Super Eco

Photo credit: wingingit, flickr

You've decided to lighten your carbon footprint by skipping an epic road trip or costly airline adventure (and save some money at the same time). That's right: it's time for a staycation.

We've already discussed the basic principles of planning a successful vacation at home. (It's more than simply not going anywhere—because that would be boring, no?) Now that you're home, it's time to figure out what's on the agenda.

1. Camp in your own back yard And hey—the living room counts, too.
2. Feed your (local) appetite Investigate local farmers markets, pick fruit at local orchards and visit local farms.
3. Stock up on books Block off an entire morning at the library or bookstore.
4. Sign up for day camp Find local workshops and classes for the kids through your community's Parks and Recreation progam or the local YMCA/YWCA, Boys and Girls Clubs, churches and so on.
5. Take a trip to the museum We bet you haven't been in a while.
6. Make some home improvements Paint a room, install ceiling fans, refinish furniture—and be home to enjoy it when you're done.
7. Visit the zoo Make a day of it!
8. Organize your own Field Day Create your own Field Day at the park, complete with games, bicycling and a picnic lunch.
9. Take a hike Google around for local hiking groups and trails.
10. Amusement parks Make a day trip or overnighter to the nearest amusement park.
11. Take a dip Your swimming pool, a friend's or the city pool—it's a cool deal, any way you dive in.
12. Garden Plant wildflowers, a vegetable garden, a kitchen herb garden ... whatever fits your style.
13. Let go of the slack Hire a maid to clean your house while you lounge.
14. Get crafty Yes, it's time to finally finish that scrapbooking project or start something wild with the kids.
15. Cook up a storm Try new recipes (there's time to go out, if they flop) and stock up the freezer.
16. Organize a block party Hang out with the neighbors.
17. Indulge in a spa day At home or at the spa—either way, a luxurious treat.
18. Throw a party It's the perfect time for a BBQ or cocktail party
19. Attend a home screening Rent all those movies you've been planning to see; don't forget the popcorn.
20. Be a tourist See all the sights where you live; get a guidebook or contact the chamber of commerce for details.
21. Book a mini-getaway Stay at a nice hotel for one night and indulge in the pool, spa, gym, restaurant, room service ...
22. Scrounge Comb the local flea markets and bargain stores for interesting finds.
23. Take a night in or a night out Every member of the family gets one night in or out with their friends.
24. Hit the matinee Seriously. Like every day.
25. Green clean the carpets When else do you have time to move all the furniture?
26. Book it Put together a reading list and hit it hard.
27. Get artistic Create art for your home: an abstract canvas in accent colors, framed photography or flea-market finds.
28. Paint a room Even if you're not crazy about home projects, painting one room is easy and gives your home a real lift.
29. Play a game Schedule a video game or board game night.
30. Tour historic sites Find a guidebook or listing of nearby historical places and chart your own tour.
31. Cheer the home team Attend local sports events.
32. Take in an outdoor performance Get tickets to outdoor concerts, Shakespeare in the Park and other summer culture.
33. Try mini golf or bowling You really can't beat these for cheap fun.
34. Go stargazing Always free, always amazing.
35. Take a class A savvy choice for grownups and kids alike.
36. Plan a romantic getaway Recruit a friend or relative to babysit and break free from the kids for a night or two.
37. Try new restaurants Investigate that new vegan cafe or organic, whole foods diner you've never had time to try.