The words eco-friendly and spring break aren’t often used in the same sentence. Media depictions of booze-filled, hedonistic college trips are in regular rotation during this time of year. Fortunately, not everyone is planning seven days of debauchery in the sun; adult responsibilities, careers and families are higher priorities for most of us these days; but, that doesn’t mean spring break is no longer part of your vocabulary. If you’re a parent of school-age kids you’ll need a spring break plan to keep the family busy during the week off from classes and even if you’re happily dependent-free, spring break should be on your radar as a time to relax, rejuvenate and rejoice.
Where to go? Depending on your situation, your best choice may be to just stay home and make your spring break a volunteer staycation. With so many demands on our time, it’s easy to forget about people and places close to home. When was the last time you spent some time volunteering without having to rush away to work or family? If you plan a volunteer staycation, you can relax and immerse yourself in the people and issues you’re spending time to resolve. Meet the folks you’re helping out and spend time with other volunteers. Go to dinner, take a walk, reflect on the work you’re doing and remember why you thought it was important to volunteer in the first place.
If you’d rather volunteer and travel, check out Volunteer Vacations for tips on where to go.
Going green on spring break doesn’t have to be a riddle. Why not take the family and actually escape into nature. Take a biking trip, go spring skiing, plan a weekend hiking trip, visit Yellowstone, there are literally hundreds of options to spend a week or a weekend in nature. What a great way to remind yourself and your family what being eco friendly is all about!
Are you of the opinion that the only break is one spent in a resort? The good news is that you can stay eco friendly without sacrificing all the indulgences that make up your perfect vacation. Eco resorts are plentiful and the best part is that environmental sustainability is automatically included with the cost of your stay so you can take a break from all your responsibilities. Need some additional inspiration on where to go? The Huffington Post offers a list of 10 of the world’s best eco friendly destinations.
The best thing you can do for yourself is to take time for yourself this month, and that includes the return home. Schedule a Mint Green cleaning visit while you’re gone and come back to an organized, toxin-free clean home.
Talk to us: Are you taking a spring break this year?