Archive for the ‘environment’ category

10 Eco-Film Festivals You’ll Love

February 2nd, 2010

Rhodes Ecofilms10-POSTER_SITE

Are you planning to attend an eco-film festival in 2010?   There are a surprising number of eco-film festivals planned around the world.

This year, traveling greener is dreaming about visiting the Greek island of Rhodes for its Ecofilms International Film & Visual Arts Festival.  “An open forum embracing the human and the ecology of the mind”, this festival will show documentaries, shorts and features with environmental and ecological themes.

Here are 10 Eco-Film Festival sites you’ll love:

1. Ecofilms Festival

2. San Francisco Ocean Film Festival

3. Catalonia International Environmental Film Festival

4. Cinema Planeta

5. Ecofilm Fest 2010

6. Blue Planet Film Fest

7. Planet in Focus

8. Ecovision Festival

9. Environmental Film Festival

10. Environmental Film Festival Network

What is your favorite eco-film festival?  Tell us about it.

Image courtesy of Ecofilms Festival


Hotel Guests Greener, Says Survey

January 11th, 2010

NovotelSurveyYoga243832 2 1024x831 Hotel Guests Greener, Says Survey

Hotel guests in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji are becoming greener and cleaner, according to a new Novotel Survey.

Novotel housekeepers and other hotel staff reported on the travel habits of men and women who stay at the group’s 30 hotels and resorts in Australia, New  Zealand and Fiji.  A decade ago, the first survey was conducted.

This second Novotel survey of in-hotel habits reveals that “guests of both sexes are leaving their rooms cleaner and greener, but still ending up naked in corridors and leaving unusual objects behind in their rooms.”

Survey findings include guests are traveling with fewer bags (1 bag per male to 2.1 bags per woman); more likely to reuse towels; bringing along more laptops and making healthier food choices.  Research also indicates “an increased level of care for the environment” with 32% of guests reusing towels and some bed linen compared to 11% ten years ago.

The company says the survey also tracks and responds to trends in conferences and catering, food and beverage and guest desires.  In response to survey results, Novotel has introduced a minimum of organic and gluten-free items, a free yoga channel and in-room yoga mat.

Image courtesy of Accor Asia Pacific

The All-Electric Volvo Project

January 8th, 2010

Volvo41686 hi ElectricC30 1 The All Electric Volvo Project

Volvo has presented its new, all-electric Volvo C30 project.  The company is evaluating the viability of this all-electric car known as a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle).  It says the car looks like a regular Volvo C30 and offers the same safety, comfort and space as the standard car.

Says Lennart Stegland, Director of Volvo Cars Special Vehicles:

“The Volvo C30 is the first model we will try out with electric power. This car’s excellent properties in city traffic and its relatively low weight make it particularly suitable, since electric cars are primarily expected to be used in and around cities and for daily commuting.”

The all-electric Volvo C30 is powered with a Lithium-Ion battery that is charged via a regular power socket commonly found in households.  A full recharge of a depleted battery via a household power supply system will take about eight hours.  The car can reach a top speed of approximately 130 kilometres an hour and a range of up to 150 kilometres.

Image courtesy of Volvo

Top 5 Travel Trends In 2010

January 5th, 2010

MtCypresspath1 1024x768 Top 5 Travel Trends In 2010

What will be the Top 5 Travel Trends in 2010?

Adventure and luxury travel website iExplore predicts these 5 travel trends:

It’s All About Value. “Bargain hunting will still abound in 2010 as consumers have been trained by the deep discounting of the past two years to seek out the lowest prices—however, in 2010 consumers will be willing to spend if they feel like they are getting a unique experience at a good price.”

Ecotourism Here to Stay. “Not a new trend, but will still continue to play a part in consumer’s travel decisions in 2010—consumers are looking for hotels and resorts that are eco-friendly as well as destinations like Panama, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Belize that offer the opportunity to explore the rainforests, jungles and get back to nature.”

Baby Boomers Taking Experiential Trips. “Over 75 million Baby Boomers in the United States continue to shape trends. This is an active and affluent group and instead of just passing down their money, they are choosing to create lasting memories and spend the inheritance by taking their kids and grandkids on cultural and experiential vacations—hiking the Machu Picchu Trail, African Safari’s and Alaskan Adventures.”

