all the dish that’s fit to print
nantucket tops country for recycling
October 26, 2009, Cape Cod Times announced that a national advocacy group recently named Nantucket as the top recycling community in the country, knocking San Francisco off its perch. Thanks to an adaptation of a “zero waste” recycling program a decade ago, Nantucket leads the way in recycling and composting, and is ingraining “green” values within younger generations in the community. (Trust us. Ask any islander about the “Take it or Leave It” pile, which has become a hot gathering spot to find anything from furniture to good beach reads.)
Recycling and caring for the environment is now second nature to islanders. Everyone plays an important role. Here is how the Nantucket Boat Basin is helping:
- Reducing Pollution from Vessel Sewage Discharges – Raw or poorly treated sewage can spread disease, contaminate shellfish beds, and lower oxygen levels in water. Nantucket is a no-discharge harbor, and the Boat Basin offers complimentary pump-out services at all three of its wharves. Recently, The Clean Waters U.S. Fish and Wild Life Service recognized the Nantucket Boat Basin for participating in the most “pump-outs” of any marina in the U.S. The Boat Basin’s clean facilities and “clean boating” educational efforts were also recognized.
- Welcome and Educate – Upon arrival to the Nantucket Boat Basin, all incoming vessels receive a lovely welcome bag dedicated to Nantucket & the environment. Information on how to recycle, the proper use of environmental materials and where to properly discard each, is included. Boaters looking to refuel are given an absorbent donut to affix around fuel nozzles, to reduce leakage into the water. Guests also receive a small jar of biodegradable soap to wash their boat with, all in an effort to keep the surrounding water clean.
- Waste Has a Place! – The Nantucket Boat Basin has a zero-tolerance policy for mixed, or non-complying rubbish. There are 35 sets of large recycling bins to sort aluminum, plastics, and glass located throughout the 30 docks of the marina. Cigarettes can be extinguished in 50 dedicated areas, and there are 190 decorated rubbish barrels that blend with the décor of the island. Pet owners can even “dispose” at the Boat Basin’s Animal Needs Park with complimentary biodegradable bags.
- Time and Dedication – The Nantucket Boat Basin provides environmentally- friendly staff dedicated to removing, sorting, and cleaning the marina’s waste each day. Four or more marina attendants are on hand daily just to clean and maintain the 18 bathrooms and shower facilities.
For more information on the Nantucket Boat Basin and its environmental efforts, please visit http://www.nantucketboatbasin.com/
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oldest u.s. capital city, new reasons to visit
When a city-wide celebration and an amazing deal collide, it’s the recipe for a perfect getaway. From October 25, 2009 to February 28, 2010, the charming Inn on the Alameda becomes even more enticing. In honor of its 24th year, guests can get the third consecutive night of their stay for just $24! Located in the heart of downtown Santa Fe, but tucked away behind thick adobe walls, the Inn on the Alameda provides the calm we’re always craving, but is just steps from the action. And there’s action to be had this year, as the city is commemorating its 400 year legacy since being declared a Spanish villa in 1610.
The 400th Anniversary events calendar is full of theater productions, live music, history and children’s programs and an arts and lecture series. Be immersed in the rich heritage of Santa Fe’s Native American, Spanish, European and African-American cultures while staying at a cozy inn that prides itself on capturing this multi-faceted spirit.
alternative holidays
Not looking forward to packing the beach gear or the skis this holiday season?
These unconventional end-of-year getaways will scratch the travel itch. Rounded up here are cozy and kid-friendly locales for families, unique spots for adventurers and enriching destinations for those craving cultural stimuli.
Family Festivities
WHAT: Getaway to a Country Cottage
WHERE: National Trust Holiday Cottages – UK
WHY: Because a trip to the English countryside with a family membership in the Royal Oak Foundation to see old castles and gardens (for free!) could just be the best present for the Harry Potter-loving kids (or parents).
DETAILS, DETAILS: With over 360 cottages from which to choose, here are a few:
- Emley Farmhouse in Surrey sleeps up to 10 and has a traditional country kitchen, perfect for that big Christmas dinner. A three night stay starts at $740.35, a seven night stay, $1416.75.
- 89 Church Lawn in Wiltshire sleeps up to seven and has exclusive access to the National Trust’s stunning winter gardens. You can even go fishing in the beautiful lake. A three night stay starts at $590, a seven night stay, $1065.50.
