The Green Choice

Because a vacation rental is a private home, you can choose the space that suits you with only the amenities you really need. Consider the energy being wasted each moment in a large hotel: continuously running washers and dryers, heated pools and spas, temperature controlled air conditioning and hallways and rooms that are lit 24 hours a day. You also have to consider the waste of items like shampoo and soap containers that create carbon footprints to manufacture and distribute even though they’re often only used once…and don’t forget the water, energy and chemicals needed to wash all those towels. When you stay in a vacation rental, you can bring your own toiletries, control how much power is being used and how frequently laundry is done. You have the option to cook your own meals, minimizing packaging waste, ensuring that you use ingredients of your own choosing and using a kitchen that uses far less energy than a large industrial kitchen in a restaurant. You can choose to hand wash dishes rather than running a dishwasher and you can use your own earth-friendly cleaning products.

Vacation Rental Features

Many vacation rental owners have gone to great lengths to offer a home where you can feel good about enjoying your vacation without impacting the environment. Installing solar power panels, low-flow toilets and faucets, and using sustainable products, such as bamboo flooring in their construction are just a few of the ways vacation rentals can be earth-friendly. Even a hotel that has made strides towards being eco-friendly will require more energy to heat and cool at low occupancy levels, while a vacation rental gives you both more usable square footage with a smaller building requiring far less energy to run.

Green Destinations

Often the location of a vacation rental adds as much to the reduction of your carbon footprint as do the features of the rental itself. You can select a rental that is near public transportation or in a place where you can choose to walk or ride a bike to get around.  Consider an area such as Fire Island, New York where cars are not permitted.  Take into account the seasonal weather patterns and stay in a cabin in Gatlinburg in May when temperatures are in the 60s and 70s, minimizing the need for air conditioning. Vacation rentals also allow you to pick and choose from eco-tourism destinations.  They are often located in places where nature remains pristine and no large hotels exist, giving you access to a clean and green place to relax.  Alaska, for example, offers some of the most beautiful eco-tourism and peaceful vacation rentals on the continent – and as a bonus, you can drive there, reducing your carbon footprint versus flying. Next time you are planning a green vacation, consider vacation rentals as an excellent option for minimizing your footprint and create a vacation experience that is good for you and good for the planet too.

Let’s be clear, ethical adventure clothing does not need to be about hippies dancing in circles and weaving reeds to make a hat.

The adventure wear community is instead talking about ‘Input Stream Management’. Its cold, its real, and you’d better believe it’s calculated. The goal is to produce uncompromisingly high performance gear that uses raw materials that are produced with the lowest impact on peoples and environments.

There is a movement in the outdoor adventure community to act across a number of fronts to green the input stream. We can use better raw materials, less raw materials, we can re- use our materials, and we should never stop looking for a ‘much better’ material.

Lets take the example of adventure food. There are some energy bars out there that use a complex cocktail of chemicals that become a moulded brown performance boosting affront to the senses. There is little concern as to the source of the ingredients, the physical appeal or the taste of the bars.

Alex and Jimmy are the creators of the ‘mule bar’. They have a simple goal : that your top up fuel should not taste like your socks. To achieve this, they go back to the source and use organic and Fairtrade ingredients wherever possible and are committed to having all their products totally organic and Fairtrade as soon as the ingredients are available. It’s simple I guess, but if the ingredients are good, then the result is good.

Away from the kitchen, there is another option when it comes to our adventure gear. At DMM, they have discovered that less is more. By upping the technology they have managed to drop the ingredients. Take the phantom series of quickdraws and carabiners which use a hot forging technique and the ultra lightweight I Beam construction to allow lightness in strength.

Even better than this, we can re- use materials we have already shredded. EVOLV and TRAX Rubber have developed eco-TRAX, a recycled content high friction rubber compound for use in their climbing shoes. The eco trax evolv climbing shoestechnology comes from decomposing selective pre & post consumer rubber waste and then reprocessing it to make a useable compound. Currently, 30% of the eco-TRAX compound used on select parts of their outsoles is recycled material, however they plan to use a higher recycled percent compound on other shoes that don’t require maximum friction.

In the same spirit, back in 1993, Patagonia created fleece material made from post consumer recycled plastic soda bottles. They were the first outdoor clothing manufacturer to do so. This represented a hugely positive step towards a more sustainable system. Using fewer original resources and in turn discarding less waste all whilst better protecting people’s health. They calculate that in the 13 years the system has been in place, they have saved some 86 million soda bottles from landfill thus reducing their dependence on oil.

