider is the way to go. Made from locally grown apples, the cider creates a smooth and satisfying taste in your mouth. Nothing quenches your thirst quite like cider!

Harpoon’s UFO Raspberry Hefeweizen is another eco-friendly beverage, as it’s made with 100 percent all-natural raspberries. If poured in a glass, it has a pink tint and once you take a sip the taste of raspberries tingle your taste buds. If you don’t like raspberries, no worries, because there is still a nice hint of that beer flavor we all love!

Harpoon puts a variety of beers on the shelf all year-long. Choose from the all-time favorites or UFO and seasonal beers. Each beer has its own personality, creating a new adventure each time you take a sip.

Want to taste one for yourself? Go have one at your favorite restaurant or bar! Even purchase any of Harpoon’s beer at stores across New England. If you want a true brewery experience, visit Harpoon and take a tour or do a tasting where you can learn about the history, brewing process and enjoy a variety of delicious beers!

~Allyson Koerner

Fun on the Farm
Nothing says autumn is here like corn mazes and picking out the perfect pumpkin for Halloween. Located in Maryland, SHARP’S at Waterford Farm, is the place to get a hands-on experience of the wonderful things the Earth has to offer. This living farm is packed full of great activities ranging from hayrides, petting zoos, nature trails and scarecrow making to an old fashion country store complete with homemade jellies, salad dressings and fresh apple cider. Open April through November the farm is a great way to unwind while teaching the kids about the environment and why it is so important to protect it.

Photo credit: www.sharpfarm.com

Hiking Trails
One simple way to travel green this fall and get a little exercise is to hike through some of the many beautiful nature trails in Colorado at the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). For those adventure enthusiasts, choose from a variety of RMNP’s favorite hiking trails such as the Lake Estes trail. Rated as a top destination for hikers and nature lovers this trail boasts winding paths along wildflowers, a bird sanctuary and serene lakes. You can even choose a trail by its difficulty or region. It’s up to you how to make that hike special!

Photo credit: www.rockymountainnationalpark.com

Taste of the Orchards
Taking outdoor fun to a whole new level is the Linvilla Orchards in Media, Penn. Dedicated to family fun this 300-acre farm grows fresh fruits and vegetables that can be hand-picked by guests or bought already packaged in the Farm Market. Offering a plethora of activities to please any mood the Orchards are a must-stop location in the Northeast. Visitors can enjoy events such as autumn moon hayrides, an arts and music festival, an apple festival and a jack-o-lantern exhibit. Also, don’t forget to pick up your pumpkin from pumpkinland for your front porch!

Photo credit: www.linvilla.com

Home on the Range
Awaken your inner cowboy by visiting one of America’s most scenic dude ranches in West Yellowstone, Mont. Parade Rest Guest Ranch is an all-inclusive resort with plenty of Wild West adventures. Guests can enjoy horseback riding, cattle driving trips, outdoor cookouts, fly fishing, bird watching, biking and rafting.  This peaceful ranch allows you to get back to basics and comes complete with original rustic cabins built in 1912.

Photo credit: www.paraderestranch.com

Educational Destination
Celebrating 100 years of exploration and education, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is a must-see this fall. One of many free museums in Washington, D.C., this is a great place to learn about various topics like the Evolving Earth, the Diversity of Life, and the Human Connection. A few particular events worth checking out are instructive sleepover parties in the museum for girl scouts and craft projects where guests create their own reusable ocean themed lunch bags.

Photo credit: www.mnh.si.edu

Natural Relaxation and Wellness
If you are looking for a green place to clear your mind and relax your body, head to the Natural Balance Massage and Wellness Center. Nestled in Brooklyn, N.Y., this unique spa offers everything from massages to wellness classes. Promoting health and balanced living it provides acupuncture, organic hand/foot/scalp treatments and a soothing detoxifying seaweed body wrap. Guests can also shop for all-natural skincare products, oils, lotions and many more environmentally-friendly items in the spa store.

Know of some other great destinations or have you experienced any of our top fall travel spots? We want to hear from you! Leave us a comment or send us an email at news@econewsnetwork.org.

~Monica Breeden