- Abermydyr in Wales sits on the banks of the River Aeron and sleeps up to six. Brings the kids here for the Christmas food and craft fair at Llanerchaeron, a Trust protected gentry estate. A three night stay starts at $493.50, a seven night stay, $957.30.
WHAT: Swiss Family Reunion
WHERE: The Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa – Interlaken, Switzerland
WHY: Christmas dinners, a Children’s Party for New Year’s Eve, and Dad treating Mom to a Festive Foam Bath with winter aromas and champagne all conspire for festive fun.
DETAILS, DETAILS: Splash Hour at the pool, the Zurich Zoo and the St. Beatus caves will thrill the kids, and fitness classes, Turkish baths, and professional childcare will restore their parents’ sanity. Rates start at $877 per night for double occupancy.
Adventurers Only
WHAT: Arabian Eco-experience
WHERE: Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa – Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE
WHY: It feeds the craving for sun while heeding the call of the wild.
DETAILS, DETAILS: Home to one of Abu Dhabi’s largest Arabian wildlife conservancies, guests can go hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, take a game drive, or learn archery. Double occupancy rates start at $537 per night; book at least 30 days in advance to receive a 15% discount.
WHAT: Modern Day Pilgrimage
WHERE: Uma Paro – Bhutan
WHY: Because hiking to a Buddhist monastery sure beats waiting in line at a department store with frantic holiday shoppers.
DETAILS, DETAILS: One of its many active adventures includes a trek to Tiger’s Nest monastery, located in the sheer cliffs 2,700 feet above Paro Valley and a peaceful orchard picnic with spectacular views. For the month of December, double occupancy rates start at $330 per night.
WHAT: Chance to Step Foot on Antarctica
WHERE: Crystal Cruise’s Symphony departs from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Valparaiso, Chile.
WHY: Due to an upcoming ban on cruise ships in the Antarctic Ocean, this will be Crystal’s final voyage to the area.
DETAILS, DETAILS: In addition to visiting amazing locales in South America, six thrill-seekers will take the rare overland trip to Antarctica to see remote villages, a petrified forest, and a penguin breeding ground. Rates start at $8,995, double occupancy.
Cultural Cravings
WHAT: Revelation in the Red City
WHERE: Royal Mansour Marrakech – Morocco
WHY: It will be impossible to miss the carolers when exploring Djemma El-fna, a square in the historical district of town known for having the best musicians, dancers and storytellers.
DETAILS, DETAILS: When in this city of cultural fusions be sure to visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, and the largest souk (traditional market) in Morocco to bargain for spices or clothing or tea pots. Riads start at €1,500 a night.
WHAT: Balinese New Beginning
WHERE: Uma Ubud – Bali
WHY: What better way to start the year then with the New Year package’s complimentary massage on the first day of 2010.
DETAILS, DETAILS: Guests will see the village decorated with traditional bamboo poles and banana leaves and enjoy a Balinese-inspired New Year’s Eve dinner, followed by a cocktail party with DJ at the pool bar. Rates start at $260 per night, double occupancy.
WHAT: A Resolution Well-Kept
WHERE: Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa, Chiang Rai, Thailand
WHY: Utilizing those new Thai cooking skills back home will keep the post-holiday gloom at bay.
DETAILS, DETAILS: The cooking lessons are just the beginning of the cultural immersion; at the Elephant Camp (part of the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre), a 30-minute lesson will teach adventurers to drive an elephant. Rates start at $520, double occupancy.
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nantucket’s farmers & artisans market
Courtesy of Nantucket Farmers Market (via Flickr)
Find yourself on Nantucket some Saturday morning? Lucky duck.
Do yourself (and the island) a favor and wander over to the Nantucket Farmers & Artisans Market, happening each Saturday through October 17 from 9 am to 1 pm. Cambridge and North Union Streets, right by the Starlight Theater, are closed to cars for the market.
Spotted this past Saturday was Karin Sheppard of Island Weaves, with her beautiful blankets of alpaca, silk, and mohair, David Berry of Nantucket Honey Bee Company with his light and dark honeys (the color changes depending on whether the bees are pollinating summer or fall flowers), and Dylan Wallace and Claudia Butler of Nantucket Native, with their organic fruits and vegetables – and chocolates. There were plenty more stands, all full of locally made and grown goodies.
A tip for those who wander in unprepared: there’s an ATM around the corner, on the bottom of Main Street.
If you want to book a trip to the island this fall (one of the lovelier times to go), check the Nantucket Island Resorts website for the latest “Hot Dates, Cool Rates” offers.
