Greetings from 32,000 feet!

I left Baltimore this afternoon for a business trip out west.  I'm meeting with another solar installation company in Phoenix tonight, then tomorrow, over to LA to check out Chris Paine's new green home. (Chris is the mastermind behind the award-winning documentary, Who Killed The Electric Car).  And finally, on Monday I'll be heading up to Idaho to visit U.S. Geothermal's Raft River power plant. 

These next few days are going to be busy.  But certainly a lot of fun too!

So needless to say, I was up pretty early this morning, as I knew my five-hour flight to Phoenix would keep me offline...and away from a boatload of work that needs to be done.  But wouldn't you know it - I could've slept in.

Turns out, this particular Southwest flight includes free Wi-Fi. 

This is a first for me, folks.  And I'm loving it!  Although I suspect after a few more Wi-Fi-enabled trips...the novelty and excitement will wear off, and it'll just become one more luxury to take for granted

There is one luxury, however, that I don't think will ever wear off for me.  And that's the ability to green up my vacations. (My next vacation is about 6 weeks away, so I have palm trees and beaches on my mind right now)

The fact is, ten years ago, you'd be hard-pressed to find eco-resorts or "green" hotels offering organic dining, low-flow showerheads, or composting programs.  But today, they're actually pretty easy to find.  That being said, I've also seen my fair share of hotels claiming they're green - but the most they do is set up some recycling bins in the lobby or ask you if you want to donate to some organization they're backing.  While I'm not trying to trivialize these practices, it takes a lot more to be truly green, responsible and sustainable.

Interestingly enough, I found a blog post a few days ago from a guy named, Tom Johansmeyer.  The piece is called The Hard Truth of Green Luxury Travel.  I posted the article on Green Chip Living, and you can also read it here.

Now it's not some heavy piece with loads of data.  But it is an honest look at this issue.  And I thought you might like it.

Also at Green Chip Living this week...

• In India, Bucking the Revolution by going Organic
• Climate Change to Emerge as Top Corporate Social Responsibility
• Toyota Prius Hybrid: Best-Selling Car in May

Have a great weekend!

Jeff