In fact, Chicago 2016 organizers even call their concept of the Olympics the “Blue-Green Games.”

Blue for clean air and water. And, green for parks and nature. Together, the blue and green combine to create the ideal conditions necessary for optimal athletic performance.

What’s more, Chicago 2016 organizers have developed a comprehensive plan that will deliver the most eco-friendly games in modern history.

Here are just a few of the green highlights from the Chicago 2016 bid:

• All electricity for Games operations will come from renewable energy sources.

• All generators supplied for the Games will run on biofuel.

• For the first time ever, athlete and spectator travel emissions will be offset in partnership with the Chicago Climate Exchange.

• Venues will reduce water consumption by 20% from baseline levels through design, technology and equipment, such as low-flow fixtures and smart irrigation.

• Waste will be minimized by reusing or recycling 85% of the materials used for the Games.

• Existing structures and parklands will be utilized whenever possible to minimize the carbon emissions associated with construction. Design and construction of all new and temporary venues will be conducted in accordance with best practices for sustainability.

“Blue and green reflect the natural landscape that all Chicagoans enjoy—the blue of Lake Michigan, and the green of our parks,” says Bob Accarino, the Director of Environment for Chicago 2016. “The name highlights these features and our Games plan further enforces it, with the majority of venues located along the lakeshore in our historic parks. From an environmental perspective, the concept of a Blue-Green Games emphasizes the importance of promoting clean water in addition to clean air.”

You can read the complete 31-page Blue-Green Games Commitment document here.

Photo of Chicago’s Grant Park from David Paul Ohmer.

Now, a few lucky people may be able to stay overnight on the grounds.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Fallingwater will be open for three two-night sessions, starting May 11, June 10 and September 7. Eight to 10 visitors can participate at a time, at a per-person cost of $1,095 double occupancy, or $1,595 single occupancy.

But, don’t start booking your flight just yet.

The Fallingwater web site has been flooded with traffic since the new InSightOnSite program was announced yesterday, and it’s likely that the sessions are already spoken for.

Director Lynda Waggoner told the Inquirer that extra dates may be added, after the impact of overnight visitors is carefully evaluated.

Fallingwater is on Smithsonian magazine’s Life List of 28 places to visit “before…it’s too late,” and it was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1966.

Traveling in Maldives

Our good friends at AboutMyPlanet came up with a couple of tips as to how you can start doing it.

Packing things and preparing your home

Preparing to leave your home for a week or two is not that easy. You got to pack all things you need, plus to make arrangements to take care of your house in your absence.

Don’t keep security lights on always; instead, set them to switch on automatically at night. Turn off the air-conditioning and power strips and unplug all appliances. Also, you may put a hold on your mail so that you can pick it all up when you return and thus spare the mail carrier some of the daily drives.

Green transportation

When driving long distances in a car, try not to travel alone— you can reduce your carbon footprint by riding with someone. In case you are travelling alone, check into a ride-share programme to find a carpooling pal. In the alternative, you can travel by plane, and some airlines and airports offer carbon offset programmes or even eco-friendly car rental programmes. Do search online before committing to a certain airline.

Of course, eco-friendly travel requires some effort, but it is well worth it, and you eventually will get used to it – wherever you go.

Image via nattu