Interior of Patagonia in Ventura

Extending their use of this polyester fiber beyond just fleece into garments such as their Capilene baselayers, shell jackets and board shorts, they have also created the world’s first garment recycling program. We, the adventure community bring them our worn-out Capilene baselayer, Patagonia fleece or Polartec® fleece (from any maker) and they make a new polyester garment from it using an innovative process developed by TEJIN FIBRES.

As a body of consumers we must require these forward thinking brands to continue their progress, and to push the entire market to constantly look for better raw materials whether its Bamboo or Hemp, silk, wool or coke bottles.

But what guidance do we as consumers get? Well, we are working on that here at HQ, but better question yet – what guidance do the brands themselves get?

If I were a manufacturer, how do I know that the fabric, rubber and plastic that I am using is indeed produced using the claimed % recycled content or genuinely organic or produced in the correct working conditions? There are few brands indeed that could afford to ‘spot check’ the production facilities of their partners.

It is out of this problem that organisations such as Bluesign® have grown. There aim is ‘to keep the entire production process in view’. They provide a suite of tools to outdoor brands that are seeking the assurance that their manufacture process ‘is environmentally sound and does not waste resources’.

Blue sign is becoming a by-word for efficiency in textile production transparency within the adventure world. They do the audits, the spot checks and the calculations, the brands are advised, and the consumer can buy in confidence.

They are not alone however. There are many other recognized standards that also guide the adventure consumer.

You will all recognize the ‘Fairtrade’ symbol as an international but still independent certification body. They set international Fairtrade standards, organize support for producers around the world, develop global Fairtrade strategy and promote trade justice internationally.

Skal is the body behind the eko organic cotton standard. They survey organic production by means of inspection and certification. Inspections consist of visits to farms, processing and importing units, but also examination of soil, crop or tissue samples.

These standards are good, and particularly in the case of Fairtade they are current household names, brands even, that allow us to buy in confidence. They trade off their reputation, and as such are required to maintain excellent standards.

Personally, I am in favour of ‘standards shopping’. However, a concern is that a marketplace of ‘standards’ begins with multiple bodies competing with each other, and splitting the brands ultimately leaving the consumer lost. I advocate a single eco standard for each area of production / manufacture – supported and held to account by the outdoor brands, promoted by the retailer and selected by the adventure consumer.

In the next part, Ed will be looking at the design process of adventure wear and gear and asking whether choices at this early stage can affect the product’s eventual footprint.

The Begawan Foundation’s Bali Starling Project began with this premise – and a passionate belief that that they could achieve these goals. After all, a species that becomes extinct in its own natural habitat is gone forever, leaving later generations to mourn its loss and wonder why it exists only in cages or zoos.

The official mascot of Bali, the Bali Starling is actually a ‘critically endangered’ species. Once a healthy species that flourished in its native environment of Bali, by 1998 the population was at an all-time-low with fewer than 15 birds restricted to the Bali Barat National Park in the north-west. However, thanks to Begawan Foundation’s breeding and repatriation program, a number of generations now live free in the wilds of Nusa Penida.

Over 12 years, the project has maintained the key goals of protecting the rare Bali Starling species from total extinction, supporting repatriation to its native habitat, fostering a sustainable population and preventing threats from poachers. The Indonesian island of Nusa Penida, which lies 19kms to the south of Bali, has become home to three generations of ‘wild’ Bali Starlings – thanks to the pioneering efforts of the foundation’s program.

Established in 1999 by Bradley and Debbie Gardner, Begawan Foundation was launched with a mission to encourage an awareness of environmental protection and conservation amongst Bali’s local population. Surrounded by images of the Bali Starling in bird parks, landscape paintings and numerous government department emblems, the protection of this species seemed a no-brainer. “We’ve been entrusted with the future of the Bali Starling here in Bali and we take that responsibility very seriously,” says Bradley Gardner, co-founder of Begawan Foundation. “The breeding and release program has come a long way since 1999 when we began with two imported pairs from a local breeder, Nick Wileman, in the United Kingdom.”

A key to the success of the conservation and release program has been its creative and innovative ‘training program’, which encouraged the birds to become self-sufficient rather than rely on human intervention and assisted feeding. Unpeeled, uncut fruit was placed in different areas of the enclosures, on alternate days, so they could supplement their diet by catching insects (attracted by small lights). Sprinklers installed at the top of the cages encouraged the birds to maximize their water intake, as water was only provided intermittently. This approach forced the birds to seek out water sources in other catchment areas such as tree cavities, fruit, leaves and shells.

