Archive | TRAVEL AND BOOKS

For the traveler who treads lightly and values sustainability, eco-minded escapes offer more than just scenic views, they provide meaningful ways to connect with nature and local cultures. Around the world, more destinations are embracing green initiatives, offering conscious explorers the chance to enjoy their adventures while minimizing environmental impact.

Costa Rica: Living in Harmony with Nature

Costa Rica is a favorite among eco-travelers for good reason. With an impressive amount of protected land, this Central American gem invites you to explore rainforests, volcanoes, and wildlife reserves. Eco-lodges are nestled deep within jungles, often powered by renewable energy and committed to low-impact operations. Travelers can take part in reforestation projects, hike through national parks, or relax in hot springs heated by geothermal activity, all while knowing their visit supports conservation.

Bhutan: A Conscious Kingdom

High in the Himalayas lies Bhutan, a country deeply rooted in tradition and committed to sustainability. Here, happiness and wellbeing are prioritized over economic growth. Tourism is carefully regulated to preserve its pristine landscapes and sacred sites. Trekkers can roam ancient trails, visit remote monasteries, and stay in guesthouses that honor both cultural heritage and environmental stewardship. Bhutan offers an experience that’s as enriching spiritually as it is environmentally responsible.

The Azores: Green by Nature

The Azores, a volcanic archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, is a quiet haven for sustainable travel. These islands promote renewable energy, waste reduction, and ocean preservation. Their eco-conscious mindset is evident in everything from the architecture of lodges to the policies that govern tourism. Visitors can kayak along volcanic coastlines, spot dolphins and whales, or hike through misty forests, all while supporting local efforts to protect the land and sea.

Belize: Rainforest Retreats with Purpose

Belize blends biodiversity with a commitment to sustainability. Jungle lodges here operate with minimal impact, often using solar power and locally sourced materials. Nature lovers can explore limestone caves, observe tropical birds, or snorkel the world’s second-largest barrier reef. Many accommodations also support community development and wildlife rehabilitation programs, offering travelers a chance to give back during their stay.

Faroe Islands: Remote and Responsible

Tucked between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands are gaining popularity as a sustainable travel destination. With their windswept cliffs and charming villages, they offer a peaceful escape from the noise of mass tourism. The locals have taken proactive steps to protect their environment, even closing parts of the islands at times for conservation work. Visitors are encouraged to follow local guidelines, respect nature, and participate in preservation initiatives when possible.

Waikiki, Hawaii: Sustainable Island Living

While Waikiki is known for its famous beaches and bustling atmosphere, it’s also evolving as a destination for eco-conscious travel. Many hotels and resorts now implement sustainable practices like energy efficiency, local sourcing, and waste reduction. If you’re planning a tropical getaway and want to enjoy it responsibly, consider staying at a Waikiki resort Honolulu Hawaii. It’s possible to soak up the sun while still supporting green initiatives and local culture.

Travel Tips for the Conscious Explorer

Making your travels more sustainable doesn’t require drastic changes, just intentional choices:

• Pack light and smart: Bring reusable items like water bottles, cutlery, and cloth bags.
• Choose local: Support small businesses, eat locally, and buy handmade souvenirs.
• Leave no trace: Stick to trails, avoid disturbing wildlife, and dispose of waste properly.
• Offset your carbon: Consider contributing to environmental programs that balance your travel emissions.
• Educate yourself: Learn about the local environment and cultural norms before visiting.

Eco-minded travel allows you to explore the world without compromising its future. Whether you’re hiking cloud forests, diving in coral reefs, or simply choosing a green-certified hotel, every small decision adds up. For the conscious explorer, the journey is just as important as the destination.

There’s something so magical about watching a tiny cutting transform into a thriving new plant. It’s slow, subtle, and full of wonder—which is probably why I’m completely in love with Hilton Carter’s new book, The Propagation Handbook: A Guide to Propagating Houseplants.

If you’ve ever wanted to grow your plant collection (without spending a fortune at the nursery), or if you just love the idea of creating something beautiful from what you already have—this book is for you.

🪴 A Guide for Every Plant Parent (Beginner to Obsessed)

Hilton Carter has a way of making you feel like plant propagation isn’t just a gardening technique—it’s a mindful, creative act. In The Propagation Handbook, he walks you through everything you need to know: from the simplest water propagation to more advanced techniques like air layering and grafting. But don’t worry—it’s all super accessible, whether you’re a total beginner or already have plants in every window.

He even includes a list of which methods work best for which plants—so you’ll know exactly how to multiply your pothos, monstera, or that stubborn fiddle leaf fig.

🌸 Beautiful, Inspiring, and Totally Doable

Like all of Hilton Carter’s books, The Propagation Handbook is stunning. Think: page after page of bright, artful photos, gorgeous plant vignettes, and dreamy displays of “propagation bouquets” (yes, that’s a thing—and yes, I’m trying it this weekend).

