Dogeared Jewelry Roll

Glamour girls who travel need storage for their baubles. Dogeared Design’s jewelry roll comes in serveral cheery colors and is made of organic cotton. $50, www.dogeared.com

Fred Flare Soaps

It looks like a PB&J but unfortunately doesn’t smell like one. Give this handmade soap to your friend on a perpetual diet. The Typography Soap is perfect for your friend or loved one who answers the “What’s your type” questions with words like Helvetica or Century Gothic. $11, www.fredflare.com

Jimmyjane Sensory Set

For when you can’t get to the spa, this recently launched massage kit brings together some of Jimmyjane’s best at-home massage tools, which are made from hygienic, biocompatible porcelain. The Contour M Ceramic Massage Stone (winner of an IDEA Award for design) can be used three ways for medium-pressure all over massage; the Contour Q textured stones pair are made for more targeted therapy; and the Beyond Sensational Massage Lotion enhances both. $50.00, www.jimmyjane.com

Living Ethos Gift Bags

No matter what you decide to give this season, think about re-usable gift wrapping. This company offers a line of bags, designed to last for years, so the bags can change hands again and again. They come in four sizes, and some very tasteful patterns. We like Deco Maze in black and white, or the Dottie Red, for the holiday gifting without succumbing to the usual motifs. Mini, $6; small, $7; medium, $8; large, $10; Set of 4, $28.00, www.livingethos.com

Sonoma Lavender Travel Set and Footies

On-the-go relaxation is a breeze with these chic picks from California-based Sonoma Lavender. The Travel Set includes a cushy pillow and an eye mask, both scented with lavender-eucalyptus mix that helps to calm and refresh. The matching silk slippers (sold separately and dry clean only) come with removable lavender-eucalyptus flaxseed inserts, which can be heated for extra soothing. Travel Pillow/Sleep Mask Set, $26; Footies, $30, www.sonomalavender.com

Kate Grenier Magnets

Ever wonder where all those bottle caps go when you pop them off your favorite beer? We don’t either. But we think Kate Grenier’s magnets, using recycled bottle caps, are pretty cool. Set of six magnets, $18, www.kategrenier.com

Already known for pure products, Eminence has outdone themselves with the new USDA Organic collection of mint-infused products. Conveniently packed in 2-ounce tubes, these three products are ideal for travelers. Choose from Organic Tea Tree & Mint Hand Cleanser, Organic Vanilla Mint Hand Cream, and our favorite, the Organic Shea Butter & Mint Moisture Balm that’s a cinch to apply to dry patches. Cleanser, $9; Moisture Balm, $18; Hand Cream, $14. www.eminenceorganics.com

Amrit Organic Eye Serum Roll-on

This handy roll-on serum rejuvenates sleepy eyes with the help of organic jojoba, chamomile, and aloe—a perfect beauty essential for those long family road trips. $18, www.redcherrygroup.com

COOLA Mineral Baby SPF 45

If sand and sun are in store for your next getaway and you’ve got a baby on board, this addition to COOLA’s Mineral Suncare Line should be in your bag. What more could Mom ask for in a 100 percent natural, 80 percent+ certified organic hypoallergenic, chemical-free sunblock? It’s TSA approved, too! $36, Coola Organic Sunscreen

Frownies Under Eye Gel Patches

Whether you want that extra lift before a fancy night out, or to simply relieve puffiness after a long trip, these patches will do the trick—naturally, of course. $30, www.frownies.com

Votre Vu Men’s Formule 1 3-in-1 Wash

Men’s skincare convenience at its finest! This 3-ounce bottle packs a gentle enough punch to cleanse your hair, body and face. 2 pack, $38, www.votrevu.com

Burt’s Bees Head to Toe Starter Kit

For Burt’s lovers who haven’t found a favorite, enjoy sampling this kit while you travel: Pomegranate Lip Balm, Peppermint Foot Lotion, Hand Salve, Super Shiny Grapefruit & Sugar Beet Shampoo and Conditioner, plus some! Happy travels—and sampling! $15, www.burtsbees.com

