In the last two years, a new technology that produces energy from waste has become popular in European and Asian countries, such as Korea and Japan.

Korea’s Incheon city is currently running a facility that produces fuel from residential wastes. It gets rid of combustible wastes first, and makes Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) by compressing the rest of the waste.

This facility produces about 200 tons of RDF out of 150 tons of residential waste. RDF is known as efficient as anthracite in terms of energy efficiency. RDF is mostly used at a thermoelectric power plant or a paper-mill. Incheon city is planning to produce 1200 more tons of RDF this year.

Meanwhile, Denmark’s Thisted city gets its heating energy by burning abandoned straw and animal wastes. When straw and animal wastes are being burnt, they emit heat with little carbon dioxide, which makes them eco-friendly. In addition, Thisted city is getting about 20 percent of the electricity it needs from residential or industrial wastes.

There is a reason why many nations are becoming interested in energy made with waste. Since most waste is buried in the ground, many major cities worldwide are having trouble with securing places to bury those wastes. For nations with limited land space, like Korea, this problem is more serious. According to Korea’s Ministry of Environment, 83.6 percent of waste produced in Korea is recycled, but the rest of it is just buried in the ground every year. Therefore, several major cities in Korea, such as Incheon, Busan, Kwangju and Deagu either already built or seek to build a special facility to produce RDF.

European countries started producing energy by recycling waste earlier than Asian countries. Some of European countries not only produce RDF but also bio-gas, from food and sewage wastes.

Public transportation like subway or buses in Sweden’s Hammarby sjostad city are running by 100 percent recycled energy. Hammarby sjostad is known as “the city with zero carbon emission.” It is easy to spot people putting bio-gas in their vehicles at every gas stations in Hammarby sjostad city. According to Eurostat, only one percent of waste was buried in the ground in Sweden last year, thanks to Sweden’s effort to recycle waste.

Meanwhile, in Germany, there were 75 bio-gas plants that produce energy from food wastes and animal drops in the 1980s. However, now you can see about 2,000 bio-gas plants in Germany.

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February 25 Children in Kedungnoyo, Indonesia witnessed electronic light for the first time in their lives.  Kedungnoyo, which takes about five hours by car from the Indonesia’s second biggest city Surabaya to get to, is one of the poorest cities in Indonesia where about 223 people are making money by growing and selling crops. Since the electricity does not reach this town, the residents have never used any electronic goods or light at nighttime.

The Korea Green Foundation helped bring light to the town by pushing for the campaign to help cities in Asia without electricity to have sunlight-generated lamps. The foundation started this campaign because it realized that it is necessary for a lot of poor cities in Asia to have not only water, but light to enhance their quality of life.

According to the statistics released by the International Energy Agency (IEA), about 600 million people in Asia have no approach to the electricity. The statistics reveal that about 300 million people in India, 90 million in Bangladesh, 60 million in Indonesia, 50 million in Pakistan, 20 million in the Philippines, and 4 million in China, do not have any electricity.

The Korea Green Foundation decided to push for this campaign in April 2012, and devised the plan to distribute about 10,000 sunlight-generated lamps to people in Indonesia, Nepal, Cambodia, Bangladesh, India, and Myanmar from November 2012 to end of this year.

The sunlight-generated lamp is designed to last almost ten hours once it is charged for about four hours under the sunlight. It costs $200,000 to make one lamp, but once it is made, it does not cost any extra money to use, and this product can be used semi-permanently.

Korea Green Foundation is planning to raise about $2 billion to finish its campaign successfully, and it has already secured half a billion dollars from Korea’s Samsung Group.

The foundation was founded in 2002 as Korea’s first public foundation aiming to conserve the environment. It focuses on educational and cultural programs to raise awareness for urgent environmental issues. For that purpose, it annually holds the Green Film Festival in Seoul to introduce various environment-related films to the world, publishes books dealing with environmental issues, organizes forums and educational programs for children to adults, and runs the Eco Shop with eco-friendly products.

