Eco-Friendly Travel

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson explores the Golden State’s wide range of eco-friendly travel experiences with four thoughtful guests.

First, Johnson connects with Jessica Blotter, owner and CEO of Kind Traveler. The two chat about California’s many sustainable destinations and how to give back while booking your next hotel. Blotter also shares tips for minimizing your footprint while traveling.

After that, our host talks with Oksana and Max St. John, the couple behind the award-winning blog Drink Tea & Travel. The pair recount their recent sustainable road trip in the Golden State, discussing stops in Sonoma County, the Tri-Valley region, and the seaside town of Ventura. The duo toured the state in a Tesla—an experience they found to be easy and enjoyable.

Lastly, Johnson speaks with Ida Kaller-Vincent, Eco Tour Manager for San Diego-based non-profit Ocean Connectors. From witnessing gray whales by boat, birdwatching by bike, and kayaking amid sea lions, Kaller-Vincent shares the glory of experiencing the area’s rich biodiversity up close. As an added bonus, all tour proceeds go back into funding the organization’s educational programs.

SPONSOR: Duer

Duer has simplified how people get dressed; the same pair of pants can travel from a hike, to work, or out to dinner. Less in the closet means less in the landfill, and less time getting ready means more time living life.

GUESTS

Jessica Blotter, owner and CEO of Kind Traveler

Oksana and Max St. John, creators of the blog Drink Tea & Travel

Ida Kaller-Vincent, Eco Tour Manager of Ocean Connectors

RESOURCES

Jessica Blotter is the owner and CEO of Kind Traveler, a socially conscious hotel booking platform that empowers travelers to positively impact communities and the environment in the destinations they visit.

Kind Traveler

Russian Riverkeeper

Sonoma County

MacArthur Place

Marine Mammal Care Center

North Lake Tahoe

PlumpJack Inn

South Lake Tahoe

Charlie’s Acres Farm Animal Sanctuary

San Luis Obispo

Hotel SLO

Surfrider Foundation

Oksana and Max St. John are the creators of the award-winning blog Drink Tea & Travel.

Drink Tea & Travel

Tesla 

San Francisco

Chinatown

Goatlandia   

Tri-Valley

Livermore

The Press Cafe

Altamont Beer Works

Range Life

Monterey County

Folktale Winery & Vineyards

Carmel-by-the-Sea

17-Mile Drive

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Ventura       

The Refill Shoppe

Lure Fish House

Ida Kaller-Vincent is the Eco Tours Manager for San Diego-based non-profit Ocean Connectors.

Ocean Connectors

Ocean Connectors Eco Tours

San Diego

Chula Vista

Chula Vista Marina

Bayside Park

Living Coast Discovery Center

Point Loma

Imperial Beach

ABOUT THE HOST

Soterios Johnson, formerly the local host of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition on radio station WNYC, moved from New York City to Davis in 2016. By combining his journalistic instincts with his personal curiosity, Johnson uses the California Now Podcast platform to develop a deeper understanding of his adopted home.