Not surprisingly, the successful model has received keen support from zoologists in Europe and Asia. “The ongoing support of reputable zoos has really boosted our program, “says Shirley Hermawan, Program Manager. “We’ve just received another three birds from Jurong Bird Park in Singapore and Koelner Zoo in Germany has provided another 20 birds from zoos throughout Europe.”

Since the first release in 2006, an integral aspect of release stage has been the active involvement of the local community. The symbolic release of two birds was performed as a gift to the Gods at Penaturan Agung Temple in the village of Ped, where local priests blessed both onlookers and birds. Thereafter, every release has followed the same traditional rituals, with two birds symbolically blessed with holy water prior to release.

Internationally renowned for its Bali Starling Program, the foundation also works with Javan peacocks, Hornbills and Mitchell’s lorikeets (a rare species found only on Lombok and Bali). While the foundation has focussed on bird species, it is hoping to work closely with a wider range of endangered species.

“We see the upcoming International Congress on Zoo Keeping in 2012 as a great opportunity for the professional community to visit us in person and see for themselves the success of our programs,” commented Shirley.

More information can be found at www.begawanfoundation.org

STEP – which has been designed to assist tourism businesses assess their operations and identify industry best practices – aims to mitigate harmful impacts while emphasizing positive returns.

“We’re very excited that STEP is among the first global standards to be recognized by the GSTC,” said Bobby Chappell, STI’s Director of Standards and Certification. “As we continue to build the case for sustainability in the travel and tourism industry, this recognition is further proof that STEP is among the most innovative, engaging, and accessible tools for businesses worldwide.”

“As a global leader in sustainable tourism, we are extremely proud of this recognition and excited for the next stage of the GSTC process,” added STI’s Founder and CEO, Brian Mullis. “We look forward to helping many more businesses around the world protect the cultural and natural heritage of the destinations they serve while contributing to local economic development.”

STEP’s “holistic” eco-certification process – which begins with a self-assessment and builds toward an independently-verified on-site assessment – includes a suite of training tools and online sustainability management solutions, in addition to customized standards for the luxury accommodation, marine shore excursion and dive operator sectors.

The program is perfect for businesses looking for incremental, measurable progress, rather than an easy checklist of best practices.

For more information, visit www.sustainabletravel.com.

In the province of Udon Thani, Khun Ten and his family launched Gecko Villa a decade ago, before responsible tourism had become a buzzword.  They welcome guests who are keen to get off the beaten path to experience local ways of life, mingling with the indigenous villagers and trying their hand at a number of eclectic activities – from helping out in the paddies, to reforestation projects; commandeering a samlor; learning to cook Thai food with home-grown, organic ingredients; giving alms to the Buddhist monks as dawn breaks; meandering through silk-weaving villages;  wondering at the local lotus lake as it bursts into bloom, or exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Ban Chiang, nearby.

“Some guests”, says Khun Ten, “have visited Thailand before and simply want to get away from the crowds to find somewhere truly local and very tranquil to just relax by the private pool, but most are attracted by the fact that they are welcomed directly by us and shown around the region, with all that there is to see and do. They have made a deliberate choice to spend their holiday where they see the direct benefit to the locals – be that for those involved in running the villa or those who supply services, such as boat guides, traditional Thai massage practitioners, rice farmers – or the local village schools.

They have developed a winning formula that blends elements of a typical holiday villa rental with some from traditional resorts or even home stays. The villa is rented by guests in its entirety, so they can enjoy the property, grounds and pool in complete privacy, yet the hassles of self-catering accommodation are avoided, as fresh Thai food is prepared for guests throughout their stay – and at any requested level on the Scoville scale! – meaning that visitors have much more time to indulge and relax, or to get out and about, exploring the area by bicycle, tuk-tuk, boat or car.  Laundry, housekeeping and babysitting services are provided free of charge, as are transfers to the villa itself.

In 2008, they expanded with a second property, Green Gecko, a rural Thai villa with a private swimming pool, highlighting traditional Thai style.

Both of the villas were constructed by local villagers, and their operation is also fully undertaken by villagers themselves. The villas harvest rainwater that is stored in large red pots, as is the typical practice in this dry area, and both of the swimming pools use a natural saltwater system to avoid the use of chlorine.  Much of the ingredients for their delicious Thai food is grown either on the properties or nearby, the villas producing a wide range of produce including tropical fruit such as limes, mangos, bananas, dragon fruit and passion fruit, and herbs such as coriander, chillies, galangal, lemongrass, sweet basil and more.  The villas have undertaken the reforestation of disused rice paddies to enhance the local eco-system, and a close relationship with the small village primary school is maintained, where guests may give impromptu lessons, donate lunches or second-hand computers and more. Recycling is widely practised, where a couple known as “salaeng” ensuring that all viable waste material may be recycled or composted accordingly.

