Archive for March, 2008
March 30, 2008
The Canadian ice floes offer unique ecotourism, including visits to the harp seal nurseries. Global warming is having an effect on the habitat of these animals and humans are adding to the woes on the floes by directly killing the seals who go to rest on what ice there is left.
It is difficult to visit seals at this time of year and watch the pups being clubbed by Canadian fishermen as part of the annual Canadian seal hunting season. The pups are killed for their fur, but we can do something about it: by not buying seal fur and by signing such petitions as these:
https://community.hsus.org/campaign/harper_protectseals_08
www.petitiononline.com/STASH06/petition.html
getactive.peta.org/campaign/p2sealhuntpetition
Better income can be gained from ecotourism, without having to knock these babies on the head!
March 26, 2008
Today, I read a letter in my local newspaper from a reader who compared Earth Hour to, er, releasing one’s bodily functions into the ocean. He was explaining that’s how much effect the world switching off lights for an hour at 8pm on Saturday will have on global warming.
This person is missing the entire point of Earth Hour. It is mainly about awareness and encouraging everyone to take one simple step, along with everyone else. We are group animals; it is always easier to join the masses in actions, than feel you are on your own. It is hoped that the resulting ripples will encourage people to remember to switch off lights when they leave rooms, or only have one light on. Other habits can follow. Perhaps people will eventually switch to green (renewable) power. If you are in Australia, try www.originenergy.com.au Solar panels? Well…
It can also be fun. Have a ‘weekend away’ in your local city. Go in to the city by public transport, of course.
Many hotels are getting into the spirit of Earth Hour including:
Stamford Hotels and Resorts (www.stamford.com.au) have nine properties across Australia and New Zealand and are highlighting the hotel chain’s ongoing support to minimise its environmental impact by turning off all non-essential electrical equipment, not just lights.
Accor hotels (www.accor.com) are romancing the planet with candlelight dinners. Guests will be able to eat to the softer light of candles on tablecloths strewn with flower petals (ooh) and since many of their hotels offer views of the surrounding city, you can watch as the lights go off.
Four Seasons Hotels (www.fourseasons.com) are even creating a chain of candlelight dinners circumnavigating the globe.
Wherever you are, may it be fun…and darker than usual! Who needs lights for a romantic weekend away?
March 23, 2008
The world is gearing up (or more precisely ‘shutting off’) for Earth Hour at 8pm on 29th March (this Saturday).
It is a simple idea. Encouraged by the World Wildlife Fund to raise awareness about global warming, on 31st March last year, 2.2 million people and 2100 businesses in Sydney, Australia, turned off their lights for one hour, creating the first ‘Earth Hour’. Sydney icons, including the Harbour Bridge and Opera House switched off their lights, all of which caught the world’s attention.
So this year many other global cities will switch off and we as individuals can join them. Earth Hour is not just a symbol of the direction we must head (switching off fossil-fuelled power), but another step to add to the ways we can combat global warming.
If you are travelling you can still switch off your hotel lights (perhaps ask for a candle or just watch the night view outside your window). Every little bit helps and your action may help spread the word.
Your hotel may even be one of many that will switch off lights, as some big and little hotels are joining Earth Hour. In the next few days I will be posting information on what some hotels are doing this weekend and it all sounds pretty good.
Find out more on www.earthhour.org
March 19, 2008
How we prepare for our holiday or travels is almost as important as how we travel.
Try these tips for better travel:
1. Travel lighter, the less you carry the less weight to transport.
2. Look for unpackaged or sustainably packaged travel products.
3. Take packaging off everything you can so you are not creating more rubbish in countries that may not have the infrastructure to recycle garbage.
4. Take your own reusable drink bottle to fill with water instead of buying water in disposable bottles
5. Fill up little reusable containers for shampoos and toiletries instead of taking new bottles.
Happy Easter! May the bunny bring you an organic, unwrapped, locally-made chocolate egg.
March 17, 2008
I love eating locally when I travel, which usually means seasonal. Doing this in the wilds of Russia may mean a very limited palate, however after a few days you begin not to miss the beef from Argentina, oranges from Spain or caviar from Mexico (or wherever it is shipped).
It is summer in the southern hemisphere and while I know winter holds the north in its grip, it is still possible to eat locally grown food. This decreases transport costs, pollution and emissions.
In winter you can still find apples, pears, onions, milk, cheese and a range of locally grown food. Summer harvest preserves and dried products are also available. Initially we may miss those out-of-season foods shipped in from Ecuador or Indonesia, however our bodies will be just as happy.
March 16, 2008
I love eating locally when I travel and this usually means sticking with seasonal produce. Attempting this in some places may mean a limited range, however after a few days you begin not to miss the beef from Argentina, oranges from Spain or caviar from Croatia (or from wherever such items are shipped).
Even in winter it is still possible to eat locally grown food anywhere and do your bit to decrease transport pollution and emissions. In winter in most places in America for instance, you can still find apples, pears, onions, milk, cheese and a range of locally grown food all over the country. Summer harvest preserves and dried products are also available. Initially we may miss those out-of-season foods shipped in from Ecuador or Indonesia, however our bodies will still be nutritionally sustained, the earth will be slightly better off and we become that much more immersed in the destination and culture we are visiting by eating local and seasonal ingredients.
