sure, in theory it sounds like an oxymoron, doesn’t it? well, I am out to prove that I can have a sustainable travel experience. right now I am gearing up for a trip back home to New Orleans.

I have spent the last week making preparations. while I usually do not revel in driving for 24 hours straight with toddler in tow, I am highly anticipating this trip for several reasons. I will be making the journey with a dear friend that I have reconnected with following katrina, and she is an excellent roadtrip companion. we made the trip to new orleans together one halloween, and I can’t wait to experience jazz fest with her.

I have also readied the car. tire pressure? check. oil change? check. packing light? check. I know, driving 2600 miles is hard enough on the drivers, what does it do for the environment? well, I have thought of that. I renewed my cool driver offsets which fund wind power. since this is also arbor day, I have also donated to trees water people and the arbor day foundation’s trees for katrina. so between my wind (excuse me) and trees- I have the carbon emissions from the honda element covered.

I currently still have honda care on my little ellie (yes, I named the car), so I didn’t sign up for better world auto club, but I will be joining in around 18,000 miles.

next on the checklist is grub. obviously, we are going to need to eat on this trip. and organic, free range, fair trade, local options aren’t always available at all night diners and gas stations. so, packing a small cooler with yummies is a must. energy boosting snacks are also necessary. organic nuts and dried fruits and organic, fair trade chocolate covered espresso beans? check. of course we will have our sigg bottles, Imorganic coffee cups and reusable food containers to be as waste free as possible at the pit stops.

my little guy usually sleeps through most of our roadtrips, but nevertheless– toddlers do get messy!!
I will be taking my hankettes wet wipes and hanky so that I don’t have to deal with paper towels, napkins or disposable baby wipes during the drive. bamboo flatware? check. microfiber cleaning cloth for accidents? check. and yes, I am even bringing along my 100% recycled toilet paper. of course, it all gets loaded into my eco-spun tote bag made from recycled plastic bottles.

while I am in New Orleans, I will be volunteering with habitat for humanity and the green project. I have also contacted replant new orleans and global green, but I haven’t heard back. I will be photo-documenting my entire trip, with lots of green wonders to follow. did someone say digital camera? check.

so, it looks like I am all set……. did I miss anything?
got any green, organic travel suggestions?? I would love to hear them.

more posts from the road!
namaste.