“It was difficult at the beginning”, says Khun Ten, “but today we are very grateful to welcome back guests year after year as old friends, and to meet new visitors from around the world. We can teach them the local ways of life, but we also learn from our guests. And without them, rice planting could never pay for our children’s education, for healthcare and more. Sustainable tourism is a two way path – visitors support us, and we in turn must ensure they have a memorable holiday, with all of us learning something along the way. But most of all, perhaps, tis kind of tourism is fun for all involved, precisely because of the way it is so individual, so personal.”

The Thailand Holiday Villa Rental Guide is proud to recommend both of these properties tor those searching for a bygone Thailand or wishing to escape the crowds in an unspoiled part of the kingdom. Whether a couple, a group of friends, foodies or those planning a family holiday in Thailand, they certainly offer something very different. Those seeking a vacation that encompasses a stay in the rural northeast alongside a Thai beach holiday can alternatively mix and match their chosen rentals at our own site.

Last week, I tweeted briefly on the rampant excess of supposed “eco” blogs pushing more and more needless “product” down the throats of consumers; a disconcerting trend that has seemingly taken over the “green” blogosphere perhaps due to there being little-else to talk about.

In this accusation I cannot exempt myself, either. TerraCurve.com has, on occasion, promoted and/or reviewed it products and other services that – when viewed objectively – can also be tossed into this category.

But every now and then, something inspiring comes about. Most recently, the case of the One Laptop per Child project – a non-profit that aims to supply impoverished children in third world countries “one rugged, low-cost, low-power, connected laptop” – whose product revamp includes a self-powering tablet (off the grid).

“As the pace of change in the world increases dramatically, the urgency to prepare all children to be full citizens of the emerging world also increases dramatically. No one can predict the world our children will inherit. The best preparation for children is to develop the passion for learning and the ability to learn how to learn.

“The root cause of the rapid change, digital technology, also provides a solution. When every child has a connected laptop, they have in their hands the key to full development and participation. Limits are erased as they can learn to work with others around the world, to access high-quality, modern materials, to engage their passions and develop their expertise.”

Showcased at CES 2012, the new rendition – OLPC XO-3 – integrates with with both solar and human power.

The model has an optional 4-watt solar cover combined with a battery. Charging the solar panel cover for an hour should generate 4 watts of power, enough to run the tablet for two hours. There is also an optional hand crank customers can buy that can charge the tablet with human power.

Although only a prototype, the tablets are expected to cost around $100. The non-profit’s new XO notebooks will begin shipping in March 2012.

It was the sole photography award announced during the media awards luncheon held December 8th as part of Caribbean Week festivities in Toronto.

Storm took the photo in Guyana, South America (part of the CTO), on a fall 2009 trip organized by the Guyana Sustainable Tourism Initiative (GSTI), a joint initiative of the Guyana Tourism Authority and USAID-Guyana Trade and Investment Support (GTIS) program. Judy Karwacki of Small Planet Consulting was acting as the director of tourism for the GSTI at the time and invited Storm to join the group.

Storm’s photo and feature article, “Where Mother Nature still reigns supreme,” was originally published in the Calgary Herald, and subsequently by the Montreal Gazette, Vancouver Sun, Windsor Star, Dawson Creek Daily News, The Times – Transcript, Delta Optimist, and Canada.com.

Storm’s image captures the essence of the unique and authentic nature and cultural experiences Guyana offers. It features Diane McTurk, charming owner of Karanambu Lodge, playing in the Rupununi River with Buddy, a blind giant river otter orphan. McTurk is renowned for her life’s work rescuing and rehabilitating endangered giant river otters.

Winning photograph of blind giant river otter Buddy and his caretaker Diane McTurk share some cuddle time and play in Guyana’s Rupununi River near Karanambu Ranch, McTurk’s home turned eco-lodge (Credit - Theresa Storm).

At the awards ceremony, Sylma Brown Bramble, the CTO’s director of marketing for the Americas, said, “The winners today were recognized for their contributions to Caribbean storytelling, as their articles evoked and brought to life highlights of the Caribbean to their readers.”  This is the fourth award Storm has received from the CTO. Previous awards include best online article in North America and twice Canadian travel writer of the year. Storm’s other Caribbean honours include excellence in Caribbean travel writing from the Travel Media Association of Canada.

