Eco-Friendly travel is becoming more popular as the average traveler because more environmentally conscious. Choosing intentional stays minimizes the impact on the surrounding environment and uses “green” resources. Many owners are fitting their rentals with solar panels, energy efficient features, compost toilets, organic gardens, and using locally sourced, natural materials. From rustic cabins through to sleek eco-friendly houses, here is a list of 5 eco-friendly vacation rentals in the U.S.
Carbon Negative 4 Bedroom in Whitefish, Montana
Just a few minutes from downtown Whitefish, Mont., this carbon-negative home sits on 15 gorgeous acres surrounded by mountains. The house was built with reclaimed materials, like recycled metal siding and wood fiber insulation. The minimum stay at this house varies but trends long-term, so consider heading out to enjoy all that summer in Montana has to offer.
Activities:
- TRX straps, yoga mats & balance balls
- 30 minute loop around Blanchard Lake
- Bike 1.5 miles to the neighboring fishing hole and cast a line from the dock
- 5 minutes from downtown
- Wildlife Viewing
Mountain View House in Jackson, New Hampshire
Enjoy stunning views of the White Mountains from the large deck and huge windows in this LEED-certified house. The home has two bedrooms and separate office space, so it’s ideal for an extended vacation-workcation.
Activities:
- Explore the White Mountains National Park
- Kayak/Canoe on Multiple Rivers
- Explore Jackson Village
- Skiing, Snowmobiling, Snowboarding, Ice Skating
- Mountain Biking
- Horseback Riding
Earthship Sustainable Home Experience in Big Sky
This Earthship in the mountains of Big Sky, Mont., near Yellowstone, is totally off-grid. During the day, the sun warms the concrete floors so that heat radiates through the house, keeping the temperature at a constant 60-70 degrees regardless of how cold it is outside. Earthship catches its own rain water, generates its own electricity, and passively moderates its own temperature all year round without the use of a furnace. The 20-acre property has its own trails for hiking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, plus a wood-fired sauna to relax in after a day of exploration.
Activities:
- Skiing/Snowshoeing
- Hiking/Mountain Biking
- Fire Pit
- Golf
- Fishing
- Rafting
Artemisia: New Zero-Energy View Home Winthrop, Washington
This solar-powered home in north-central Washington is the first zero-energy home in the area. It produces sufficient solar power to fuel the home’s energy needs year-round. Inside the home, you’ll find non-toxic and earth-friendly finishes along with other touches designed with sustainability in mind, like cork floors and PaperStone countertops, which are made with recycled paper, zero-VOC paint, natural limestone tile, and all-natural latex mattresses. Winthrop is near Mount Gardner, and the area has plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Activities:
- Skiing
- Hiking
- Fly-fishing
- Mountain Biking
- Rock Climbing
- Rafting
- Cross-country skiing/Snowmobiling
Eco Home with Heated Pool in Marco Island, Florida
This home is eco-friendly to minimize your exposure to toxic chemicals. The house was painted using low-VOC paint. There is no carpeting – it is all tile, from the floors to the kitchen countertop. They provide handmade soaps as well as chemical-free and environmentally-friendly versions of products such as candles, toilet paper, dishwashing detergent, dish and laundry soap and light bulbs, bedsheets and towels. Local businesses are used as much as possible, complimentary soaps are crafted by local Floridians.
Activities:
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Sailing
- Scuba Dive & Snorkeling
- Water Tubing, Rafting, Parasailing
- Hiking & Cycling
- Ecotourism
