Green And Ready

There has been a lot of talk about global warming lately - second only to the economy.
We now know that the environment is in dire need of critical help, our survival depends upon it.

The Kyoto Protocol was signed in 1997 to set mandates and CO2 limitations for participating nations. Although the United States is a majority contributor of these gases, the U.S. government has not agreed to the regulations set forth in the Kyoto Protocol. Of the many factors listed as contributors to greenhouse gases, air traffic is a major one. According to the Better World club, the average domestic U.S. airline flight releases more than 1,700 pounds per person of harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

I still like to travel, and cant get enough of it, I try to do so responsibly. There are actions we can take, especially when at home, to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that are being released into the environment. These small reductions, can add up to make a major difference.

When it comes to flying, your options are limited unless your willing to try a jet suit or hot air balloon. A key component of the Kyoto Protocol is the notion of offsets and carbon credits. This allows the reduction to be based as a whole, not on an individual level.  One of the things you can do is offset the amount of emissions produced by airplanes by purchasing a “carbon offset.” There are several companies which provide this service, it feels good and it’s not expensive.

While you’re at home there are a myriad of things one can easily do to help reduce our negative impact. It all starts with reduce, reuse and recycle. Reduce waste, reuse items like glass containers, bottles and cups and recycle wherever possible. Try grouping your errands together to save time, energy and gasoline. Consider walking or riding your bike to work or to simply run a quick errand. Keep in mind lights, water and other electrical components when leaving a room, shut them off.

The energy consumption involved with delivering non-local food to market is astronomical. Try to shop and eat locally grown, organic food. The shorter the distance food has to travel to your plate, the fewer greenhouse gases are emitted. Eating locally usually means better, fresher food and is a great way to experience the local culture and its scene. Living in New Jersey means tons of farm fresh foods and when I travel Guide to New Orleans, tons of Gumbo.

We need at least half the U.S. population to take the steps needed in order to reduce the U.S. emissions targets to the levels that were established by the Kyoto Protocol. 20% below 1990 levels.

Happy, Safe, Green and Ready Travels to you.

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Eco-friendly resorts and destinations. Sustainable tourism. How do we know what is eco-friendly?  For a tourist destination or resort to be awarded an eco-friendly certificate means so much more than just recycling or conserving energy. Tourism has a huge impact on “Mother Earth” when it comes to natural resources and habitat, and as global warming threatens our very existence and the world rallies together to honor Earth Hour, the need for eco-friendly tourist destinations is slowly being recognized as a necessity when choosing a vacation destination.

Now, don’t be mistaken - eco friendly does not necessarily mean rustic. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of pampering going around in these special eco-friendly resorts and no one has to give up any luxurious little extras. So, sit back, relax and get ready to ‘go green’ as journeyPod guides you to the World’s Best Eco-Friendly Destinations:

From North America to Africa and even as far as Asia, we’ve discovered the most luxurious destinations for the eco-traveler. You can start by taking yourself on an unforgettable journey to Sri Lanka, home of the lavish Heritance Kandalama Hotel, listed among the world’s top 15 best eco-friendly hotels. Heritance Kandalama is perfectly positioned with its back to the Kandalama rock where the mountains descend to the dry plains and a vast protected forest gives way to tea and spice plantations, enabling visitors to enjoy a wide variety of Sri Lanka’s un-spoilt nature. Kadalama is also an ideal destination for archaeological enthusiast and historians offering a rare insight into ancient Buddhist ruins.

The hotel incorporates many features linking it with its environment and was designed by world- renowned architect, Geoffrey Bawa. Rocks, caves and cascades of rainwater add drama to corridors, foliage brushes the windows, flowering woodland creepers curtain balconies and the roofs are terraces of wild grass. Although Heritance Kandalama has received many international awards for their food and superb service, they are more importantly recognized for their commitment to the conservation of the environment in energy, water, waste management and sensitive purchasing. The fact that they maintain an eco-friendly system throughout the entire hotel seems to be Heritance Kandalama’s main attraction. Even the hotel wastewater is recycled and used for plants, while the garbage is recycled and used as various subsidiaries. Read more at journeyPod.com

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Continental Airlines announced it has successfully tested flight with a bio-fuel.

Continental is the first U.S. commercial carrier to test flying on an alternative fuel mixture. The Houston based airline, with a large hub at Newark’s Liberty International Airport, made the flight with a Boeing 737-800. The 1 hour 45 minute flight had no passengers and large scale use of alternative fuels is still several years away.

The flight was part of a test to analyze the fuels effect on mechanical systems, as well as to assess the economic viability of conducting more ‘Green Flights”.

The fuel was derived from algae and jatropha plants and was used in only one engine. Sounds like a big step in the right direction. Read more here

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