On Sunday there were many cheers from the crowd as a new Boeing kid is in town.  The company has just unveiled a new and eco-friendly Intercontinental Jetliner prototype that’s sure to make future waves.

The new 747-8 Intercontinental features lower seat-mile costs than its predecessor, saving an average 12% as well as providing a 16% increase in fuel economy.

The 747-8 also provides a 16 percent increase in fuel economy, a 30 per cent lower noise footprint and 16 per cent less carbon emissions than the 747-400. Improved comfort for passengers is in the front line as well, with interior design concepts borrowed from the 787 Dreamliner including upswept, curving and much sexier architecture,  giving an airier feel and more room for cabin baggage and personal belongings.

The prototype unveiled Sunday was a startling red and orange departure from Boeing’s normal boring blue, although the bright colours will only appear on the first of the fleet to be completed. According to the company, the livery is in honour of a number of Boeing’s key customers, whose Asian cultures traditionally regard the colours as symbolising good luck and prosperity.

It’s official, fall is finally here and the incredible hot summer is out the door so we can get outside and have some fun!

So, you’re camping this weekend, eh?  Well then, here’s a great list of tips that will keep you eco-friendly all through the trip!

1. Don’t go with the RV!  Just do it old school with a car and a campsite or even bike that distance if you can!
2. Use reusable equipment such as sturdy plates instead of paper, fabric napkins instead of the throw-aways.
3. For heaven’s sake, quit it with the water bottles!  Bring your own reusable water bottle and a water purifier and you’ll be set for days upon days.
4. When bathing, be sure to use biodegradable soaps that won’t leave harmful residues.
5. Leave no trace, and even do better than that, take away any trace that might have been left before you.

If you’re headed on a vacation this fall, why not try to challenge the family to make it as green as possible?!

Of course, you’ll be bringing along your refillable water bottles versus store-bought plastic water bottles but what else can you and your family do?  How about seeing the city sites in a more intimate and eco-friendly way by doing it on a bicycle?

Whether you rent bikes or you bring you own, touring a new city by bicycle is a great way to go, especially with Google’s new bike map directions!

For around $45 per month the City CarShare membership gives users the option to borrow an Element for a couple of hours for that Trader Joe’s run or a stop into Ikea with a packed-out SUV.

Sounds like a steal of a green deal to us!  Now you don’t even have to own a car to get around and in the house with groceries!

The Harmony Hotel is just what you need to relax and enjoy life.  Located in Nosara, Costa Rica, the Harmony Hotel does everything with green in mind from a greywater wetland system to a salt-based chlorine-free purification system.  You can also rest easy with green coconut dishware and worm-based composting.  Go on, get that reservation today.

Rues Hotel Selection is the first “environmentally oriented referral hotel group” which began in Bolivia of all places back in 1994.

If you are looking to keep it green while travelling, the RHS is the perfect solution to your accommodation needs.  The company offers hotels that follow environmental guidelines such as UNEP and will not lead you astray.  Now, who’s ready to travel?

Located in downtown Seattle, the Renaissance Hotel has recently finished green revamp of their property which has adopted new earth-friendly practices.  The hotel is now using more energy-efficient lighting and water systems, has incorporated motion-sensor vending machines to avoid unnecessary use of power, stocked the hotel with biodegradable pens and compostable take-out utensils and boxes as well as placed recycle bins in meeting rooms.

In additon to all of these new green practices, the Renaissance Seattle Hotel is using an online event menus and electronic billing to reduce paper waste.  The hotel has taken great new steps in making the area a better, more energy-efficient location.

Ponca State Park has just started taking summer reservations for their two green cabins.  Made almost completely out of recycled materials, the cabins feature geothermal heating and cooling as well as straw bale insulation.

Signs throughout the cabins show how to live green and the importance of being environmentally-friendly.  You go Nebraska.

The 15-story tall Big Wheel has been given a facelift which includes new display lights with 7,824-energy saving LED bulbs as well as being painted with vibrant earth-friendly paint.

Six Flags Great Adventure Park President Mark Kane states, “The Big Wheel has been an indelible part of guests’ memories and has been an icon of our property for the past 35 years.”

“It is important to restore it to its original historic beauty while at the same time improving its impact on our environment.”

It’s time to mark Six Flags on the summer vacay calendar.

• If it’s possible for you to take mass transit to your destination, you will be saving on airplane’s high carbon output and getting a step ahead on earth-friendly travel.
• When asking the advice of a travel agent, this time around try searching out for a travel provider that actually specializes in eco-tourism.
• When on vacay, purchase local foods and merchandise instead of heading to the nearest Wal-Mart.
• Research and respect the local customs.  Water and food may be limited resources where you’re headed.
• Be sure to minimize your waste and packaging.
• Find a local recycling center for your recyclables or just bring them home with you.

By implementing these tips into your already established green routine while travelling will keep you on your green toes and inspire others as well.