As we merrily march into May, we’re now seeing Spring at its peak, and a mass of holidays and events to celebrate! The first week of the month, there’s May Day, the Kentucky Derby, and Star Wars Day. In that same week, there’s another holiday with historical and cultural meaning to the citizens of Mexico. That day is Cinco de Mayo. Historically, the holiday is celebrated due to the Mexicans defeating the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Nowadays, the holiday is also observed as a celebration of Mexican culture, primarily through the cuisine. Whether you commemorate the battle or celebrate the cuisine and culture, as long as you continue to support the Mexican community on the holiday and afterwards, that’s what truly matters. As we get festive for the Fifth of May, here are five environmentally-responsible eateries we recommend visiting on your next trip to Mexico!
Author Archives: ecomadic
Meet Deanna Amodeo: Traveler & Author
We sat down with Deanna Amodeo – traveler & author of ‘When You Stand Up To The Sun’. Watch the interview to learn more about her book, how travel has shaped Deanna into the person she is today, and how spirituality has played a role in her journey thus far.
Easy and Affordable Tips for Grocery Shopping More Sustainably
Protecting the environment takes effort. While the path to sustainability can be overwhelming, we can all agree that it’s all worth it in the long run. The trick is to start small and take it one step at a time. We can already make a great difference with the choices we make at the grocery store, so here’s a small guide to help you begin.
How to Reduce Waste Amidst The Global Trash Crisis
We see it in our streets, in our waterways, and in our oceans. Whether it’s on an evening stroll, during the morning commute, or even while traveling – that stray bottle, soda can, or fast-food container never seems to be out of view. It seems everywhere we go, no matter how much we’d like to, we just can’t seem to escape our world’s mounting trash troubles. Across the globe, landfills are filling – and overflowing – at an alarming rate with seemingly no end in sight. According to research reported by The World Bank, humans generated 2.01 billion tons of solid waste in 2016 alone and that figure could rise to 3.4 billion tons by 2050. The U.S. alone, which accounts for only an approximate amount of 4% of the world’s population, generates a whopping 12% of the world’s garbage. While these massive numbers can be hard to wrap your head around, all it takes is a look around to get a glimpse of how dire and widespread this problem has become.
Eco Warrior Bag for Day-to-Day Adventuring
Being eco-friendly goes far beyond turning the water off while you brush your teeth, it’s about reevaluating the purpose of how you live and being conscious of your actions. With growing public efforts to restore our planet, various tactics have been exercised and essential legislation has been standardized. Now, living a sustainable lifestyle remains within reach for a wider range of society. Whether converting one’s home to operate with more responsible habits or practicing such routines while traveling, room for improvement always remains.
Spring Foraging: To Be Old or Bold?
It’s finally here.
You can smell it from light breezes blowing off of freshly bloomed magnolia, dogwood, and willow trees. Its gentle kiss on your skin comes in scattered breaths as beams of warm sunlight dart through the canopy just beginning to fill with green. Spring is upon us and the forager, wicker basket at their side, knows best to keep their eyes peeled for its bountiful promise.
Finding Healing & Resiliency in Upcycling Art: An Interview with Artist Emily Jalinsky
Artist Emily Jalinsky is passionate about accessible art education and collaboration in her community of Iowa City, Iowa and beyond. She is an interdisciplinary artist primarily working in printmaking, pen and ink, watercolor, and embroidery. Through her works on paper, assemblage, and installation she investigates changing states in the body and mind prompted by her experience with sleep/seizure-like episodes and psychological disorders. Emily has exhibited in numerous exhibitions, including solo exhibitions at CSPS Hall, Cedar Rapids, IA, and the Stanley Museum of Art, Iowa City, IA. Permanent Collections include the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics and UI Mood Disorder Clinic specialized treatment center for depression. She was selected for the Iowa Arts Council Strategic Planning Partners Series, 2020-2021, and the Iowa Women’s Art Exhibit at the State Capital, Des Moines, IA, 2017. She received a BFA in printmaking from the University of Kansas in 2012 and now lives and works in Iowa City, IA.
Recap: The Derek Chauvin Trial
Almost a full year after the brutal killing of George Floyd, a verdict has finally been reached in the trial of ex-cop Derek Chauvin. The jury found Chauvin guilty of all three charges, 2nd-degree unintentional murder, 3rd-degree murder, and 2nd-degree manslaughter. While sentencing is expected to come in the next couple of weeks, the most severe of the charges Chauvin has been convicted of, 2nd-degree murder could lead to a maximum prison sentence of 40 years. The actual sentence will depend on several factors, such as Chauvin’s lack of prior criminal history and the state’s sentencing guidelines. But additional considerations such as Chauvin’s authority as a police officer and his use of excessive force in front of a crowd might extend the sentence.
Zodiac Zeal: Destinations Destined by Your Star Sign
You’re getting ready to head into the hustle and bustle of another work week. Before you walk out your home, you seek a few words of affirmation from your daily horoscope. You view the reading, and the message entails that you need an immediate vacation. Now you’re heading to work thinking about your schedule, finances, and in the midst of it all, what kind of vacation is right for you? Well, like astrology aids in guiding you spiritually on the right path, we at ecomadic are recommending some splendid settings to lead you to an incredible vacation, based on your star sign!
19 Sustainable Stays, Eats, Shops, and Experiences in New Orleans
From festive parades and all night parties on Bourbon Street to seasonal crawfish feasts and world class jazz festivals, New Orleans is a city with a big personality and an incomparable atmosphere. The Big Easy, as the city is affectionately known, sits on the winding Mississippi River, near the Gulf of Mexico. Once the territorial capital of French Louisiana, you might recall from history class that the state was acquired by the United States in 1803 through the Louisiana Purchase. While the state became American territory, the city’s vibrant French culture still remains, which can be seen through its French architecture, cuisine, and the celebration of Mardis Gras, French for Fat Tuesday. The city’s culture is also heavily influenced by African, Spanish, and Creole cultures, resulting in perhaps one of the most culturally unique cities in all of America.