Step 10! Happily ever after...

So according to the Sierra Club, the 10th and final way to have a green wedding is to:

Begin your new life with a honeymoon that's light on the Earth. Consider:

~going somewhere local (you're going to be spending a lot of time in that hotel room anyway)
Ok, so...yeah, I am not going to do this one. I want to go somewhere that I would NEVER go unless I had a good excuse to take 2 weeks off from work. I am NOT going to the Poconos, people! And as for the "spending a lot of time in that hotel room..." sure, but let's face it, this isn't the 50's. We have been spending a lot of time in that room for the last three years together..I want to see the world with this man. We will be engaging in plenty of "post marital fun" for sure, but not so much that we won't notice that we are at Beautiful Mount Airy Lodge! So what is my next choice?

~engaging in ecotourism, which can be as rugged or luxurious as you want it to be (find listings that suit your style through Conservation International, National Geographic, Planeta.com, or ResponsibleTravel.com)
This I like...it seems like there might be a lot of interesting options. And as they say, it doesn't have to be in the mountains or something...you can go anywhere and be responsible. On ResponsibleTravel.com, they even have a section for Budget Ideas...check it out.

~taking a trip that benefits an environmental group; perhaps boating in Florida's Dry Tortugas, birding in Alaska, or walking the Italian Alps with Sierra Club Outings
This might be fun...I guess it depends on you as a couple, and what types of vacations seem fun to you...

~skipping the cruise and taking a relaxing, romantic train tripA CHOO CHOO HONEYMOON! This is so romantic and so old school! I love it! It reminds me of my parent's stories of Europe in the 60s. We were talking about this the other day, and are thinking very seriously about getting a Euro-Pass, and just tooling around in Spain or something. (I know that this will still include a trip on an air plane, but see below...)

~getting around at your destination by renting bikes or taking public transportation (the better to enjoy the sights instead of arguing about your spouse's driving habits)
Oh this is a definite! We are New Yorkers, so the public transportation is a no brainer for us. If you are not used to public transportation, I know that it might make you a bit nervous, but give it a chance. You don't know a country and it's people until you know the stink of their subways! (Believe me-I went to Italy in August one time...no air conditioning on those subways. Let's just say that I know Italy. ;-)

~staying in a family-run B&B or inn, a luxury teepee or yurt, or a green hotel that's working to save resources and reduce waste
I have been waiting ever since I first read this list to bust up laughing at this one. I love an Inn or a B & B-our families are staying in them in our hood for the wedding. I am all about a green hotel if you can find one. I am not really sure about the teepee idea-sounds like camping, and people...what in the name of all that is holy is a YURT!!?? ok...let's just figure it out together: according to freedictionary.com:

Noun

1.

yurt - a circular domed dwelling that is portable and self-supporting; originally used by nomadic Mongol and Turkic people of central Asia but now used as inexpensive alternative or temporary housing

oooooook. Now how might I be honeymooning in one of these, you ask? (and I ask?) Again, these are not for everyone, but for those of you who on the out doorsy side there are actually quite a few places where you can find a honeymoon yurt...check out this link for some ideas from the Travel Channel:

YURTS!

~offsetting your trip’s carbon dioxide emissions
This one is definite...as I have mentioned in earlier posts however, I have never done this before. When I do it, I will let you know how it goes...