Green getaways

KILIMANJARO’S MELTING. Polar bears are running out of ice floes. Your jet-setting ways are helping to destroy the ozone and contribute to global warming. But you desperately need a vacation! Well, good news, Californians: This summer, it’s easy to go green -- and conserve greenbacks at the same time. Instead of booking a long-haul flight to Europe where your weak dollar will run out as fast as the fuel in your gas-guzzling SUV, consider staying in the Golden State and ditching the car completely. Of course, sorting out what’s actually environmentally friendly and what’s not can be complicated. Is taking a train to Santa Barbara really better for the planet than hitting the 101 in your Prius? Is hiking around wetlands good for Mother Nature? And, if you absolutely must fly to your best friend’s wedding at that villa in Florence, we’ve got tips on the best place to buy carbon offsets to help relieve your enviro-guilt.

-- KIMI YOSHINO

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