Image Courtesy : Timekin

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Transportation is the second-highest contributor to greenhouse gas emission. Cars rank among the highest within this category, due to the way they are manufactured and the sheer number of them.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, passenger cars emit 5.19 metric tons of carbon dioxide per 12,500 miles. In the United States, this is 94-95% of the total emissions from transportation. While cars appear to be necessary in the United States, there are several easy, green alternatives to driving that will reduce your carbon footprint.

For individuals, a carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide (from transport, food, energy consumption, manufactured goods, and more) emitted throughout a lifetime.

Scientists speculate that these gases are the cause of global warming. Limiting one’s carbon footprints can slow down catastrophic effects on the environment and delay the moment of peak oil, when oil production reaches its maximum rate and begins to decline.The EPA believes greenhouse gases are contributing to a global climate change, and causing the heat waves meteorologists predict for this summer.

To slow down climate change, it is a good idea for each person to start thinking about reducing his or her individual carbon footprint. Trains are a more energy-efficient way to travel. Compared to cars, they emit only 2% of the carbon dioxide in the United States, which makes them the lightest of all methods of transportation. Many countries are now using other methods, as opposed to power trains, that reduce their carbon footprint even further.

For example, in Japan, the Shinkansen, or ‘bullet train,’ utilizes electric or magnetic power depending on the train. Neither leaves any trace of a carbon footprint. This train is faster and more efficient than the conventional railway systems. The United States has already begun planning to implement these train systems in Florida, Texas, the Midwest (Chicago Area), the Northeast (Washington D.C.-Boston), and California. All of these train routes are expected to be completed by 2025.

For shorter trips, consider taking a bus. A bus emits 2.99 metric tons of carbon dioxide per 12,500 miles. This is already less carbon dioxide than cars, and can carry more people per trip. Bus companies themselves are making an effort to be “greener.” In California, Proterra has unveiled a hybrid-electric bus that is classified as a zero-emission vehicle.

About 15% of buses to date in California emit no greenhouse gases. Washington D.C., Philadelphia, St. Paul, Minneapolis, and many other cities have invested in these buses as well. New York City, a leader in investing, has even begun using these hybrids for school buses. Many people can now enjoy the comfort of a clean, quiet, efficient bus ride.

In China, a solar-powered bus called the 3D Express Coach, designed by the Shenzhen Hashi Future Parking Equipment Company, will save at least 860 tons of fuel each year, or 2,640 metric tons of carbon. With China’s overpopulation and heavy dependence on public transport, these buses will soon be mass produced and available all over the country. The bus straddles the highway, above the drivers. Yet it is faster, cheaper and cleaner compared to the cars it passes over.

If none of these options are available to you, try investing in a hybrid or electric car. These cars emit about one third of the gasses conventional cars do. Electric cars, however, need to be charged. At home, with a standard plug, this charging can take up to twelve hours. At electric fueling stations, cars can charge up to 80% in about 30 minutes.

Yet these stations are in select cities, and could possibly wear down the battery. Hybrid cars also offer the advantage of using fuel for long distances, or time away from electric refueling stations. Hybrid and electric cars are getting to be more and more affordable as car companies realize the importance of reducing carbon footprints.

For example, the hybrid Honda Insight gets 42 mpg and starts at $18,500. The all-electric Nissan Leaf gets the equivalent of 106 mpg and starts at $35,200. Plus, buying a hybrid and or electric car earns tax credit in some states. Companies are making hybrid SUVs and trucks as well, like the Lexus RX Hybrid and the Chevy Silverado Hybrid.

Consider walking or bicycling as healthy alternatives to driving. These also have no carbon footprint and are easily accessible. The bottom line: no matter your situation, there is an eco-friendly alternative to driving out there for everyone.