Travel: Not a Game of Risk.  “Due to the uncertain economy and insecurity about jobs and investments, many more travelers are taking out trip insurance in advance of big trips.”

Unique and Customized Itineraries. “The customization trend that is so popular and prevalent in other consumer categories has hit travel. Consumers want truly unique and off the beaten path itineraries that cater to their passions and hobbies—for example: trips to Southeast Asia that focus on photography, cooking classes in Italy or fishing in Argentina with a private guide.”

Gulf Air Reducing Carbon Footprint

December 15th, 2009

GulfAir241370 2 Gulf Air Reducing Carbon Footprint

Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, has announced initiatives that are expected to reduce approximately 33,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually from its aircraft.

Says Gulf Air Chief Executive Officer Samer Majali :

“What better occasion there can be than announcing our comprehensive carbon-emission reduction measures, when countries of the world have converged in Copenhagen to discuss climate change? As a responsible corporate citizen we are fully committed to this global cause and these are some of our proactive measures towards this commitment.  Besides, as a long-standing member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), we are in tune with the world body’s commitment to achieve carbon-neutral growth from 2020.”

A main Gulf Air initiative is reducing fuel consumption in ways including flying a more direct route to destinations which could reduce approximately 22,600 tons of Co2 emissions annually.  Gulf Air has also lowered the amount of potable water it carries on board by 25% which will save around 1,800 tons of carbon emissions.

Further Gulf Air fuel conservation measures include reduced contingency fuel, acceleration height management and flight spare kit weight reduction that will save approximately 8300 tons of Co2 emission altogether.

The airline is also purchasing more fuel-efficient A320 Airbus aircraft which is powered by the CFM56-5B engine that reduces emissions by 200 tons per aircraft per year.

Image courtesy of Gulf Air

Why We Love Copenhagen

December 4th, 2009
VisitDenmark.comKarriere215324 1024x707 Why We Love Copenhagen

Image courtesy of VisitDenmark.com

The world will be watching Copenhagen as host city of the COP15 United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009, next week December 7-18.   You can check out and interact with COP15  on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Google. There are many informative sites dedicated to COP15 and world media covering the event.

traveling greener has always loved traveling in Copenhagen with its charming city life, people, shopping, culture, design, cafes and cycling chic.  Now there are simply more reasons to love Copenhagen with the climate change conference, environmental commitment and green events.

» Read more: Why We Love Copenhagen

Sustainable Travel Gift Cards

December 2nd, 2009
sustainabletravelgiftcard100122 Sustainable Travel Gift Cards

Image courtesy of Sustainable Travel International

Is your company looking for affordable alternative gifts for your staff, clients and key partners this holiday season?

One great option is Sustainable Travel International’s (STI) Gift Cards which support corporate philanthropy and lets companies give and give back.

The cards are selling for $10 to $100 per card and 100% tax deductible if you live in the U.S..  They are biodegradable, printed on corn stock with soy-based ink.

Says STI Director of Operations, Anna Williams:

“The holidays can have a huge impact on the environment, from increased travel emissions to additional packaging waste associated with gift-giving. Our gift cards are a welcome change from standard corporate gift fare, helping companies reduce their impact, support worthwhile causes, and make a difference―environmentally, and in people’s lives all over the world.”

Gift Card recipients decide how they want to spend the balance of their card, choosing from a variety of different projects.   These choices include supporting sustainable tourism development by making a donation to STI, investing in a Carbon Offset Portfolio to mitigate unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions, or supporting one of more than 850 sustainable development-oriented philanthropic projects.

For more info about STI’s Gift Cards, visit SustainableTravel.com

10 COP15 Sites You’ll Love

December 1st, 2009

COP15 LOGO B M 10 COP15 Sites Youll Love

The COP 15 United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009 is coming up in Copenhagen, December 7-18/09.

What do you know about this world event?  Leading up to Copenhagen, you can check out and interact with COP15  on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Google.

traveling greener has been touring the web to find the latest information and the best websites covering the conference.  There are many interesting and informative online resources from Green Living’s A Crash Course on Copenhagen to the Guardian’s section Copenhagen Climate Summit.