Pure Living Lucia Guest Assorted Soap Gift Box

Now we know you won’t need all eight bars of this handmade, 100 percent organic shea butter for travels, so pack two of your favorite scents and try the rest when you get home. $15.50, www.massageelements.com

Pharmacopia Go. Relax. Gift Set

Travels rarely come without stress, so come prepared with this Organic Lavender trio: body wash, body lotion and shea butter cream. $20, www.skinbotanica.com

Nature by Red Flower Radiant Skin Set

Introducing the skincare set packed with omega-3s and antioxidants that’s pure enough for your body and face; travel-sized and packaged in an eco-friendly reusable bag. $42, www.redflower.com

Suki head-to-toe essentials travel kit

You’ll like the 100% organic cotton sateen zip case, but chances are, you’ll favor what’s inside: daily revitalizing shampoo & conditioner, exfoliate foaming cleanser and velvet moisturizing cream; a pure set of basic skincare needs. $35, www.sukiskincare.com

Uspa uskincare travel essentials beaded bag

We love the simple, yet effective ingredients in uspa’s skincare products. This shiny number includes: damask rose hydrosol, moisture control lotion with Vitamin C, nourish milk cleanser, and more. $150, www.uspa-usa.com

Deserving Thyme Jet Setter Travel Companion

This kit is designed to nourish the entire body with each product’s pure essential oils, from Rosemary to Lavender, to Clementine. Good things do come in small packages: Hand & Body Lotion, Shower & Bath Gel, Lip Balm, Foot Cream, and Pillow Spray. $45, www.deservingthyme.com

This is not your ordinary, everyday-duffle bag duo. Ella Vickers uses recycled sailcloth in the creation of all of her one-of-a-kind products. We love the Excursion set, made from recycled Tanbark sails—suitable for air and ocean travel. $386, www.ellavickers.com

Rebagz Galaxy Sport Pouch

A unique alternative to the fanny pack, this sport pouch made from recycled rice bags, is an avid traveler’s must-have. $29, www.rebagz.com

Gaiam Yoga On The Go Travel Kit

Although travels tend to knock us a bit off routine, take time for that much needed yoga session. Yoga for those on the go, is made easy with Gaiam’s travel kit that includes a 35-minute DVD, cotton yoga strap, and a set of 6 yoga pose cards with Rodney Yee. $14.98, www.gaiam.com

Pb Travel Eco Friendly Bamboo Travel Set

Pb travel, a unique line of travel accessories for the modern woman, takes an eco-conscious step with this 100 percent bamboo blanket and eye mask set. Rest easy with this super-soft combo in raspberry. $39.99, www.pb-travel.com

Pure Silk Jewelry Roll

Keep your jewelry and other precious items out of sight with this three-zippered, Oeko-tex certified roll—simply elegant in cielo blue with gold lotus brocade. $17, www.americanfamilynaturally.com

Acorn EarthRoamer Clog

There’s no need for our eco-conscious guys to sacrifice fashion for comfort. These suede-trimmed clogs are perfect for the man on the run. The slip-ons have a mesh lining with Agion® for odor and bacteria control and a water-repellent exterior of 50 percent wool and 50 percent recycled PET. Ladies, you’re in luck, they’re also available for women, in Java, Shale, and Wine. $75-80, www.acorn.com

Huiles and Baumes Alpine SOS Balm

Don’t let the size of this little jar fool you. Whether you’re a lone traveler, or a family vacationer, what’s inside will be a lifesaver: A multi-purpose face and body balm aiding in the relief of those unexpected muscle strains, scratches, and all-over body aches. $42, www.huiles-baumes.com, 800-937-4372

Dr. Singha’s Travel Tonic

We’re pretty keen on Dr. Singha’s Natural Therapeutics, especially when it comes to relaxation. If you haven’t put one of these herbal remedies to the test, let the organic extracts of ginger root, eleuthero root, and wild-harvested yogimbe bark in this travel tonic, become your new flight companion. $12.95, www.drsingha.com

