Eco-minded visitors to the northeast Florida coast can now reduce their carbon footprints with several offers at some of the luxurious Amelia Island hotels, resorts and inns.

At 13 miles long and two miles wide, Amelia Island offers a big Florida beach vacation in one small package – perfect for "green" travelers wanting to save some gas. 

Amelia Island Plantation Goes Green

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection ( DEP ) recently awarded the Amelia Island Plantation its Green Lodging destination certification making it the first accommodator on the island to earn the coveted designation. The Plantation offers a resort-wide recycling program, which includes glass, plastic, aluminum and newspapers, plus electronics. The resort uses automatic and low flush water fixtures in guest and public restrooms, resort-wide low energy and fluorescent lighting, the Project Planet linen and towel re-use program, and clean and green pest control and housekeeping products, as well as many other initiatives. Guests visiting the Plantation this fall can also expect to save some green in their wallets thanks to lower off season rates. 

"Growing Green" At The Ritz-Carlton

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island recently launched Give Back Getaways, a unique voluntourism program that allows guests to spend a portion of their vacation making a positive impact on the lives of others. During the half-day "Growing Green" experience, visitors share their love of nature with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Nassau County, helping them expand their garden plot and build a compost area. No green thumb? No problem. Guests will put up gardening tips of the their own as together they learn the basic disciplines of planting, growing and harvesting an environmentally sustainable garden. "Growing Green" will be offered on September 26, October 24 and November 21, 2008. 

Bed & Breakfast Inns Offering Free Bicycle, Scooter Rentals

Several of the island's bed and breakfast inns are offering guests complimentary bicycles to use during their stay. The Ash Street Inn, Addison on Amelia, Hoyt House and Fairbanks House are giving guests the chance to "park it" during their stay. The Florida House Inn also offers guests complimentary use of energy-saving motor scooters.

The Eco-Friendly Route

Guests at the Amelia Island Plantation can rent bicycles and motorized golf carts for use on the 1350-acre property, and can take the resort shuttle to downtown Fernandina Beach. The Amelia Hotel at the Beach also rents scooters, bikes, and Electric Gem Cars to guests.

Packages Reimburse Gas and More

Many Amelia Island lodgings have recently created special packages to ease the pain of high gas prices for visitors. The Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, an oceanfront bed and breakfast inn, is offering a "Park & Petal" Package*, which includes a three-night stay, daily buffet breakfast, a picnic lunch for two each day, and a daily bike rental. The Hampton Inn, Amelia Island is offering guests a "We'll Fuel Your Fun" Package*, which includes a two-night stay and a $50 gas card. 

Both packages are based on availability and subject to restrictions by the accommodation. The "We'll Fuel Your Fun" package ends on September 30, 2008.

About Amelia Island: Just off Florida's northeastern coastline, Amelia Island ( www.ameliaisland.com ) is a barrier island rich in history and natural beauty. Its long beaches, abundant wildlife, and pristine waters have made the island a favorite destination for outdoor adventure. Upscale resorts with world-class spas, championship golf and exclusive dining compliment a collection of bed and breakfast inns and historic districts. The island is home to Fernandina Beach, once a vibrant Victorian seaport village, and now a charming downtown district of eclectic shops, attractions, and eateries.