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been ranked as hosting the cleanest environment among the Gulf cooperative council countries (GCC) and the second best in the Middle East region according to World Environmental Performance Index (EPI) in a recent press release.

The surprise of this ranking is that the UAE has jumped from a 152^nd place in 2008, which was considered among the poorest scoring eco-friendly country in the world, to number 77 in 2012.

The other GCC rankings include Saudi Arabia (82^nd), Qatar (100^th), Oman (110^th) and Kuwait (126^th), while Bahrain is not including in the ranking. The EPI’s indicators and policies are evaluated in many categories such as Environmental Diseases, Water, Air Pollution, Biodiversity and Habitat, Forestry, Fisheries, Agriculture, Climate Changes.

Meanwhile, the UAE is ranked 27^th in The Pilot Trend Environmental Performance Index, a new tool launched this year to measure the eco-friendly inclinations in different countries.

The world’s top ranker in the index is Switzerland, while Iraq has the lowest ranking among the 132 included countries this year. The UAE is ranked one step after Egypt, which is the highest ranked among the Middle Eastern and Arab countries. This index is issued every year by Yale and Colombia University based on 22 environmental indicators and policies.

The local governments of each Emirate have started green polices in their governmental sectors and urge the private sector to take steps into eco-friendly policies as well to protect and develop the limited natural resource of the warm and humid weathered countries. These efforts focus mainly on reducing the energy and water consumption, as well as initiating sustainable waste management.

At the end of 2011, Abu Dhabi’s municipality introduced fines against spitting, disposing gums and throwing cigarettes in the streets as in an effort to save the clean environment in the city. These fines would also reduce the unaccepted behavior of certain communities in the city. These fines vary from 100 dirhams to 500 dirhams (27.22 to 136 USD).

In addition, the Urban Planning Council of Abu Dhabi urges all future villa owners to use an online tool to ensure that they plan their villas according to the green building code. This code aims to reduce the energy and water bills by 40% by urging villa owners to use alternative energy types and to increase green landscaping around their villas.

According to officials in The UAE’s Ministry of Environment and Water, the UAE plans to be a plastic bag free country by the end of 2013, to help reduce plastic consumption in the country. In collaboration with the ministry of Economy, both ministries urge all supermarkets and shops to give their customers biodegradable bags rather than plastic bags in order to reach this goal on the specified deadline.

The alternatives to plastic bags are made from recycled paper, jute or polycaprolactone which is easily biodegradable. Plastic bags on the other hand are known to be highly non-easily biodegradable, and can last for more than 100 years.

Image Courtesy of  slava296 / Shutterstock.com

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Safeway, a recognized leader in embracing sustainable seafood practices, builds on its leadership by announcing that its Safeway brand skipjack (chunk-light) canned tuna will be responsibly caught using free-school purse-seine methods. The company will transition to the purse-seine method by the end of the year.

Free-school tuna is caught by purse-seiners using traditional methods of spotting schools of fish using radar and sonar, while captains employ powerful binoculars to spot birds attracted by schools of tuna. Joe Ennen, Senior Vice President of Consumer Brands, said the new sourcing policy is an important step in addressing the consumer demand for a more sustainably sourced product without compromising quality.

“We are committed to building a brand portfolio that is innovative and gives consumers what they want. We have always felt that the Safeway brand is the best tasting canned tuna product. Now we’re excited to offer that same superior quality from a source that is more sustainable and eco-friendly,” Ennen said.

Safeway is implementing these new specifications at a time when the tuna fishing industry is finding better ways to address the significant negative ecosystem impacts associated with purse-seine netted tuna fishing, a method that employs fish aggregating devices (FADs).

Safeway’s move to eliminate FAD-caught tuna is part of the effort to make its branded tuna across the shelf stable category more responsibly sourced and to also enhance the company’s “Dolphin Safe” tuna commitments made years ago to Earth Island Institute. Safeway is in the process of instituting additional specifications for responsibly sourced albacore tuna caught on longline vessels with improved fishing techniques.  Safeway brand “responsibly caught” tuna is the first brand in North America to make this important move.