This just may be the most peaceful property in Los Angeles. If you’re looking for a low-key luxury experience, this is where you’ll find it—and more. We’ve been big fans of Montage since its flagship property first opened in Laguna Beach. Who wouldn’t be? This is a brand that doesn’t miss a detail. In April of last year, the Beverly Hills property became the first hotel in Southern California to receive LEED Gold certification and the very first mixed-use residential and hotel project to be LEED Gold certified as a single development. One of the things we love most about the property is its un-trendiness, thanks in large part to its style—part Spanish Revival, part glamour estates of the 1920s and ‘30s. It manages to be classically elegant and thankfully unstuffy, and it offers a variety of wonderful experiences from accommodations to dining to spa. We stayed in one of the very spacious and lovely Garden Suites and dined at Parq where the chef sources the best seasonal ingredients, artisanal products, and wines. We couldn’t pass up the Beer-Braised Onion Risotto or the simple but delicious House-Made Cavatelli with black trumpet mushrooms, pickled green garlic, and white wine and lemon. The Roasted Local Halibut was cooked to perfection. The spa did not disappoint either. We loved the way the sun from a skylight hit the two-story mosaic tiled wall just so. Lead therapist Cherie Rodriguez, helped us create a personalized 120-minute Signature Montage Surrender program after sitting with us and learning about our lifestyle habits. This involved chamomile, rosehips, seaweed, a body scrub, a wrap, lots of sweating, an alternating hot and cold Vichy shower, and a serious steep in a hydrotherapy tub. It worked wonders. www.montagebeverlyhills.com —Mary Bemis

CityCenter, Las Vegas

Comprised of dramatic restaurants, elegant boutiques, and three vastly different types of accommodations—the city’s first Mandarin Oriental hotel, boutique-style Vdara Hotel & Spa, and its energetic nucleus, Aria Resort & Casino—CityCenter has a distinct modern architectural vision, fusing the disparate creative inspirations of a smattering of the world’s top architects and designers. A common theme running throughout this urban community is a dedication to celebrating sustainability, as evidenced by its LEED Gold certification, a first for Las Vegas. There are a number of reasons the accolades are obvious: using sustainably harvested FSC-wood products; launching the world’s first fleet of stretch limos powered by clean burning compressed natural gas; introducing slot machines that simultaneously cool off guests; and adding striking water fixtures throughout the property that spew out water conser-vation-inspired pressurized showers. Yet for guests, CityCenter’s green ties are more visibly appealing. Take the massive, well-lit Aria spa, for example, where after a Detoxifying Body Ritual (a lemongrass exfoliation followed by a mask of sake yeast, shea butter, wasabi extract, and red pepper) you can invigorate your skin in the ambient Shiso salt room, or lay back and relax on one of the sleek heated Ganbanyoku stone beds. Inside tranquil Vdara, a two-story spa, salon, and fitness center awaits with a Champagne bar to boot. Here, familiar brands derived from natural ingredients, like Red Flower and Naturopathica, are integrated into treatments such as the healing Italian Blood Orange Flowers Hold Life Ritual, featuring a rejuvenating organic sea salt exfoliation, and the fragrant Espresso Mud Body Scrub. Meanwhile, over at the Mandarin Oriental, a morning could begin with a powerful sunrise yoga session overlooking the city’s casino-dotted skyline before a long, pampered session at the spa, where treatments reference authentic Eastern medicine remedies, like the pampering that goes on at the intimate Chinese Foot Spa. Where to eat in this contemporary maze? Seasonal veggies and sustainable seafood are always on the menu at Sage, the brainchild of Chicago chef Shawn McClain. And celeb chef Michael Mina makes his mark on Las Vegas yet again with American Fish, an ode to the quality fish teeming in our country’s waterways. www.citycenter.com —Alia Akkam