Upon hearing of the award, Eric Kite, USAID Guyana acting mission director, said, “USAID Guyana would like to congratulate Theresa Storm on winning the CTO’s 2011 Caribbean Media Award for Best Photograph in Conjunction with a Feature Article.  We are proud that USAID Guyana’s sponsorship of ecotourism allows skilled journalists like Theresa to introduce the incredible beauty of Guyana to the world.”

Indranauth Haralsingh, director of the GTA, added, “The Guyana Tourism Authority would like to congratulate Ms. Theresa Storm on winning this prestigious award. The photo captures the bond between Diane and otters at Karanambu – a haven for wildlife. Her winning photo will help to showcase and promote Karanambu and Guyana as an untamed wildlife destination.”

Storm also thanks WestJet, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts — The Fairmont Royal York, and the Caribbean Tourism Organization for making it possible to travel to Toronto to accept the award.

To see more photos from this trip, see the online gallery: www.calgaryherald.com/technology/Photo+gallery+Guyana+natural+bounty/3475346/story.html.

For an abbreviated version of the article, see www.delta-optimist.com/technology/Caring+animals+Karanambu/3892257/story.html.

Notably, the most oil-reliant aspect of the travel industry is air travel; projected to comprise roughly 4% of total man-made carbon emissions in the world by 2012.

Obviously, air travel holds some room for improvement – not to mention the various other aspects of travel, including lodging, transportation and economics – as it represents the vast majority of travel means for most travelers (business and leisure).

Add to this the consistently-fragile state of affairs for the airline businesses (labor issues, increasing fees, rampant profit loss/bankruptices), increasing road congestion, delays and rising fuel costs, and travelers are quickly moving toward rail as their travel means of choice.

According to International Rail, more and more travelers are opting for train trips throughout Europe, Asia and North America – resulting in a net worth of $208 billion for the global rail industry – as an increase in investment has allowed for shortened trip times and more high-speed, modern trains.

“Even though we are in difficult economic times in the developed markets of Europe and the U.S., rail travel is a resilient sector and continues to grow in popularity,” said Rod Maton, Chairman of International Rail Ltd.

The global increase in rail travel coincides with the boom in international tourism, which grew by almost five percent in the first half of 2011, totalling a new record of 440 million arrivals – 19 million more than the same period for 2010, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

“At International Rail Ltd this year we have been able to offer the travel trade, our corporate partners and the consumer much more access to many of the railway systems across the world and we know that having access to timetables, the ability to book instantly and having the security of your rail booking before travel are all major selling points,” said Maton.

“With this type of information now available for Korea, Russia and Vietnam to name a few, rail travel can now be easily considered and booked here in the UK,” he added, noting further that “the growth in bookings reflects the fact that more of us are travelling and also that the easier it gets to book, the more customers will book.”

In the effort to further promote such diligence, hard work and commitment to building a better planet, TerraCurve’s “Social Sphere Round-Up” will highlight some of the day’s best and brightest for all to enjoy.

1. LEED building design now safe for flying creatures, too – sustainablog.org
2. VIDEO: Financial Meltdown, Peak Oil, Global Warming – Are We in a Crisis of Civilization? – treehugger.com
3. Oh, great: Laptop’s Wi-Fi Might Cause Male Fertility Problems – mashable.com
4. In honor of World Aids Day, learn about the 10 Greatest HIV Discoveries of 2011 – advocate.com

In the effort to further promote such diligence, hard work and commitment to building a better planet, TerraCurve’s “Social Sphere Round-Up” will highlight some of the day’s best and brightest for all to enjoy.

1. Can green building design save taxpayer money? - inhabitat.com
2. Is poisonous BPA lurking in our canned goods? - thegoodhuman.com
3. Learn why the Koch brothers and Exxon spread lies about climate change - treehugger.com

In the effort to further promote such diligence, hard work and commitment to building a better planet, TerraCurve’s “Social Sphere Round-Up” will highlight some of the day’s best and brightest for all to enjoy.

1. Climate change sets sight on New York – AboutMyPlanet.com
2. Perhaps the best dog house ever – dothegreenthing.com
3. Is the Mitsubisihii iEV the most fuel-efficent car ever? - inhabitat.com
4. Crucial farmland is disappearing – sustainablog.org
5. Severe weather and climate change go hand in hand – aboutmyplanet.com
6. In 2010 alone Americans generated nearly 250 million tons of trash - earth911.com
7. Eating, shopping locally makes a big difference – greenforall.org

A while back, I wrote a post that focused a bit on how America’s obsession with dumb dictates our means of entertainment; what we watch, read and in turn believe is indicative of who we are as a modern culture.