Greenpeace has greeted Safeway’s announcement with significant excitement. According to Casson Trenor, Senior Markets Campaigner, “Safeway has just galvanized its hold on pole position within the U.S. retail industry in regard to sustainable seafood. Safeway’s canned skipjack tuna specifications are progressive, comprehensive, and visionary.

They address the dangers of fish-aggregating devices. Greenpeace applauds Safeway for stepping up to the plate and making this powerful and public commitment and looks forward to the company’s forthcoming albacore tuna policy.”

“Sourcing responsibly fished tuna is vital to marine ecosystem health. said Phil Gibson, Safeway’s Group Director of Seafood. “We are pleased to include the canned tuna category in our company’s Comprehensive Sustainable Seafood Policy.”

The specifications will be implemented over the coming year. By establishing this detailed sourcing plan, Safeway will be working with capable suppliers and verification partners who can provide responsibly caught tuna with full supply chain transparency.

“Safeway’s new specifications for canned tuna perfectly complement the work we are already doing together on fresh and frozen seafood. Engaging with existing suppliers to drive improvements over time is emphasized,” noted Matt Owens, Operations Director at FishWise, a California-based NGO specializing in seafood sustainability.

Safeway’s sourcing decision is driven by concerns about over-harvesting of fish and the significant mortality rate of non-target (bycatch) species – such as sea turtles, sharks, and pelagic fish – associated with skipjack fishing using FADs. Fishing tuna without FADs can significantly reduce bycatch levels.

However, verifying that a tuna source is not using FADs requires new protocols and building partnerships with stakeholders in ocean ecology.  In the future, Safeway will conduct in-depth research towards bringing to market economically viable, bio-regionally supported pole & line sourced tuna fish.

Safeway has now made clear its intention to work with the fishing industry, governments, Regional Fisheries Management Organizations, NGOs, and scientists to improve the management, sustainability and fairness of the fisheries that Safeway continues to source from.

Safeway is an industry leader in environmental sustainability, ethical business practices and effective community outreach.  Safeway upholds an operating philosophy that is rooted in corporate social responsibility focused on four key fundamentals: People, Products, Community, and the Planet.

These fundamentals are “The Heart of Safeway,” bringing together our passion for food and serving our customers with the rapidly developing needs of our communities and our planet.

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Carol Tanzi, ASID, a.k.a. The Goddess of Garbage, is an award-winning interior designer in the San Francisco Bay Area obsessed with recycling and designing with trash. She has been at the forefront of the recycling movement for more than two decades. And, in this economy, when people can’t afford to buy new home furnishings and nice gifts, her message is coming through loud and clear, making The Goddess of Garbage the go-to expert.

She has received national recognition for using recycled materials and reuse items to create attractive and appealing home and office decor, furniture and accessories and for her dedication to teaching people, including children, how easy it is to recycle and reuse almost anything.

Carol Tanzi‘s Crafty Projects Have Green Style

With consumerism on the wane, and environmental consciousness on the rise, Carol’s eco-friendly and thrifty ideas perfectly match the green shift in our culture. Her do-it-yourself projects are attractive and useful, while encouraging scaling back and returning to a more sensible waste not, want not outlook on life.

You can see the Goddess at work at http://www.goddessofgarbage.com. Check out the stylish stools made from discarded tire rims, tables made from trashed radiators, and desk sets crafted from old cans. Her projects are easy for anyone to do, proving that you are never too young or too old to recycle.

Dumpster Diving, Yard Sales, and a Space Only a Hoarder Could Love

Carol is energetic and enthusiastic, and a dumpster-diver who can’t resist a yard sale, thrift shop or pile of curbside trash. Her storage space and office, crammed with finds for projects, would scare a neatnick, but The Goddess of Garbage is on a mission. Her goal is to educate, inform and show the world a new way to recycle and reuse. She wants to change the way people think about trash, one dumpster at a time.