Avalon, Portland

We stopped by this LEED Silver certified property this past July to check out the spa that is under new management. The riverfront hotel, located in the South Waterfront District, sits along a scenic four-mile walking trail that lines the west bank of the Willamette River, and is about two miles downstream from downtown Portland. The hotel itself, funky-elegant and somewhat dated in design, is now missing the award-winning quality of its opening (it won the Mobil Travel Guide 2005 “America’s Best Hotel and Resort Spa Award”). With that said, we enjoyed the layout and quiet of the Deluxe Riverside Suite in all its eclectic glory. The two-level Spa and Fitness Club, on the other hand, shines. We weren’t surprised to learn that it has a strong and loyal local membership, as the fitness center is large (13,000-square-feet) and well-equipped and the spa therapies are topnotch. We entrusted our spa experience to the very capable Carrie Burns, spa manager, and were not disappointed. Our experience began with a 15-minute soothing footbath followed by a 60-minute Lavender Aromatherapy massage that helped ease our weary muscles. But it was the Botanical Brightening Healthy Skin facial that was the real standout. The magic touch of esthetician Araceli, combined with the plant-based, restorative June Jacobs’ products, worked wonders on our skin and left us glowing. (Avalon Spa is the only one in Oregon to carry the June Jacobs Spa Collection, and in each hotel room you’ll find the June Jacobs Amenity Collection.) The spa, dedicated to offering natural therapies and products, also features Equavie Organic facials, another line we love. www.avalonhotelandspa.com —M.B.

The Peninsula, Chicago

We happened to be in Chicago last April, and spent Earth Day at this iconic hotel that has been quietly and diligently working away on upping its green efforts. The property has joined Mayor Daley’s hotel environmental program, as well as applied for Chicago’s Green Seal environmental program. A Green Team of employees has implemented numerous initiatives, including waste management, reuse, and recycling projects (we like the fact that the hotel donates unfinished bathroom amenities to a community service organization), serious energy efficiency and conservation practices (guestroom lights are interfaced with property management systems so that the building automation system automatically shuts off lights in vacant, unoccupied rooms), and responsible management of freshwater resources (the hotel meters and monitors water use and has installed a water filtration system). Other details we admire: the in-room coffee and tea is Fair Trade, Shade Green, or organic, and organic menus for children and adults are offered in The Lobby restaurant and in room service. During our stay we attended a Pen Academy Program, “Nature’s Pharmacy,” that was led by a knowled-geable esthetician who spoke of the health benefits of aromatherapy. Later, we sampled the spa’s new Mankind massage that focused only on the neck, shoulders, back, and feet. The spa uses ESPA products, a line of natural and deliciously aromatic products (we love the pure essential bath oils and the Soothing Eye lotion). We also visited the Green City Market, open April through October, where we sampled fresh local organic fare; explored the city’s green shopping scene with super-shopper Bonnie Kaplan who showed us places we’d otherwise never have found (more on that in a future issue); and fell in love with the new Modern Wing of The Art Institute of Chicago. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano, the wing recently received LEED Silver certification. www.peninsula.com —M.B.

Eventi Kimpton, New York City

Opened in late spring, the Kimpton hotel group’s latest NYC outpost is a newly built high-rise located in a bustling area near the Chelsea wholesale flower district. In addition to 292 rooms—each stylishly appointed with Frette linens, Etro bath amenities, organic mini-bar items, and a richly toned décor—the property features a screening room, indoor-outdoor upscale Asian food court, and a lush wrap-around terrace lounge open to all guests. In the cozy three-room spa, clients settle into bamboo robes and sheets before skilled therapists perform treatments using Kerstin Florian’s natural and organic products; signatures include the Jet Lag Recovery combo done with a Turkish body scrub and organic lavender massage oils and body sprays. In keeping with Kimpton’s brand-wide EarthCare policies, Eventi features recycled paper goods, water-efficient bath fixtures, energy-saving lighting, in-room recycling bins, environmentally responsible bath and cleaning products, organic wines and teas, and much more. We also love their commitment to wellness (guests can request complimentary in-room yoga, meditation, and Pilates programs and accessories) and women travelers, who receive targeted amenities and services through the Women In Touch program. www.eventihotel.com —Sandra Ramani
Photo: David Phelps

Four Seasons, Philadelphia

We have fond memories of visiting this elegant property that’s situated on one of the prettiest tree-lined boulevards in the city. The spa is tiny and intimate and offers topnotch treatments using the Naturopathica skin-care line. We tried the 80-minute Philadelphia Freedom Hot Towel Infusion and loved the application of steamy towels that had been steeped in herbs. Since 2005, the Five Diamond Award-winning hotel has had a Green Team in place that has consistently improved and introduced eco-friendly initiatives. These include: reducing overall energy consumption by more than 20 percent; sending used cooking oil to a local farmer to convert into bio-fuel; reducing water consumption by more than five million gallons; and reducing its carbon footprint by nearly 3,000 tons per year. Last year, saw the addition of a rooftop garden where fresh herbs and vegetables happily grow. www.fourseasons.com —M.B.

