MNN - Mother Nature Network

Want to explore Hawaii — but hate the huge carbon footprint of conventional travel? Now you can sign up for a week-long bike tour of Hawaii, taking in the sights while noshing on vegan food and learning about eco-practices like composting and organic gardening. (via zaproot)

That trip comes courtesy of Common Circle, a Portland-based social change company that offers sustainable tours and experiences. Since the next Hawaii trip happens Dec 27, 2008 - Jan 3, 2009, you could kick off the new year with this eco-retreat of sorts, stopping by Red Road, Volcano National Park, tropical rain forests, and black sand beaches as well as taking part in service projects along the way.

In addition to the “Hawaii Sustainability and Intentional Living” trip, Common Circle offers two week-long trips in Oregon: “Oregon Permaculture and Green Building” and “Oregon Coast Sustainability Scenic Adventure.” Each trip costs $995 — not including airfare to your destination of choice.

Your flight will, of course, also considerably increase your carbon footprint. Beyond offering carbon offsets, Common Circle says that “in order to take five steps forward, it is sometimes necessary to take one step back.” The hope is that the eco-friendly bicycling and vegan eating lifestyle of the tour will translate to more eco-friendly living for the participants long after the trip.

Image: Courtesy commoncircle.com