Supporting it. Valuing it. Committing to it

CO-WINNER
Kimpton, 48 hotels in 22 North American cities
large chain
Corner Kimpton Hotels COO Niki Leondakis at a party, and what does she get excited about? Hangers. After an employee remarked that the wires end up in landfills, Kimpton required its dry cleaning vendors to recycle them. The company lists 70 (and counting) mandatory eco-friendly products and practices, such as in-room recycling bins and organic food and beverages in honor bars. Says Leondakis, "It's one of those few chances you get to do something that is right on every level."

TIP
For just one dollar extra, get cocktails for two at the San Diego Solamar; enjoy the futuristic daybeds by the pool (kimptonhotels.com).

WHY I LOVED IT
"Kimpton is not only a leading 'green' hotel chain—its properties are intimate, imaginative, and atmospheric. Nothing cookie-cutter here"
— Martha Honey
Co-director, Center for Responsible Travel

CO-WINNER
Air New Zealand
airline
The Maori call it kaitia­kitanga, "guardianship of the elements." Air New Zealand has taken the principle to heart, in the form of the jatropha shrub, which produces a biofuel that grows in arid conditions, leaving fertile land for food crops. The carrier was one of the first to test jatropha-based fuels. "Being aware of our environment is an integral part of who we are as New Zealanders," says CEO Rob Fyfe. To reduce fuel use, engine turbines are washed to reduce drag, planes taxi on two engines (not four), and dryers remove moisture trapped in the insulation.

TIP
Book a 14-day trip to New Zealand that includes air from L.A., accommodations, a rental car, a Maori concert, a heli-hike, and kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park (airnewzealand.com; from $3,599).

WHY I LOVED IT
"The airline is clearly committed to becoming an industry leader in sustainability. I loved how its environmental efforts are imbued with traditional Maori values"
— Brian Mullis
President, Sustainable Travel International

AND THE JUDGES ALSO LOVED...
cruise line
Ecoventura
Operates the first hybrid yacht in the Galápagos, with solar and wind power that reduce carbon emissions by ten percent (ecoventura.com).

city hotel
Willard Inter- Continental
Funds water wells, uses wind power, and plants trees with carbon offset funds (washington.intercontinental.com).

small resort
Pacuare Lodge
Solar panels heat water and a water turbine generates electricity, eliminating the use of gasoline at this Costa Rican hotel (pacuarelodge.com).

large resort
Gibb's Farm
Supports reforestation in its Tanzanian community, and the kitchens and laundry recycle gray water for use on organic farms (gibbsfarm.net).

small chain
Governors' Camp
Gives biofuel to Kenya's Manyatta tribe and plants trees and donates hundreds of them to schools each month (governorscamp.com).

tour operator
Gap Adventures
Its Expedition ship protects wildlife through four-stroke engines with reduced emissions on Arctic and Antarctic sails (gapadventures.com).