Mandarin Oriental, Boston

Located in historic Back Bay, this hand-some property boasts many creative green initiatives. It’s a fine example of a hotel that has placed a lot of environmentally conscious thought into its planning and construction—most notably maximizing energy consumption, using sustainable construction practices, and making a special effort to connect to the surrounding community. We love the fact that it’s pedestrian-friendly, as it’s within walking distance of a variety of restaurants, shops, and public transportation. Its contemporary design, while urban, is warm and welcoming, making it a great place to meet friends for tea or a glass of wine. Because it was built on a fragile ecosystem of tidelands that were filled in the 1800s, maintaining groundwater levels is of utmost importance. Thanks to critical planning before construction of the hotel, the balance was protected. A few other details of note: huge expanses of windows flood public and private spaces with natural light, lessening the need for interior lighting; 12 of the 50 condos that are also on property have roof gardens designed to sustain trees up to six feet, while high-reflective paving systems on the roof help manage storm water and retain heat in the winter and cool in the summer. And one can’t forget the spa. This brand is known for its beautifully designed spa spaces and its signature Time Rituals (personalized journeys with a two-hour minimum). The 16,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, located on the fourth floor, is a blissful, Asian-inspired escape that also happens to be the only Forbes Five-Star awarded spa in the state. Treat yourself and a loved one to the serene Mandarin Suite, sip a cup of soothing tea, and embrace the calm. www.mandarinoriental.com/boston —M.B.
Photo: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

Augustine, Prague

Set in what were once the living quarters of the Augustinian St. Thomas monastery (and still adjacent to the order’s peaceful 13th-century church and cloisters), this boutique Rocco Forte property opened in the heart of Prague in 2009. Nods to the former residents can be spied everywhere, from the simple, warm décor of the rooms to the hearty St. Thomas beer—brewed from the monks’ secret recipe—served in the on-site pub. This locally made beer makes an appearance in the spa, as well: The St. Thomas Beer Signature Body Forming Treatment starts with a footbath and short reflexology session to improve circulation, followed by a body scrub with Himalayan salt and finely ground organic hops. Next comes an application of the house brew beer, which is high in B vitamins, beneficial flavanoids, essential minerals, and anti-oxidants; a full-body massage tops it off. The rest of the spa menu is green-minded, too, with Anika organic facials, energy-balancing Ayurvedic Ila treatments, and body peels done with virgin coconut and neroli. www.theaugustine.com —S.R.

Hotel Fouquet’s Barriere, Paris

Located just off the Champs-Elysee, Paris’s self-proclaimed “most ecologically responsible five-star hotel” backs up that claim with its Dignified Luxury campaign, which strives for luxury with limited environmental impact. Guests can savor organic ingredients at the gourmet Le Diane restaurant, tool around town on an electric E-Solex bike, or enjoy the Fair Trade flowers that decorate the space. Along with accommodations in a room or suite, the new VIP (Very Important Planet) package includes a healthy daily breakfast for two (think fresh fruit and veggie juices, multi-grain breads, and egg whites), an organic lunch at the on-site Joy Gallery, a bottle of eco-friendly Pop Earth Champagne, and carbon off-setting of your stay through the Action Carbone program. Guests will also enjoy a 50-minute oil treatment at the underground U Spa using the natural Mon Soin du Visage line of preservative-free products, which combine traditional Japanese medicine, French cosmetic expertise, and organically farmed materials (including wasabi, yuzu, and rice.) www.fouquets-barriere.com —S.R.