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green laundry
Crystal Cruise Ship
As part of Crystal Cruises’ “Crystal Clean” program that supports environmentally-friendly initiatives, the cruise line has outfitted all of its guest room closets with EcoHangers. Made from 100% recycled paper, EcoHangers are recyclable and a more environmentally sound alternative to conventional wire and plastic hangers. To take this “green” laundry practice a step further, the cruise line is using washable garment bags for laundry distribution, eliminating the use of more than 100,000 plastic bags on its ships per year.
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move over metro
Reduce your carbon footprint and cover more ground around the capital with Park Hyatt Washington’s complimentary Bicycles at the Park program. Available for hotel guests, the rentals last four hours, allowing plenty of time for a scenic ride, and perhaps a picnic lunch. The new hybrid bicycles are comfortable and sturdy, no matter the terrain. For a leisurely ride, we suggest the flat towpath along the canal. For a more intense workout, try a rugged trail in Rock Creek Park. An historic route to take is the Mount Vernon Trail, which starts at Roosevelt Island and follows the Potomac River to Washington’s famous estate at Mount Vernon, and along the way goes through Old Town Alexandria (a perfect lunch spot) and Fort Hunt Park. The concierge will be sure to put you on the right path with a city biking map, bike lock, helmet, kickstand, and bottled water.
Bicycles at the Park will continue to be unveiled at more Park Hyatts around the world. We’ll keep you posted!
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keep it green, phuket!
Over 600 volunteers are donating their time and efforts today to spruce up beaches across Phuket as part of “Clean Phuket Day.” This day of volunteerism kicks off an island-wide initiative to preserve the beauty of Phuket in a community outreach program called Keeping Phuket Clean, just in time for the summer season!
Beaches in the mix include Mai Khao, Nai Thon, Bang Tao, Surin, Kalim, Patong, Kata, Nai Harn, Ya Nui, Rawai and Panwa. Volunteers are given a clean-up zone and time to meet, where they will be supplied with garbage bags, water, and soft drinks before the cleaning fun starts!
“Clean Phuket Day” is made possible with the support of almost every major hotel in Phuket, island businesses, the local beach communities, and the local government. The newly opened Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa, situated along Mai Khao beach on the north end of the island, is supporting the initiative. Over 250 volunteers are expected to arrive at Mai Khao beach for cleaning, which is great news for the sea turtles, who will make their way to Mai Khao in the winter season to lay their eggs.
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corporate clean-up
Living amongst the hustle and bustle of New York, it’s sometimes difficult to think of life outside our tiny island. So with Earth Day around the corner, it’s uplifting to take note of the efforts around the world of individuals being mindful of Mother Earth. (more…)
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charitable decorating, english country house style
Longing for the elegant aesthetic of an English country house? Look no further than The Royal Oak Foundation Collection. Each design is inspired by classic British art and architecture found on the properties of the National Trust of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland that The Royal Oak Foundation has supported with over $7 million in grants. The sale of these products generates royalties that support ongoing preservation and conservation of the more than 300 important historic houses and gardens that influenced their design. Available to the trade exclusively at Lee Jofa showrooms in New York, Atlanta, and elsewhere, The Royal Oak Foundation Collection includes Lee Jofa fabrics, Holland & Company furniture, Cole & Son wallpaper, and Katha Diddèl home accessories.
If you’re in New York this spring, stop by the D&D Building where The Royal Oak Foundation Collection will be on display in a lobby window. (more…)
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and the winner is…
Team Audemars Piguet defeated SOCO International in a riveting 8-6 victory to take first place at the annual weeklong King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament, held at Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa near Chiang Rai, Thailand. Drawing a crowd of international spectators and dignitaries, twelve teams from around the world competed for the cup and for the bragging rights of being named top “ponies.” This year’s tournament raised $53,453 (or 1.9 million Thai baht) through the gala auction to benefit the National Elephant Institute and the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre. Since its inception eight years ago, the tournament has raised over $200,000, which goes towards the medical care, sustenance, employment, and mahout training programs in support of Thailand’s elephant population.
Committed to the conservation of Thai Asian elephants, Anantara Golden Triangle serves as the northern chapter of the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre, running its own Elephant Conservation program and Elephant Camp. The Elephant Camp serves as an interactive way for guests to partake in the conservation movement, where they learn how to bathe, feed, and even “drive” the elephants.
For additional information on this year’s King’s Cup tournament, including player biographies and final scores, visit: www.anantaraelephantpolo.com.
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