“I don’t create anything I wouldn’t want to have in my own office or home. I get huge satisfaction from rescuing castoffs that would otherwise end up in a landfill,” Carol says.

Carol is dedicated to teaching children about recycling. Her dream is that the younger generation will make green living a way of life.

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The Plastic Packaging Market 2012-2022 is Visiongain ‘s new materials report for readers globally. Although the overall packaging industry was severely impacted by the economic recession, the plastic packaging market is gradually gaining significance through the latest technologies and enhanced products in the vast global packaging industry.

The global plastic packaging market is a steadily growing market which is expected to follow a modest growth rate in mature markets and a progressive above average growth rate in emerging markets. Visiongain calculates that the global plastic packaging market will reach $196.42bn in 2012.

Whilst the recession impacted demand for all types of packaging; upcoming environmental issues, changing consumer needs, high disposable incomes and improved packaging products, have resulted in sturdy growth for plastic packaging. Visiongain expects the global packaging market and in particular, the plastic packaging market to demonstrate solid growth in line with previously expected growth rates.

The emerging economies, which in total maintained positive growth during the crisis, will continue to register strong growth, driving demand for sustainable, lightweight, user-friendly and enhanced plastic packaging products in the coming decade. Plastics have increasingly replaced traditional materials in the packaging industry because of their lightweight and superior functionality. Although the consumption of flexible plastic packaging is growing at a rapid pace, rigid plastic packaging still holds the majority of the market.

A key trend that has been beneficial to growth has been a shift by the consumer to consumption at home. In an attempt to save money, many consumers are attempting to re-create the dining out experience at home, with intelligently packaged ready meals. As such plastic packaging applications are increasing in the food & beverage sectors. Also, the sub-markets of the consumer plastic packaging industry continue to rapidly develop, with stand out growth rates being witnessed in the personal care and healthcare sectors in particular.

The plastic packaging market stands immune to the recent economic downturn as technological advancements related to lightweight, convenient and sustainable packaging will retain its demand in the industry. Furthermore, key industry players and manufacturers are opting for better materials made from renewable sources for packaging purposes thus keeping them out of the landfills.

Environmental-friendliness and sustainability have become basic qualifying criterions for all packaging products. In this regard, the plastic packaging market is at a distinctive advantage since with the advent of biodegradable plastic and bio-plastic, the plastic packaging market has gained an edge over other packaging materials, which makes it easier to recycle, reduce and reuse and raise its eco-friendly profile.

The global plastic packaging industry is expected to exhibit solid growth, driven by three major drivers – escalating demand for lightweight and sustainable packaging solutions; healthier and better lifestyles worldwide; and rapidly developing emerging markets with improved disposable incomes and growing consumer demand for plastic packaging across all submarkets.

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Southwest Airlines has introduced a new sleek cabin experience to enhance Customer comfort, improve fleet efficiency, and give back to the environment. Dubbed ‘Evolve: The New Southwest Interior’ , the cabin update utilizes durable and environmentally responsible products to reduce waste and create weight savings onboard the aircraft, while enhancing comfort for Customers.

Inspired by Southwest’s past with a nod to the airline’s future, the cabin refresh features recyclable carpet, a brighter color-scheme, and a more durable, eco-friendly, and comfortable low-profile seat that weighs less than the current seat.

The new interior design also provides the unique opportunity of greater revenue potential by increasing the number of seats onboard from 137 to 143, without sacrificing Customer comfort and personal space but, at the same time, increasing under-seat room for carryon luggage.

“We are preparing now for our next 40 years with a fleet modernization plan that includes the new interior, the Boeing 737-800 which is scheduled to come online beginning in March this year, and the 737 MAX, which is expected to join the Southwest fleet in 2017,” said Bob Jordan, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer.