On our List to Visit…

Hyatt at Olive 8 Hotel in Seattle is the city’s first LEED certified hotel (having garnered Silver certification) and the first for Hyatt Hotels. Notable details include Seattle’s largest (8, 355 feet!) living rooftop and a “fritted” glass exterior with blue glass fin elements that give it movement and an appearance that changes constantly. Twenty percent of the building’s materials are made of recycled content, while 95 percent of construction waste was diverted from landfills. Its green practices are numerous and include conscious cleaning (100 percent toxin-free dry-cleaning services is a detail we appreciate), green meeting capabilities, and a terrific reuse and recycle program. Elaia, the spa that’s located on the second floor, offers everything from holistic massages to cutting-edge facials and uses some heavy-hitting organic spa lines, as well as locally sourced and handmade Market Fresh body wraps, scrubs, and masks that are produced daily. www.olive8.hyatt.com

Set in the heart of Miami Beach, The Palms Hotel & Spa is one of only 14 Miami Beach hotels to receive an honorable designation from Florida’s Green Lodging Program for its commitment to protect the state’s natural resources. An aggressive recycling program is just one of its many green efforts. Essensia restaurant, noted for its natural gourmet dining and spa cuisine, offers organically farmed produce and ingredients, as well as an exclusive wine list that is 100 percent sustainable, organic, or biodynamic. The 5,000-square-foot Aveda destination spa, located on the hotel’s lower lobby, offers Ayurvedic-inspired personalized treatments and rituals. www.thepalmshotel.com

Fairmont Pittsburgh, opened in March of this year, reflects the company’s Green Partnership program—a pioneering program launched back in 1990. There’s no doubt that Fairmont is committed to sustainability, and this new hotel, expected to be the first LEED certified hotel in the city, has a long and honorable list of green initiatives that focus on improvements in waste management, sustainability, and energy and water conservation (it estimates annual lighting energy savings of about 50,000 kilowatts and annual water savings of about 930,000 gallons). In a unique twist, more than 26,000 objects dating from 1840 to 1872 were recovered in 2007 by archeologists during the excavation of the property the hotel sits on. They’re now on display at the hotel and reflect the culture, history, and economy of Pittsburgh in the mid 1800s. The Fairmont has named suites and boardrooms after these bygone businesses that included a German boarding house, a steam cabinet maker’s shop, a seed store, and a toy store. www.fairmont.com/pittsburgh —M.B.

Hästens Mindspa

Hästens Mindspa, digital player with Auditory Visual Stimulation relaxation technology, combines light and sound to help relieve stress. $995, www.hastens.com

Planetary Apothecary

Admit it. You enjoy reading your horoscope to find out what the day has in store for you. With Planetary Apothecary, author Stephanie Gailing doesn’t tell your fortune, but instead offers a health and wellness program based on your zodiac sign. It covers what you should eat, what spa therapy to take, even the aromatherapy oil you should have. $15.95, www.tenspeed.com

Pleasure Healing

Organic Spa Magazine’s very own With this book, author Philip Jodidio columnist, Mary Beth Janssen,introduces techniques that will inspire you to treat your body and soul in her new book, Pleasure Healing. Her approach is multi-faceted, incorporating massage, yoga, mindfulness, and meditation, all with the goal of nourishing the body as a whole. $15.95, www.newharbinger.com

Transform Your Life Through Handwriting, How Your Pen Can Unlock Your Soul’s Potential

An interactive learning kit that creates lasting changes with simply pen and paper, Vimala Rodgers’ book teaches the hidden meanings behind handwriting. The guide helps users to recognize encoded messages within the strokes of their writing, and thorough analysis, allows users to clear away mental blockages and heal wounds, ultimately allowing for a full expression of one’s creativity. $29.95, www.amazon.com

Below are three boats, in order of price, to inspire.

Perception Tribe 9.5 ($495)

Easy to paddle, super stable sit-on-top kayak. This new model comes in vibrant colors and is perfect for just about any type of flat water to ocean waves to wide and slow moving rivers. Bonus: if you want a few for a spa or a family, they are stackable!

Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 ($825)

The Pungo isn’t new, but it’s a bestseller – for a reason. The Pungo is a very stable and easy to paddle ‘sit-in’ kayak with an oversized cockpit (opening where you sit in the kayak), making it beginner friendly, but with enough performance to keep as your skills develop. Relatively fast and very comfortable, this is a wonderful recreational and fitness boat for a new to intermediate paddler.