Which is why – for me, anyway – it is altogether refreshing when television programming that seeks to inform, enlighten, inspire and educate while, of course, entertaining even the harshest critic is offered to a national audience.

A few years back, the BBC’s Planet Earth debuted on The Discovery Channel to dropped-jaws and subsequent stellar ratings across the country, followed by its inevitable and equally successful sequel, Blue Planet. The programs – each a beautifully rendered tale of life, beauty and chaos in the natural world – offered high-definition glimpses into the ever-changing landscape of life outside the human realm and highlighted the plight faced by some of the world’s most delicate and endangered creatures and places alike.

Filmed over several years by some of the foremost researchers, scientists and filmmakers in the world, the films were emotionally, mentally and visually spell-binding; they intelligently spoke to the viewers’ mind, heart and soul in ways never seen before on the small screen.

Unfortunately, intelligence doesn’t sell too well in this market.

Over the past few weeks, television-watchers and would-be wildlife and nature enthusiasts in Europe have been treated to the newest installment in BBC’s line up – the seven-partFrozen Planet series. The series – which is said to beautifully document life at the world’s Arctic regions – took four years to create and is scheduled to air in the U.S. in 2012.

According to series producer Vanessa Berlowitz, Frozen Planet is “our last chance to record these astonishing wildernesses that have existed untouched by humans for millennia and that, within a century, may change beyond recognition.

But as it turns out, the BBC and The Discovery Channel have opted to NOT air the program’s final episode centered around the unfortunately controversial subject of climate change – in which narrator Sir David Attenborough goes “on location, talking to the camera in his own measured words about shrinking glaciers, warming oceans and the threat posed by man-made global warming” [The Guardian] –  due to a “scheduling issue.”

Because, of course, The Discovery Channel – what with it’s ground-breaking, “scientific” programming, including such national mainstays and ratings-juggernauts as Auction Kings, American Chopper, Dirty Jobs, Dirty Money, Carfellas, American Guns, Sons of Guns, Swamp Brothers, Swamp Loggers and Gold Rush: Alaska – just couldn’t fit the one climate change-centric episode of Frozen Planet into their scheduled programming for the entire year of 2012.

“It’s a bit like pressing the stop button on Titanic just as the iceberg appears,” a representative with Greenpeace told The Telegraph. “Climate change is the most important part of the polar story, the warming in the Arctic can’t be denied, it’s changing the environment there in ways that are making experts fearful for the future.”

Given the immense scale of the Frozen Planet series and the Arctic regions’ directly-affected ties to climate change, one would think that Discovery – should they be more interested in actually discovery than entertainment – would consider airing the episode a tremendous opportunity to bring the subject of climate change to the forefront of the viewing American public.

Instead, they opted to shorten the series by nixing what could possibly be its most important scientific “takeaway” from the production while making room for more televised nonsense that has little-to-no bearing on our world yet speaks volumes on where we have gone as a culture.

“Air transport needs fuel that is safe, used in an environmentally responsible manner, with a reliable supply and at reasonable cost,” said Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO in an address to the IATA Fuel Forum, taking place in Paris, France.

Tyler noted the creation of a manual of global standards for fuel supply, storage and provision as an example of what can be achieved when stakeholders work together.

“Safety always comes first. Recent incidents involving fuel contamination show the need for systems and processes that keep the fuel supply safe,” he said. “Working together with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Air Transport Association (ATA) we are producing the first manual of global standards for fuel supply, storage and provision though the ICAO processes.”

“This is a true innovation in how we manage fuel with standards, best practices and procedures to safeguard quality throughout the fuel supply chain—from the refinery to when it is delivered into the aircraft.”

Tyler urged similar cooperation on environment and commercial issues.

Emission reduction remains a huge hurdle

According to Tyler, airlines “are responsible for 2% of global man-made CO2 emissions. Aviation must be sustainable. Sustainability is our license to grow and provide the connectivity that has turned our planet into a global community.”

Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO

“We have embraced this with commitments to improve fuel efficiency by 1.5% annually to 2020, cap net emissions from 2020 and cut net emissions in half by 2050 compared to 2005 levels,” said Tyler.

Tyler cited the importance of introducing sustainable biofuels to this effort.