It’s the kind of book you’ll flip through again and again, not just for instructions, but for inspiration. And if you’re like me and love filling your home with both plants and purpose, this book checks every box.

🌿 Why It’s a Sweet Greens Favorite

There’s a deeper message woven into this book—one I really resonate with. Propagation isn’t just about more plants. It’s about slowing down, connecting with nature, and practicing patience. Watching a root grow in water, checking your cuttings each morning, sharing little plant babies with friends—it’s the kind of quiet, meaningful joy we could all use a little more of.

Plus, propagation is incredibly sustainable. You’re reusing, repurposing, and multiplying from what you already have. Less waste, more life. 💚

📚 Ready to Get Your Hands (A Little) Dirty?

If you’re looking to grow your collection, try something creative, or just spend more time nurturing green things—The Propagation Handbook is the perfect companion.

You can grab a copy here.

Here’s to tiny roots, fresh starts, and a home that keeps growing—one cutting at a time.

I’ve always believed that a little paint, a little time, and a lot of heart can go a long way—and Annie Sloan’s newest book, Colorful Living: 30 Creative Upcycling Paint Projects, is pure proof of that.

Whether you’ve got a tired piece of furniture begging for a second life or you’re just in the mood to bring more color and personality into your space, this book is like a pep talk and a how-to guide wrapped into one beautifully illustrated package.

🎨 More Than Just Paint

If you know Annie Sloan, you know she’s the queen of Chalk Paint®—and this book is filled with gorgeous projects that use her signature paints to transform everything from furniture to fabric. But what makes Colorful Living so special is that it’s not just about the how—it’s also about the why.

This book is all about creating a home that feels personal, layered, and loved—not perfect. It’s about slowing down, using what you have, and infusing your space with creativity. And around here at Sweet Greens, that’s something we can totally get behind.

🌿 Sustainability Meets Style

One of the things I love most about Annie’s philosophy (and this book) is her emphasis on upcycling. Instead of tossing things that are scratched, faded, or just plain outdated, Colorful Living shows you how to turn them into something new—and completely fabulous.

It’s creative, it’s budget-friendly, and it’s so much better for the planet.

You’ll find projects like:
🪑 Restoring and painting old wooden chairs with bold patterns
🎨 Turning outdated cabinets into colorful statement pieces
🖼 Creating wall art using leftover fabric and custom paint mixes
💡 Even how to give old lamps and accessories a vibrant refresh

Each project includes step-by-step instructions, gorgeous photos, and tips to make it your own. There’s even a peek into Annie’s own home for a little behind-the-scenes inspiration (spoiler: it’s stunning and full of personality).

✨ Why This Book Belongs on Your Shelf

Whether you’re a longtime DIYer or just looking for a fun weekend project, Colorful Living is packed with creative, confidence-boosting ideas that make you want to roll up your sleeves and dive in.

Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about making something old feel new again. You’re not just saving furniture—you’re telling a story, embracing imperfection, and adding character to your home, one brushstroke at a time.

And honestly? It’s a beautiful reminder that creativity doesn’t have to be complicated. It can start with what you already have—and a single can of paint.

📚 Ready to Add More Color to Your Life?

If you’re looking for sustainable inspiration, a new creative outlet, or just the courage to start painting that table in your garage, Annie Sloan’s Colorful Living will meet you exactly where you are.

You can grab a copy here, and I highly recommend keeping it nearby—because once you start flipping through, you’re going to want to paint everything.

I’ve always believed that the best things in life are grown slowly—with love, intention, and a little dirt under your nails. So when I came across Start with Soil by Juliet Sargeant, I knew it was a book I’d not only enjoy, but recommend to every gardener, green thumb, or curious nature-lover in my life.

This isn’t just a book about dirt (though spoiler: soil is so much more than dirt). It’s a gentle, beautiful guide to building a better garden by nurturing the very thing it grows from. Juliet Sargeant—garden designer, BBC Gardeners’ Question Time panelist, and one of my new favorite voices in the gardening world—invites us to slow down, dig deep (literally), and reconnect with the soil beneath our feet.

🌿 What I Loved About This Book

Juliet has a way of making science feel like storytelling. You don’t need to be an expert to follow along—she walks you through the basics of soil health, composting, no-dig gardening, and even creating rain gardens, all with a calm, encouraging tone. It feels like chatting with a wise friend who happens to know a lot about growing good things.

The illustrations are beautiful, the steps are practical, and whether you’re tending a big backyard garden or a tiny container setup on your porch, you’ll find something in here that resonates.

🧡 Why Soil Matters (Now More Than Ever)

Here’s something Juliet reminds us of again and again: healthy soil = a healthy planet. The way we treat our gardens affects everything from local ecosystems to global climate resilience. And while that might sound overwhelming, she makes it feel empowering. Because when we tend to the soil, even in our own backyard, we’re participating in something much bigger than ourselves.