March 13, 2008
I am wary, but hopeful, about cruiselines who put forward green credentials. Cruising is a wonderful way to holiday, however it is a resource intensive operation and there is a lot of scope (and need for) for major improvements.
When searching for a cruise it may be useful to look at the cruiseline’s environmental standards such as Costa’s (www.costacruise.com) who has a Sustainability Report, outlining the effects of the Company’s activity on the environment, the community and all its stakeholders generally.
Among the reported objectives are: a 10% reduction in the volume of garbage generated per person; better disposal of waste; new training opportunities for the employees of the Company; and new facilities for Guests with disabilities.
Watch this space for reports on cruiseships and progress in the greening of our oceans.
March 13, 2008
Recently Virgin Atlantic successfully demonstrated that they can fly a plane on biofuel. Hats off to them, folks, for this is indeed a step in an interesting direction!However, there is much concern about biofuel and how green and ethical it actually is?One of the main concerns is the clearing of virgin (‘scuse the pun) forest to plant palm oil plantations. Having just returned from Malaysia where, for the second time I traveled on the ‘jungle train’ through the centre of the Malaysian Peninsula, I saw more palm plantations than jungle. A big difference from my last trip ten years ago, when there was more jungle than plantations.Another concern is that some biofuel is made from plants formerly grown for food, i.e. corn. With 820 million people not having enough to eat (avaaz.org), it is difficult to justify pouring food into petrol tanks.Avaaz.org is a global social action group that calls for stricter standards for biofuel. I agree, let’s source our fuel in ways that does not tear out forests or take food away from hungry people.Now back to Virgin. They are stating that ‘The Virgin Atlantic aircraft, flight number VS811P and registration GV-WOW’, used a biofuel composed of babassu oil and coconut oil. The claim is that these oils are environmentally and socially sustainable. “They can…be found in everyday cosmetic products, such as lip balm and shaving cream (so what?), and do not compete with staple food sources (okay). In addition, the babassu nuts and coconuts were harvested from existing, mature plantations.” If this is true, then all kudos to them. It is an amazing breakthrough.However, looking to the future - are there enough existing plantations to fly all the planes, (if everyone switches to biofuel) or are solar and other renewable sources better for mass transportation on this planet?
Aside from this, is a step and just the fact that the plane took off and climbed to 25,000 feet is exciting:
Sir Richard Branson, the President of Virgin Atlantic, said: “Today marks a biofuel breakthrough for the whole airline industry. Virgin Atlantic, and its partners, are proving that you can find an alternative to traditional jet fuel and fly a plane on new technology, such as sustainable biofuel. This pioneering flight will enable those of us who are serious about reducing our carbon emissions to go on developing the fuels of the future, fuels which will power our aircraft in the years ahead through sustainable next-generation oils, such as algae.”
Now that is an idea Ric! He is certainly a visionary. Virgin will be sharing the results with others who “…are seeking to cut their carbon emissions in the rest of the industry.”
About the biofuels, Virgin states: “Babassu oil comes from the nuts of the babassu tree, which is native to Brazil. The fruit of the babassu is used in products such as drugs and cosmetics, and its leaves are used to make roofs and paper, which in turn is used to create folders, bags and soap boxes. Coconut oil is used for a variety of applications including oil for biodiesel. Most coconut plantations are mature and do not contribute to deforestation.”
Broadcast and web quality footage can be downloaded from website: http://www.digitalnewsagency.com/virginatlantic
March 10, 2008
The Galapagos Islands is a sensitive area and it is well overdue for more serious green initiatives.
EcoVentura is offsetting its boats with NativeEnergy Travel Offsets, has developed the SmartVoyager program and was one of the first to install desalinating units on their boats, less-polluting four stroke outboard engines on their dinghies and advanced TRABOLD oil filter systems that reduce consumption of fuel and oil lubricants resulting in a 10-20% reduction in gas emissions. In 2007, EcoVentura partnered with the World Wildlife Fund to create the Galapagos Marine Biodiversity Fund which targets environmental education and marine conservation.
Other green aspects of the tours include producing their own fresh water, eliminating chlorine discharge, treating wastewater, using biodegradable soaps and encouraging passengers to reduce, recycle and conserve energy during their cruise.
The company holds a swag of awards. www.ecoventura.com/
March 6, 2008
The Terra Resort Group has launched the first in a collection of so-called ‘Green hotels’.
Green features for the new luxury hotel include:
- One hundred percent natural beds.
- Heating via an in-floor system to reduce energy waste.
- The coffee set-up offers fair trade organic brews.
- One hundred percent recycled “Eco Shake” roof shingles.
- Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) carpets and pads, sealants, paint, and adhesives - - - Energy efficient heating and cooling systems, designed to customize temperature by individual zones, limiting use to specific need.
- Radiant heating in the flooring of the parking garage, which runs along the entire ground level of the hotel, reducing direct heat loss and minimizing energy use.
The property is located in Jackson Hole property and is the first in a planned chain of Terra Resorts, with 12 to 15 new hotels expected in the next seven years. www.terraresortgroup.com
RSS feed