“Sustainable biofuels are safe, approved and airlines are using them for commercial flights. With the potential to cut aviation’s carbon footprint by up to 80% over the lifecycle of the fuel, sustainable biofuels have the potential to be a game changer. But they are still expensive and supply is limited. In other words, we need to commercialize them.

“There is an opportunity for both our traditional suppliers and new entrants to engage in this exciting development. We need to work together and speak with a common voice.  That is the way to convince governments to provide the right policies to develop a sustainable aviation biofuel industry.”

Tyler outlined six steps for governments to promote the successful commercialization of sustainable biofuels:

1. Foster research into new feedstock sources and refining processes
2. De-risk public and private investments in aviation biofuels
3. Provide incentives for airlines to use biofuels from an early stage
4. Encourage stakeholders to commit to robust international sustainability criteria
5. Make the most of local green growth opportunities
6. Encourage coalitions encompassing all parts of the supply chain.

“Such policies would help increase volumes and drive down costs—exactly what is needed to move forward. And at this time of global uncertainty, it makes sense for governments to invest in sustainable biofuels that will increase energy self-sufficiency and create jobs in the green economy,” said Tyler.

For more, read the full speech here.

The video below is just one of those things that will force anyone to sit transfized in front of their screen for a few minutes and revel in the wonder that is the world we live upon.

Seeing something like this, it is hard not to ponder the triviality of and meaning of our own humanity.

The video itself was “shot with a low-light camera on board the International Space Station between August and October, 2011.”

Digital editing by Michael König and music by Jan Jelinek.

Enjoy.

Earth | Time Lapse View from Space, Fly Over | NASA, ISS from Michael König on Vimeo.

In the effort to further promote such diligence, hard work and commitment to building a better planet, TerraCurve’s “Social Sphere Round-Up” will highlight some of the day’s best and brightest for all to enjoy.

Capitalism and solar subsidies go hand-in-hand – treehugger.com
Does tourism affect human rights? – travelmole.com

In the effort to further promote such diligence, hard work and commitment to building a better planet, TerraCurve’s “Social Sphere Round-Up” will highlight some of the day’s best and brightest for all to enjoy.

• Climate change is responsible for threatening rain patterns all over the world – aboutmyplanet.com
• Where can you recycle YOUR electronics? – inhabitat.com
• Cool infographic: How many cars were recycled last year? – sustainablog.org
• How to know whether or not you’ve been greenwashed – thegoodhuman.com
• LEED Holiday Inn & Suites wins “Best Hotel” in Columbia – ecogreenhotel.com
• Sustainable development through volunteering – yourtravelchoice.org

In the effort to further promote such diligence, hard work and commitment to building a better planet, TerraCurve’s “Social Sphere Round-Up” will highlight some of the day’s best and brightest for all to enjoy.

• Why aren’t there deposits on all beverage containers? – thegoodhuman.com
• Shoppers can try a bunch of green products at once – sustainableisgood.com
• Go green this turkey-day with the Ecofabulous guide to Thanksgiving – ecofabulous.com
• Be kind to animals – even the one’s you are trying to kill for sport – greenmuze.com

The program – called Hariyo Ban (or “green forests” in Nepali) – is  funded by USAID and led by WWF in partnership with a consortium of leading conservation organizations in Nepal (CARE, the Federation of Community Forestry Users in Nepal (FECOFUN) and the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC).

“Recognizing the inseparable link between climate change and development, USAID is proud to lead President Obama’s vision for global development that includes the Global Climate Change Initiative,” said Ms. Patricia Mahoney, Chargé d’affaires, US Embassy.

“This initiative promotes strategic efforts to build lasting resilience against climate impacts, reduce deforestation and land degradation, foster low-carbon growth, and promote sustainable societies, thus, meeting the adaptation and mitigation needs of developing countries like Nepal.”

Confronting a danger

Today, over 10 million people are vulnerable to the impacts of climate change in Nepal.

Glacier retreat in the Himalayas has increased the risk of glacier lake outburst floods, which could have devastating consequences for downstream communities, infrastructure, property and wild animals. Increasingly intense and frequent forest fires, floods and landslides also threaten biodiversity and livelihoods in the region.

The increasingly unpredictable weather patterns include warmer and drier winters, drought, changes in the monsoon rain patterns, and more intense precipitation events. In the mountains the warmer, drier winters with limited snowfall and rain in the last few years have affected winter crops and contributed to food shortages. In the low-lying Terai more intense flash floods and cold spells are destroying crops, and severe flooding has resulted in temporary displacement of people.