Perception Tribute 14.0 ($995)

The Tribute is a touring boat designed for a smaller sized paddler and the proportions of most women. Every detail has been carefully attended to for comfort and ease of paddling. The Tribute is stable and agile for a confident beginner, but will equally please the more advanced paddler with speed and agility. Very lightweight and easy to manage on and off land. For more info, check out www.watergirlsatplay.com and www.perceptionkayaks.com and www.wildernesssystems.com

A recent estimation suggests around 10,000 seabirds, and nearly 100,000 seals, sea lions, and whales choke or get tangled in plastic waste each year—a 100 percent human-caused disaster (www.wyndhamgreen.com). Before the most recent oceanic crisis occurred, leaking millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf Coast at a rapid rate, two eco-conscious groups sought to raise awareness about yet another threat to our waters: plastic. Wyndham Green, the sustainability program put forth by Wyndham Worldwide, is partnering with extreme athlete Tom Jones and Plastic Free Ocean, a subsidiary of the nonprofit Tom Jones Foundation, to raise awareness about the continuing threat of plastic pollutants in our oceans, something Jones explains is a “permeable oil spill.”

While Wyndham Worldwide has recognized their responsibility to lead a business with a minimal carbon footprint, mindful of conserving natural resources and protecting our environment, they have taken the lead support in hosting Tom Jones and his crew as they paddle their way up the East Coast from Key West, Florida, to New York. We spoke with Jones shortly after a six-hour stretch of paddling through North Jupiter, Florida. He set out on the 90-day, 1,500-mile journey on May 16th, enduring 17 to 20 knot winds and rain, with the intent to raise awareness about the immediate threat plastic has on our environment, wildlife, and human health. And, primarily, he adds, “to raise money and clean it up. There’s a good chance we can correct the issue if we jump on it.”

The time has come to take action and reduce our carbon footprint in a world where merely 3.5 percent of 200 million tons of plastic produced each year is recycled. Don’t just watch in disbelief as the out-of-control devastation spreads throughout our oceans and coasts today, think about the actions you can take to protect our earth—reduce, re-use, and recycle–and act! As Jones simply states, “Take the Gulf oil spill, make it global, and you’ve got plastic.” The issue is beyond real—join the campaign and follow the oceanic journey, educating and calling all to action on the severe threat plastic has on our precious, threatened oceans. Log on to www.plasticfreeocean.org to show your support and to help Jones reach his goal of raising $500,000 to clean up our oceans.

1. ZOE ORGANICS BABY BATH TEA

Gentle enough for newborns, this soap-free soak cleanses naturally and even reduces eczema and severe rashes on the most sensitive of skin. Cute packaging in hand-sewn (unbleached) muslin bags also make for a great gift for mom-to-be. Set of 10; $18, www.zoe-organics.com

2. EARTH MAMA ANGEL BABY ANGEL BABY SHAMPOO & BODY WASH

It’s perfect for babies and toddlers, but the entire family may just fall for this gentle cleanser containing USDA certified organic calendula and coconut oil. If you’re a citrus-fanatic, you’ll love the light scent of sweet orange! $10.95, www.earthmamaangelbaby.com

3. MOTHERLOVE HERBAL COMPANY GREEN SALVE

This little jar of salve is a miracle-worker. From taking the itch away from insect bites and poison ivy, to soothing rashes and irritated, chapped skin, this little pot-of-gold is a mother’s best friend; USDA Certified Organic, and safe for the entire family. $7.95, www.motherlove.com

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4. miniOrganics INFANT MOISTURIZER

As part of this Australian Organic Formulation’s 3-step system to relieve dry, itchy skin, this gentle moisturizer is packed with the soothing qualities of aloe-vera and shea butter. $32, www.miniorganics.com

5. MARIE VERONIQUE ORGANICS KID SAFE SCREEN, SPF 25

Check out the 15 intelligent ingredients packed into this UVA/UVB fighter with non-nano zinc oxide. So safe, you can even use it around the little ones’ eyes! $24, www.mvorganics.com

6. RADIUS INTELLIGENT TOOTHBRUSH

Radius had a lot in mind with this dynamic, cruelty-free toothbrush. Ninety-three percent of waste is eliminated by replacing only the head, as the handle lasts forever. It comes fully equipped with a 2-minute timer and 90-day wear meter, letting you know it’s time to swap out heads. For kids 6 and up. Mom and Dad, you’ll probably love it, too. $8.99,www.radiustoothbrush.com