You’ll walk away from this book knowing:
🌱 How to feed your soil, not just your plants
🍂 Why compost is gold (and easier than you think)
🌧️ How rainwater, mulch, and native plants work together
💚 That even small changes can make a big difference

🌼 A Spring Must-Read for Garden Lovers

As we tiptoe into spring, Start with Soil has become my morning companion—right alongside my cup of coffee and seed catalog stack. It’s inspired me to try a new composting method, rethink how I prep my beds, and—maybe most importantly—pause and appreciate the magic happening underground.

This is the kind of book you’ll dog-ear, reference, and pass along to a fellow plant-loving friend. It’s full of gentle guidance, thoughtful practices, and a whole lot of love for the natural world.

📚 Ready to Dig In?

You can pre-order Start with Soil here, and it officially releases on April 29, 2025. If you’re dreaming of a thriving, regenerative garden—or just want to fall in love with your soil again—this one’s for you.

Let’s get our hands dirty in the best way possible. 🌱

I might not have little ones at home anymore (can you believe Eben’s 24!? He was 8 when I started this blog), but that doesn’t mean I’ve stopped keeping a well-stocked, eco-conscious travel essentials kit on hand. Whether we’re hiking in the mountains, road tripping to a new town, or heading off for a weekend in the RV, there are two things I never leave behind: the Keep>Going Woodland Mini First Aid Kit and Handzies Soap + Water Wipes.

These two items have become non-negotiables in my adventure bag—and they’re especially perfect if, like me, you’re always looking for ways to stay prepared and reduce your environmental impact while you travel.

🧰 Keep>Going Mini First Aid Kit – Small but Mighty

Let me start by saying: I’ve owned a lot of first aid kits over the years, and most of them either fall apart or take up too much space. The Keep>Going Woodland Mini Kit is a total game-changer.

I keep one in our RV, one in the car, and another in our hiking pack—and every single one has come in handy at some point.

🌱 Refillable & Built to Last – The soft-shell case is compact and durable, not one of those plastic boxes that cracks after one trip.
🩹 Loaded with 60 Essentials – Everything you need for everyday mishaps: bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, tweezers, even burn cream.
🎒 Perfect for Travel & Trail – It’s lightweight enough for day hikes but thorough enough to keep in the RV for longer trips.
🌲 Cute, Too! – I know function matters more, but I’ll admit—I love the woodland print. It’s fun and stylish without being overly “medical.”

👉 Shop

Handzies Wipes are made with real soap, water, and essential oils, and they actually leave your hands feeling clean—not sticky or overly scented.

🌿 Biodegradable & Plant-Based – No alcohol, no harsh chemicals, and no synthetic fragrances. Just clean, simple ingredients that are kind to your skin and the earth.
🚗 Perfect for Travel – I keep a stash of the individually wrapped wipes in the glove compartment, hiking pack, and my travel pouch.
🖐 Gentle Yet Effective – Whether we’re dealing with sunscreen, trail snacks, or just need a refresh after a hike, these wipes always come through.
🌸 Smell Amazing – Light and fresh, not overwhelming. They feel like a little luxury when you’re on the go.

👉 Shop Handzies Wipes.

Where We Use Them the Most

Over the past few years, these two items have become staples in our travel and outdoor routines. Here’s where they come in clutch:

🥾 Hiking – It’s rare that we don’t need at least a bandage, some antiseptic, or a wipe after a few miles on the trail.
🚐 RV Trips – Both products live in our RV full-time. I keep a pack of these tucked in the driver’s side door of our RV—perfect for when Jayson dumps the tanks after a trip and needs a quick, easy way to clean his hands!
🚗 Road Trips – Long drives, snacks on the go, questionable roadside rest stops—you’ll be so glad to have Handzies and a mini first aid kit close by.
🎡 Outdoor Events & Weekend Markets – You never know when you’ll need a quick clean-up or a bandage for a stubbed toe. These essentials make it all feel seamless.

Why I Love These Eco Essentials

There’s something so satisfying about being prepared and staying aligned with your values. Both Keep>Going and Handzies are focused on quality, sustainability, and real-life practicality—which makes me feel good about supporting them.

✅ Reusable & refillable
✅ Plant-based and biodegradable
✅ Compact, travel-friendly, and functional
✅ Made with families and adventurers in mind

I might not be packing diaper bags anymore, but I still want to keep our adventures comfortable, clean, and as low-waste as possible. These products help me do exactly that—without taking up half the trunk.

If you’re heading out for hiking season, planning a long RV trip, just love a good road adventure, or have kiddos that you are taking ANYWHERE, I highly recommend adding these two items to your essentials kit. They’re small, smart, and eco-conscious—everything I look for in my travel gear.

🌿 Shop the Essentials:
🧰 Keep>Going Mini First Aid Kit – Woodland
🧼 Handzies Soap + Water Wipes

💬 Do you have a go-to product you always pack for road trips or hikes? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking to upgrade my on-the-go setup!