We've admitted before that it can be a challenge staying green while on vacation, but it's nice to know properties are popping up that may make that a bit easier. Element Hotels from Starwood is the first hotel of its kind that mandates its properties pursue LEED certification. The hotels are designed to help you (hopefully) keep living a healthy, well-balanced, green lifestyle — even when you're away from home. The hotels feature eco-friendly amenities like a chlorine-free pool, an organic mini pantry, bikes to borrow, preferred hybrid parking, and Energy Star appliances...

The overarching philosophy of Element Hotels is to be clean, simple and balanced. There aren't very many locations currently, but you can find them in Lexington, MA (just awarded LEED Gold), Summerlin, NV, Hanover, MD and Houston, TX. More properties will be opening across the country in the next 2 years.

So cool to see major chains making initiatives like these!