Have A Green Valentine’s Day With Sweet Green Getaways

If you want a romantic getaway this Valentine’s Day
Feb 11, 2010 10:19 AM ET

Green Valentine’s Day With Sweet Green Getaways

If you want a romantic getaway this Valentine’s Day, but don’t want to worry about what it’s doing to the planet, check out these Romantic—and green—getaways.

Winter Park Resort, Colorado

With all the winter weather we’ve been having, it might just be the perfect time to get away and swoosh-swoosh-swoosh. Winter Park Resort, an award-winning, environmentally friendly resort, is just the ticket.  

This green resort recycles approximately 2,500 gallons of used oil, 5,000 lbs. of scrap iron and 200,000 lbs. of recyclable paper, aluminum and glass every year. The parking lots are made of recycled Asphalt from old roadways and the grease and fryer oil from the kitchen is recycled as well.

Winter Park also does what it can to conserve water, energy, plant and animal life. One example: Winter Park purchased and released 60,000 ladybugs in 2002, to eliminate the need for pesticides in their garden areas. 

But don’t imagine for one moment that Winter Park’s green-ness will put a damper on your fun. Expect wicked winter fun like skiing, scenic chair lift rides and snowcat tours, as well as great summer activities like a climbing wall, disc golf, human maze, bungee jumps and mountain biking. Go to SkiWinterPark.com for more details.

Balamku Inn on the Beach, Mexico

Thinking of something hot and steamy for you and your lovvah? Then this exotic sea resort might be right for you.

Located just south of a small fishing village in Mahahual, Balamku was recently featured in the book Green Places to Stay by Alister Sawday in recognition for its green efforts. 

The resort has sponsored local beach cleanups and is know for its eco-friendly low-flush, composting toilets.  Balamku also makes use of grey water from showers and sinks to provide hydration to a constructed wetland and plant sanctuary. Balamku uses solar panels and wind generation for it’s energy needs and has installed energy efficient light bulbs and fans in each room.

Although an extravagant escape, you can feel good about all the fun you and your mate will have as you enjoy deep sea fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, horseback riding, walking along the beach and touring Mayan ruins. Find out more at Balamku.com.

Nature Retreat At The Edge, Ontario, Canada

The Edge was designed from the ground up to be a sustainable, environmentally sound winter retreat operating solely on solar power. This rustic nature adventure offers snowshoe and cross country ski adventures, and even dog sledding in Canada’s Algonquin Park. This may well be the ultimate in eco-retreats for you and your Valentine.

The retreat maintains a comprehensive recycling program and even boast a boardwalk made of 100% recycled material. Visitors are housed in centuries-old, rebuilt log cabins that feature eco-friendly compost toilets. There are no blow-dryers or phones allowed within the park area, and a low-footprint policy for all retreat guests is strictly enforced. The entire complex is lit with candles and candle-lanterns, and even spa treatments, including Hot Stone Massage and Reflexology are made as eco-friendly as possible through the use of biodegradable soaps and eco-conscious products.

You’ll taste the difference, too, in the fresh organic grains and preserves, locally raised meat, organically grown fair trade coffee and home grown vegetables that are served at The Edge. Your days end with a sustainable meal by candlelight and after dinner snuggles by the fire or walks on the lake.

The Edge offers several types of rustic vacations including family, couples, yoga, shamanism and women only packages.

Find out more at http://www.northernedgealgonquin.com/ontario-family-vale ...

Looking for more winter Valentine options? Check out Top 10 Green Ski Resorts in the Western U.S.

Greenopolis.com is dedicated to our users. We focus our attention on changing the world through recycling, waste-to-energy and conservation. We reward our users for their sustainable behaviors on our website, through our Greenopolis Tracking Stations and with curbside recycling programs.

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