“The evolutionary changes we’re making with the new interior uphold our low-cost roots and historic focus on Customer Service. The cabin upgrade also allows us to create significant revenue opportunities without adding unwanted fees.”

Beginning with a partnership between Southwest’s Maintenance and Engineering and Marketing Teams, Southwest set out to improve the inflight Customer Experience while increasing the durability of onboard materials, but without adding costs. In 2009, Southwest launched the “Green Plane” to test the market’s latest sustainable products onboard an aircraft in an effort to forge a new path in onboard eco-friendly products.

Based on the inflight test results and feedback from Customers onboard the Green Plane, Southwest’s new Evolve interior features the E-Leather seat cover and many of the other products tested on the Green Plane including the carpet, life vest pouch, foam fill, and passenger seat rub strips. To view a time lapse video of a Boeing 737-700 transforming into the Evolve: The New Southwest Interior.

Southwest will begin retrofitting its current fleet of 372 Boeing -700s with the Evolve interior in March 2012, anticipating completion in 2013, for a total estimated cost of approximately $60 million.

As integration of AirTran Airways, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southwest, moves forward, Southwest anticipates that AirTran’s Boeing -700s and 717s will also be retrofitted with the new cabin interior as those aircraft are converted into the Southwest brand over the next several years. Other Southwest fleet types are still being evaluated for a possible retrofit.

reventon2527 / Shutterstock.com

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Air-powered cars are motorized by compressed air motors. These cars can be exclusively powered by air, or they can be combined with other types of fuels such as electricity, gasoline, or ethanol. The idea of the compressed air motors is to use the kinetic energy that stores compressed air in a tank under high pressure, around 30 megapascals (4351.13 pounds per square inch).

These motors are considered among the greenest that can be used in personal transportation methods and are considered very eco-friendly cars by both European and Indian standards. The refueling of the vehicle can be done at home or with a normal air compressor at service stations.

The same compressed air can also be used in air conditioning for heating or cooling the passengers. Adding to the environmental and economical benefits of the air-powered cars, these cars would help in the reduction and elimination of chemical and thermal hazards by gasoline and battery acids.

The major Indian automobile company, Tata Motors, has announced that they will begin selling these cars, dubbed the Tata Mini CAT car, in the world market during 2012. According to the designers, the car has keyless operating and an access card to open the car doors and to start driving. It seats six, and the maximum speed of the car is about 105 kilometers per hour (65.24 miles per hour).

The starting price of the Mini CAT car begins at about $12,700 USD in the Indian market and will be available around the globe. Tata is using a technology from the Luxembourgian Motor Development International company (MDI) to produce this type of car to be sold commercially around the world.

This car was manufactured after failing to market the first version of the car due to difficulties of limited range and low engine temperatures. Tata called the first version Tata OneCAT, which was produced between 2008 and 2009. Following that, all OneCat information has been removed from Tata and MDI’s websites.

Tata also has other green cars, such as the Indica Vista EV and the Tata Nano EV, which are fully electric vehicles. Indica Vista EV is available in Indian, Norwegian, British, and Spanish markets with a price around 30,000 Euros ($38,464.94 USD). MDI also produces a lot of air-powered vehicles, including AIRPod, OneFlowAIR, MiniFlowAIR, CityFlowAIR, and MultiFlowAIR.

All MDI products range from 1,000 euros to 9,000 euros ($1,284.13 to $11,545.25 USD), and the air refueling would cost around 2 euros per 300 kilometers. The spread of environmentally friendly cars, instead of petrol-fueled cars, will help sustain life on our planet and save natural resources.

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Sun soaked Miami, Florida is a vacation destination for visitors across the country and world wide. Known for its year round warm climate, tropical beaches, and energizing nightlife, Miami has been a hotspot for decades. Palm tree lined streets and a beach atmosphere makes for a perfect travel getaway.

