Traveling Green? US Cities Getting Better

Traveling green still ain't easy States-side. US hotels lag behind Europe in water waste, car rentals, and chemical-free eateries. Quick fixes don't help either—recycling programs and low-flow showers may just be "greenwashing." Real green starts with original design. But some US lodges are stepping up to impress green ratings groups.

Who's ahead of the curve? DC's historic Willard hotel is run on wind-power, and San Francisco's Orchard Garden Hotel, reachable by eco-friendly cable car, is green-certified. Hotel chains like Fairmont and Kimpton have been going green for years. Other burgs, like Austin, Boston, and Chicago, are also boasting more for greenies. Check out the latest list in Travel+Leisure. (More green travel stories.)