Shifting toward a sustainable approach to life, for many, has all the upsides associated with Sisyphus' rock-rolling curse. But hey, you are really trying.

You're sorting your trash, trekking to recycle what is not handled curbside, taking your own bags to the market. You even switched to a renewable energy provider and began patronizing sustainability-minded businesses and opting for the train or riding your bike to a buddy’s house. You carpool to work, are packaging conscious, turn your lights off and your thermostat up — they're all on top of your work and social schedules.

You are nothing if not beat.

And now, it’s time for a summer vacation, a break from your normal reality. But do you throw caution to the wind and leave all these nice new habits on the airport shuttle bus or do you load this hefty dogma into your no-longer-included-in-the-price-of-the-airline ticket suitcase and take it on vacation? Well yes, sort of.

Hang with me.

Truth is, you do not have to take it all with you. You can go on a magical journey, escape the routine AND maintain a certain level of sustainability consciousness, all just a few short hours from Houston. By joining a relatively new culture of traveler, the eco-tourist, you can have (someone else bake) your cake and eat it too.

Take a trip to the the Web home of The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) and you can quickly embrace the depth and breadth of the industry through their simple yet well-defined mission: "TIES promotes ecotourism, which is defined as 'responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people by:

• Creating an international network of individuals, institutions and the tourism industry;
• Educating tourists and tourism professionals; and
• Influencing the tourism industry, public institutions and donors to integrate the principles of ecotourism into their operations and policies."

Happily, for the eco-conscious traveler and the planet, there are a host of vacation styles and destination choices. Some follow the mission of TIES to the letter and provide a multifaceted educational travel experience akin to an enlightened mission trip.

Others, including a few mentioned here, have a less visible approach to the stewardship of their region. In lieu of complex standards of operation and construction protocol, creating and then defining the resort, they rely, quite successfully, on their natural surroundings coupled with a bygone-era approach to experiential travel. In essence, people and place are the reasons to be there.

For the sake of brevity, I will be concentrate on one region, the Mayan Riviera. If you are not familiar with this part of the world, the Mayan Riviera is a most glorious part of Mexico stretching south westward from Cancun all the way to Sian Ka’an, fronted by the cool green waters of the Caribbean and sheltered from the warmer inlands by dense, cenote-filled jungle.

While there are large, opulent and entertainment-rich mega-resorts in this region the real draw for eco-tourists, or those desiring a bit more freedom in their travel, lies a bit south of Playa Del Carmen in the area in and around Tulum.

Here is a veritable wonderland of escapist delights. Hedonist and minimalist alike peacefully coexist in this nearly off-the-grid playground. Life here is centered around the ancient ritual of relaxation followed by hours of beachfront horizon-gazing broken up with periods of siesta, all with the intent of storing energy to be spent with kindred spirits over handmade margaritas.

The best way to experience this world is sans encumbrance. As such, my suggestions for a carefree, green getaway center on the simple things — with some high-end twists.

Hitting the trail:

Pack light
A carryon should suffice. Sandals, comfy sneaks, and swimsuits are the order of the day. Toss in a guayabera or two and shorts for the gents. Ladies, it’s sarongs and tunics and a strappy pair for a possible night out. Note: Barefoot dancing is the way to roll.

Getting gone
Catch a quick Continental (or is that United?) flight from IAH to Cancun.

Upon deplaning, grab a margarita at the airport Berryhill. (Yep.)

Prearranged transport from Cancun to Tulum is a must. Let your hotelier reserve. Sit back, relax and start shooting photos en route. Some of the most amazing Mexican culture can be glimpsed from your cab’s window, pre-paradise.

Settling In

Depending on your personal MO, you will have made reservations at Azulik, Cabanas Copal or Zahra for the perfect beach town experience. Think beachfront yurts and cabanas with sexy outdoor soaking tubs fronting pristine beach (one is clothing optional). Off with the travel clothes and into the suits, pronto!

Option two (hotels) and just a few steps away

Zamas offers equally colorful lodging and what will likely become your personal kitchen while in Tulum. (Dined in close proximity to Sienna Miller here just a few short years ago.)

For those with sexy style and a touch of eco-fitness on the mind there are a few options just a short trip down the white sandy beach:

Amansala is the preferred destination of eco-chic travelers from around the world. It's a great hotel to get your bikini bod in gear.

Zulum: A newer player in this market receiving rave reviews!

Coqui Coqui may have the lock on unique offerings as it specializes in handcrafted perfumes made of Yucatan botanicals.

Mobility

Keep it simple. Feet and bicycles rule, but cabs are plentiful, both motorized and rickshaw. You are on an eco-friendly getaway, after all. Not to fear, if you want to roll with a tad more freedom, let your hotel arrange a daily rental car.

Action

Remember, this is about living and learning local and consuming little more than one must. (Of course, one must consume margaritas, no?) That said, historians, spa-fans and beachcombers commingle harmoniously in this slice of heaven.

Personal attention epicenter: The Maya Spa at Copal. Here, you'll find beachfront relaxation to the nth degree.

Plan a trip, a morning departure is preferable, to the Tulum ruins just a few miles away. You can learn about Mayan culture and sunbathe on the milk-white beach. For the truly adventurous, a multitude of excursions can be arranged through Altournative .

To get to the heart of the eco-matter, visit the Centro Ecologico Sian Ka'an, 1.3 million acres of protected biosphere including 23 known archaeological sites, countless plant and animal species and nesting ground for two endangered turtle species.

Sustenance

Morning, noon or night Tulum will feed your body just as well as your soul. Wander aimlessly and let your palate be your guide. Grab a cab to Tulum Pueblo, just moments away, and try truly local fare from street vendors.

While at the beach:

Zama’s, mentioned earlier, offers fabulous meals three times a day at Que Fresco plus near nightly entertainment with barefoot, beachfront dancing.

Mezzanine is your HQ for amazing Thai fusion cuisine with international DJ’s spinning wax every Friday night.

El Tabano just lets the goodness flow.

Now hit the Web and make those reservations, confident that all the big sustainable questions will be quietly answered behind the scenes, freeing you to relax!

Finalmente

Take it easy, deep exhale, be the slow vibe. Swim, stretch, read and nap. Then, when your trip is almost done, load a bit of this newfound behavior into that carryon and, once home, integrate it into your life.

Don’t forget to share. This, in fact, is the basis for any sustainable way of life, on vacation or at home. The simplest approach is often the most efficient, the most respectful of place, and the least wasteful in terms of resources being tapped. Always has been.

Hang with me.