Meanwhile, changes in temperature and rainfall are creating favorable environments for pests, diseases and invasive species to emerge, spread and encroach in agricultural and forest lands and cause loss of biodiversity.

Water resources are affected, with direct impacts on wetlands, the availability and quality of fresh water, water recharge systems for irrigation and hydro-power, as well as the risk of increased floods, droughts and landslides. The most sensitive sectors are agriculture, forestry, water and energy, health, urban and infrastructure, tourism, industry, and overall livelihoods and economy.

Building on success

Hariyo Ban will help build resilience to climate change in communities and ecosystems by restoring and protecting Nepal’s forests. It will also improve the livelihoods of some of Nepal’s most impoverished communities.

The program aims to reduce over 1 million metric tons of CO2 emissions in the target landscapes. It will also help improve the livelihoods of 180,000 people; improve the management of 124,000 acres of forest; and generate revenue from Payments for Environmental Services.

“This ambitious project recognizes that forests are the true wealth of Nepal, as forests not only support the livelihoods of millions of people and provide a safe haven for endangered species but also are vital to combat the impacts of climate change,” said Judy Oglethorpe, the Chief of Party for Hariyo Ban. “For WWF, this project also marks a return to the world famous Annapurna Conservation Area, which was created through the pioneering efforts of the late Mingma Sherpa and Dr. Chandra Gurung, both of WWF.”

Hariyo Ban will build on the successes of past conservation initiatives in the Terai Arc Landscape in southern Nepal, which is the biggest and most ambitious landscape level conservation site in Nepal, and the new Chitwan-Annapurna Linkage, which links the high Himalayas to the Terai.

“Nepal is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world and the Government of Nepal welcomes the efforts being made by Hariyo Ban,” said Mr. Deependra Bahadur Kshetry, Vice-Chairman of the National Planning Commission.

“The year 2011 is being celebrated as the International Year of Forests and the theme ‘Forests for People’ also complements the goals of Hariyo Ban, which is expected to bring positive results to the people and environment of Nepal.”

For more information, visit www.worldwildlife.org.

In the effort to further promote such diligence, hard work and commitment to building a better planet, TerraCurve’s “Social Sphere Round-Up” will highlight some of the day’s best and brightest for all to enjoy.

1. Keystone Pipeline victory a step in the right direction – greenforall.org
2. Irreversible Climate Change Within Five Years If We Don’t Act Now - thegoodhuman.com
3. Smart grid standards: a quick guide – by Chris King, gigaom.com
4. ‘Intelligent’ wind turbines could produce more, break down less – greenbang.com
5. Future flights get powered by…cooking oil? – greenpacks.org
6. GO Activities brings offline retail touch to tours and activities –  tnooz.com

For anyone not paying attention, Virgin Atlantic is largely known for having carried out the airline industry’s first biofuel flight nearly four years ago and is known as a trailblazer in the field of sustainable development in travel transportation.

Now, the company is partnering with New Zealand-based clean energy company LanzaTech who is busy perfecting the technology to convert waste gases such as carbon monoxide from steel, aluminium and other industrial plants to ethanol which is then converted into jet fuel using technology developed by yet another business partner, Swedish BioFuels – one of the only companies in the world that can convert ethanol into drop-in jet fuels.

LanzaTech estimates that the conversion process can be retrofitted to 65% of the world’s steel mills, allowing the fuel to be sourced on a worldwide basis. In addition, it can be used in other metals processing and chemical industries, as well as coal-fired power stations. Branson claims that even if just applied to steel mills, around 15 billion gallons of jet fuel could be produced annually, representing around 20% of current global jet fuel consumption.

According to Branson, LanzaTech’s industrial waste gases to fuel technology is the most exciting of the biofuel breakthroughs to date. He is planning a demonstration flight in 12-18 months time, and expects to begin using the new jet fuel on operations from India and China to London within three years.

Although Virgin’s exact role in the venture has still to be determined, the airline will help facilitate the certification, sustainability criteria and commercial development of the product.

In a recent statement, Virgin Atlantic noted that its “partnership with LanzaTech and the use of jet biofuels in regular commercial operations will take the airline beyond its pledge of a 30% carbon reduction per passenger-km by 2020.”

“The investment in renewable fuels is part of our wider programme to reduce carbon through measures such as using new, more fuel-efficient aircraft and supporting a global cap and trade scheme through our involvement in the Aviation Global Deal group,” it added.

For more, visit http://changeisintheair.virginatlantic.com.