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7. DR. SHARP FLUORIDE-FREE STRAWBERRY CREAM KID’S TOOTHPASTE

It’s hard enough to find natural toothpaste, let alone to get children to understand the importance of brushing those chompers—that’s where Dr. Sharp comes to the rescue. This toothpaste is fluoride- and detergent-free without synthetic colors, flavors or alcohol. Natural sage and bambusa stem extracts create the strawberry flavor, and, who knows—your kids may even look forward to that bedtime brush! $11.95, www.drfluoridefree.com

8. KEEKI PURE AND SIMPLE ORANGE CREAMSICLE LIP BALM

Health store shelves are overflowing with organic and natural lip balms, but not all are kid-approved. Your little one will love this certified organic lip balm in Orange Creamsicle. $5.99, www.keekipureandsimple.com

Take a quickie quiz first (doctorcraig.com) to determine which of the four classical elements—earth, air, fire, or water—you are. Next, learn what the elements say about your personality and needs. Elemental Love Styles contains advice on building intimacy and identifying relationship traits to celebrate—or improve.

How can we re-connect with a long-time married spouse?

First, the book shows specific ways that couples make connections, and they are unique for the relationship that you’re in. By finding out what those ways are, you can approach each other with the recognition of why you have each other in your lives. This is especially important during times of stress or distance. Is it a walk in the park or a Sunday crossword that kindles the flame? Rediscover and reconnect!

As a healer, what do you do to stay healthy, energetic, and active?

I heard once that motivation is like bathing: You have to get up and do it every day. That makes sense to me because it may be as simple as eating oatmeal for breakfast or making sure I do my yoga program in the morning, but what motivates me to be healthy is the key. What motivates you to be healthy? Being healthy, for me, brings more authentic connections to loved ones and to myself.

How can couples marry health and playfulness together? 

Playfulness is an expression of creativity; so being playful and healthy has limitless potential for couples. Since health has a few basic areas of importance, like diet, exercise, rest, and personal habits, those areas are the places we can be creative together. As a couple we can explore cooking, dining out, exercise routines, outdoor activities, and different healing modalities like massage or energy healing together. Being healthy and playful can become an adventurous choice that couples choose together.

Restorative Yoga, which uses breathing techniques to encourage the mind and body to rest, is one of your signature classes. Why is it important to learn these types of calming skills?

Stan Woodman: We use—and waste—so much energy that by the end of the day we are depleted; just think about how much energy we lose through emotions like stress or anger. Targeted breath work—particularly that connection between the inhale and exhale—creates a rhythm in our nervous system, in our wiring, that settles the organs, increases blood flow, and re-energizes us.

Gina Norman: Our bodies are generally in “fight-or-flight” mode, so we need to give the nervous system time to rest and rejuvenate, so it can support the body. Plus, it’s when we take time to be still that the answers come. Being present in the moment guides you.

What are some at-home techniques you employ for relaxation and stress-relief?

SW: We’ve each created our own personal space for meditation with things that mean something to us—photos, candles, and calming things that help us begin the process. You can create a quiet, clean, and private place in your home, light a candle and begin by meditating for just one minute. Count your breathing and try to even out your inhale and exhale. If your mind wanders, start over without judgment.

GN: If you can take the time to meditate in the morning that would be ideal, so you can connect with yourself before you go out in the world. I like to do breath work in the bathtub—it is a peaceful, solitary place, and the water and stillness makes you more aware of your breath and your breathing patterns. Self-massage is great, too; it relaxes sore muscles, gives you insight into where you are tight, and maybe why you hold your tension in certain places.

Any tips for fighting insomnia?

GN: When we sleep our breath naturally evens out and our exhale is smooth and long, encouraging our body and nervous system to restore. Try lying with your legs against the wall in an “L” shape, then inhale for the count of four and exhale for the count of six; if you feel comfortable lengthening the breath, extend this count to six and eight. If you feel strained, shorten the count, but always keep the exhale longer than the inhale. www.kaiayoga.com