Top 10 Eco-Destinations in North America
(Page 2 of 4)
January/February 2005
By Laurel Kallenbach
TAOS, NEW MEXICO
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This adobe-style luxury resort at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo mountains features globally themed suites or casitas that blend into the surroundings.
How it’s built: Structures created from an adobe-like material made of recycled fly ash. At the core is the Living Machine, a greenhouse-like system in which plants, fish, and other organisms treat water for reuse.
Alternative energy: Photovoltaic solar cells power the Living Machine; parts of the resort are geothermally heated and cooled.
Conservation practices: Composting, recycling, rainwater collection; pool treated with eco-friendly chlorine substitute; waste water treated and reused for irrigation.
Benefits to local people: At times, water from the Living Machine is returned to the city of Taos. The owner founded a local school.
Educational programs: Tours of the Living Machine.
(800) 828-8267; ElMonteSagrado.com
INN SERENDIPITY BED & BREAKFAST
BROWNTOWN, WISCONSIN
This hundred-year-old farmhouse-turned-B&B is set amid an extensive organic garden south of Madison. A secondary property—a woodsy retreat cabin—is two hours’ drive north.
How it’s built: Restoration done with salvaged materials, sustainably harvested wood, recycled tile, no-VOC paints and sealers. A solar straw bale greenhouse provides food year-round.
Alternative energy: Wind and solar; wood-stove heating.
Conservation practices: Organic and natural cotton linens, composting, local and home-grown foods, eco-cleaners.
Benefits to environment: Trees for Travel certificates (see page 21) for guests document that trees were planted to offset the CO2 from their auto trip.
Educational programs: Tours of farm and alternative technologies.
(608) 329-7056; InnSerendipity.com
SADIE COVE WILDERNESS LODGE
HOMER, ALASKA
Visitors take a water taxi to these off-the-grid coastal cabins that accommodate eight guests in Kachemak Bay State Park. This elegantly rustic place has a “leave no trace” philosophy, spectacular views, and hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
How it’s built: Handmade cabins from milled local driftwood.
Alternative energy: Hydroelectric power from a stream; wind-power backup.
Conservation practices: Recycling, organic vegetable garden.
Benefits to local ecosystems: Plans to get the area declared a mountain goat sanctuary.
Educational programs: Nature walks to tidal flats and alpine valleys. (888) 283-7234; SadieCove.com
PAPOOSE CREEK LODGE
CAMERON, MONTANA
Not far from Yellowstone, Papoose Creek Lodge accommodates sixteen guests on its fifty-acre property, bordered by the 25,000-acre Sun Ranch. The resort offers horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, and cultural attractions.
How it’s built: Two guest cabins were built from reclaimed snow-fence wood; two 1880s-era buildings have been refurbished.