Here are 10 COP15-related sites you’ll love:

1. COP15

2. United Nations Framework Convention On Climate Change

3. UNEP

4. UN Dispatch

5. AlGore.com

6. 350.org

7. Hopenhagen

8. tcktcktck

9. Inside Cop15

10. Climate Action Network

Image above courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark

10 Eco-Fashion Sites You’ll Love

November 24th, 2009

feminine web 10 Eco Fashion Sites Youll Love

Are you an eco-conscious traveler with style?   Take heart, eco-friendly fashion seems more available everywhere.

Around the world, companies are creating original designs from all types of greener materials including hemp, linen, organic cotton and wool, recycled polyester fleece, wild silk, bamboo and more.

Italy’s Cehoz.com recently sent traveling greener one of the company’s stylish, organic cotton t-shirts to review.  Soft, silky and comfortable, these  are Euro eco-chic answers to the classic black t-shirt.

The raw cotton used by Cehoz comes from organic agriculture in Turkey.  Spinning of the cotton, fabrics, weaving, dyeing and finishing are all done by an Italian organic certified company.

Cehoz.com allocates part of its income to NutriAid humanitarian organization and funds raised to Nets4Children campaign to buy mosquito nets to prevent malaria.  Cehoz.com is offering a special 5% discount for traveling greener readers: coupon 5J4yQe7,  Valid until 15/04/2010.

Here are 10 Eco-Fashion Sites You’ll Love:

» Read more: 10 Eco-Fashion Sites You’ll Love

Amazon’s Hottest Green Gift

November 24th, 2009
Kindle angle with text 2 Dec 620x1024 Amazons Hottest Green Gift

Image courtesy of Amazon.com

Need a green travel gift idea for your favorite reader?   Take a look at the Kindle Wireless Reading Device, Amazon’s most wished for, most gifted, and #1 bestselling product.

Kindle wirelessly downloads books, magazines and newspapers to a high-resolution 6-inch electronic ink display that looks and reads like real paper. It utilizes the same 3G wireless technology as advanced cell phones.

The Kindle’s features include:

  • Slim and Trim: “At just over a third of an inch thin (0.36 inches) and weighing just over 10 ounces, Kindle is pencil thin and lighter than a typical paperback.”
  • 3G Wireless: “Readers can wirelessly shop the Kindle Store, download books in less than 60 seconds, automatically receive newspaper and magazine subscriptions, and read from their library-now in more than 100 countries and territories including Canada.”
  • Reads Like Real Paper: “Kindle’s 6-inch electronic ink display reads like printed words on paper because the screen works using real ink and doesn’t use a backlight, eliminating the eyestrain and glare associated with other electronic displays.”
  • Stores Up to 1,500 Books: “Kindle’s 2 GB of memory holds up to 1,500 books and Kindle books are automatically backed up by Amazon so customers can re-download titles in their library.”
  • Read for Weeks on a Single Charge: “Kindle’s electronic paper display sips battery power so users can read for over two weeks with wireless turned off and up to four days on a single charge with wireless on.”
  • Read-To-Me: “With the experimental Text-To-Speech feature, Kindle can read most newspapers, magazines and books out loud.”
  • Automatically Syncs With Kindle and Kindle Compatible Devices: “Amazon’s “Whispersync” technology automatically syncs customers’ last page read, bookmarks, notes, and highlights across Kindle, Kindle DX, and Kindle compatible devices like Kindle for iPhone and Kindle for PC.”
  • Read Personal Documents: “Read personal documents in a variety of formats such as Microsoft Word and PDF.”
  • Instant Dictionary Lookup: “Kindle comes with the New Oxford American Dictionary and over 250,000 definitions that appear instantly at the bottom of the page.”
  • Choose Text Size: “Kindle lets readers customize their reading preference by providing six different text sizes.”
  • Bookmarks, Notes and Highlights: “By using the QWERTY keyboard, Kindle users can add annotations to text, as well as highlight and clip key passages and bookmark pages for future use.”

For more info or to order, check out the Kindle on Amazon.