“Green Travel: The World’s Best Eco-Lodges & Earth-Friendly Hotels” ($21.95, Fodor’s Travel Publications) makes one who is weary of the overuse and abuse of the terms “green” and “eco-friendly” immediately wary. But a perusal of the book finds that the places listed have reasonable credentials, even if they aren’t all made of recycled cardboard and utilizing only windmill and solar power sources. The Colony Hotel in Kennebunkport, Maine, for example, cuts up its worn bedspreads and sells them as dog blankets, there are no TVs on site, no chemicals are used in any of the gardens on its 112 acres, and the wicker wastebaskets in guest rooms have dividers for recycling. Some places are more dedicated than others, but the information is there so consumers can make an informed choice. Color photographs, price ranges and website links also help.
Kyle Wagner