Miami is a crossroads of American and Caribbean cultures and the city blends its flavor and influences to share with the world. Any visitor spending a weekend in Miami can have a fun filled vacation, experiencing all the city has to offer, while maintaining a healthy, green lifestyle.

The Clifton South Beach Hotel brings the stylish, chic atmosphere of Miami living to its guests. It is one of the premier South Beach hotels, located just steps away from the famous tropical beach, restaurants, and bars.

The Clifton South Beach Hotel sets itself apart from other properties by putting in impeccable, environmentally friendly attention to detail. The interior furnishings are made with recyclable and renewable materials. This includes areas like the dry wall, to the mattresses. The paints used throughout the building have zero volatile organic compounds.

Each room comes with bath products that are good for the environment. The Carlton South Beach is a LEED hotel, and a carbon neutral hotel. The exterior of the hotel stays true to its art deco roots; a popular architectural style seen throughout beautiful South Beach. Staying at the Carlton South Beach gives guests an optimal location and can satisfy any environmentalist’s needs.

A first stop on any Miami itinerary is often to the legendary beach. Taking in the soft white sand and turquoise colored ocean is a breathtaking scene for any new visitor, or long time visitor, to South Beach. Finding an empty spot of the sand and spending the day at the beach is a fun, free, eco friendly activity for anyone to enjoy.

Bringing a picnic lunch with locally sourced food is a healthy option to a day at the beach. Working on a golden tan, cooling off in the clear ocean, and playing a game of volleyball are all popular ways to pass the time in South Beach.

Enjoying the outdoors is possibly one of the most fulfilling ways to appreciate the environment. However, while doing so, it is always important to keep the beach clean and the way it was originally found.

Getting around South Beach has never been greener. Walking is an easy, healthy way to get around the neighborhood. Visitors taking a stroll along famous Ocean Drive can get some exercise and pass through one outdoor restaurant after another.

Swoop, a newly introduced company, makes traveling through South Beach eco friendly, and free. Swoop is a line of electric golf carts, seating up to six passengers at a time, that brings people around the South Beach neighborhood. Passengers can go run errands, go grocery shopping, or be dropped off at their favorite restaurant.

Swoop operates every day of the week from 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. This free service is now a well known way to easily get around town, without doing any harm on the environment.

South Beach streets are full of shopping opportunities. The pedestrian only street of Lincoln Road gives people an all around outdoor shopping and dining experience. People can browse through stores, sit at an outdoor café, and spend some leisure time in the relaxed ambiance.

Mango Tree, a shop located on 6th street, is full of products made from local artists. The store sells a variety of soaps, lotions, and incense. Shopping there is a green way to bring back some souvenirs and support the artisanal products made by locals in South Beach.

For some, getting pampered is part of the ultimate relaxing vacation. Uhma Spa is an organic spa in the heart of Miami where all soothing and pampering needs can be taken care of.

All organic products are used in the different spa treatments available. Anything from back massages, body treatments, and the famous Sabai Healing Massage blends professional skill with natural products.

Uhma Spa takes a cultural spread of treatment practices, from holistic Indian traditions to aromatherapy from Europe, and makes their services good for the customer and environment.

The shop at Uhma Spa also offers a line of organic products to take home, including makeup, hair products, candles, and items for children. A day at the spa will have visitors leaving rejuvenated and refreshed, ready for a night out on the town.

Dining out in style is made easy by the numerous amounts of chic and contemporary restaurants all around South Beach. Escopazzo is an organic Italian restaurant, serving up dishes made from fresh ingredients. Offering up a menu full of favorite Italian meals, including anything from pasta, fish, meat, and raw food, Escopazzo is a great place to have a nice meal with organic products.

After a meal of delicious Italian food, tropical cocktails and nightlife await on Ocean Drive, where it is easy to dance the night away until the early morning hours. Taking in the sights and scenes of Miami, from the shopping, dining, to the beach, is now full of green places to explore.

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