Eco Holidays

posted by Catherine on Oct 7

Nobody likes paying for a car park – but you aren’t paying for the parking bay!

We seem to get so annoyed about paying a few pounds for a parking space – particularly if we aren’t going to be a long time there – but we should turn this thing on it’s head if we want to be eco about it!

Don’t forget – there is a car park right where you are becasue there is a reason you want to be right where you are – and usually so do a whole load of other people.

It is usually a beauty spot, close to a historic building, the coast, a river, a church, museum, or some other natural or man-made feature which you want to visit.

However, why is that feature still there and so beautiful and clean – and why is that car park there and litter-free?

The Car Park:
Needless to say the car park is there because of the nearby feature – having possibly evolved over time from a grass verge, to a layby, to a proper carpark – and no doubt has been ‘taken over’ by a local group or national company or charity.

So, why do you think it is still there today?

Because someone has been looking after it!  Most likely somebody or some group have been keeping it tidy and litter-free, mowing the grass, removing trees or large hedges to keep this space clear for cars. 

They may well have altered the road-side entrance to prevent car damage on high kerbs or to eliminate congestion or to reduce the risk of dangerous parking on the road or near junctions, etc.

Now, don’t you think that they should be paid for their efforts?  They have made sure that you can easily park close to the castle you want to visit; they have helped keep clear land close to the footpath you want to use to get to the beach; they have put up signs to inform you of the local amenities and historic landmarks. 

They may well have made it accessible for wheelchairs and prams for example – or put in raised walkways, sign posts and even something as basic as footpaths.

Sometimes they are only asking for 50p or a £1 for their efforts.  But for some of the larger sites this could be £2 or more for the whole day as there is more to do there.

The Thing You Went To See:
Now, say that these people didn’t bother to create you a nearby parking space.  You would have to park some distance away from that church or castle, or there is nowhere close by to park at all and so you will not be able to visit where ever you are hoping to go without enduring a really long walk or bus ride instead!

And, some of these beauty spots don’t even need to be open to the public at all!  They may well be on private land where the landowners have granted permission for visitors to park there on the premise that they pay a small fee for the privilege to help maintain the gardens/house/landmark etc.

Basically the reason you want to park here is because there is something close by that interests you and makes you drive all the way to the car park in the first place.

So what harm is there is paying for your experience?  If you want this beauty spot to be here every time you come here – then surely someone has got to pay for it to be maintained and staffed as necessary.

You can’t afford to pay for the whole thing yourself – or look after it yourself – so why not pay a small contribution towards a company or charity that can.

That way – everytime you come here – you get to see something beautiful.

It Was Free Before!
I know we seem to have to pay for everything these days – but that is because we now realise the damage we were doing before by NOT doing anything.

Erosion of land by inappropriate or non-existant footpaths; plant damage by over-grazing – or not grazing at all; damage to buildings or structures where no guidelines or safety information were in place; and all manner of things that were ‘fine’ 20 years ago are no longer deemed so.

And installing footpaths, lighting, information, safety wardens, flocks of livestock, car park attendants, information kiosks, litter bins, blah, blah, blah – they cannot possibly be done for free.

So you may well have been ‘coming here for 35 years’ – but now we are improving the site and correcting the damage from people like you who have been using the site for the past 35 years – possibly without a care for the future.

We Are All Individuals!
Now I’m not saying that everyone who goes anywhere is going to deliberately cause damage – but 35 years ago, no-one in their right mind would even think about picking up their dog poop in the countryside!

Infact even today – when people are paying for the honour of parking so close to a natural landscape like a river or steep valley – they still think it is OK to drop litter!

It amazes me that people still drop litter anywhere anyway – let alone drive all the way to a delightful countryside carpark near something amazing to drop it there.

But then I suppose if they brought a ticket – at least they are paying someone to pick it up for them afterwards!

posted by Catherine on Oct 1

Your dad may well have got something right on those old family road trips!

You know the story – waiting for hours while your dad planned out everything, checked the car over and generally (from your side anyway) delayed the whole ‘leaving’ thing.

However, he could actually have been saving you a whole bunch of time and been protecting the environment along the way?

Planning ahead can really make all the difference to a smooth and eco friendly road trip – and avoid unnecessary waste!

So, maybe it’s time to take a leaf out of his book!

The Journey:
Getting yourself a good map of the main roads from your home to the places you hope to visit is the best starting point.

Not only can you see the quickest route between any 2 points on the main roads, but you can also see any beauty spots or trouble spots before you even think about the journey.

Driving during rush hour also needs to be avoided – but not at the cost of country lanes and the associated extra mileage, gear changes and potential hazards.  Maybe plan the time you travel rather than just the route!

photo credit: YayAdrian

Even knowing where the main services are can save resources.  If you know how much fuel you use over a certain distance than plan to find a services in advance.  If you leave it to low and get caught in traffic or have to follow a diversion – you could then have to divert again and stress yourself out looking for a fill-up!

The Vehicle:
Find out your best driving speed in your chosen vehicle to make sure that you reduce the cost of fuel and add stress to your journey by worrying about be overtaken all the time.  By setting yourself a target speed – you can focus on the journey itself rather than the hi-speed politics of the road.

Also, by distributing the weight in and on your vehicle to best suit the car you can reduce friction and drag on the vehicle making your car move more efficiently and safely in adverse weather or high speeds. 

Find out whether a roof rack is better or worse for bikes than a rear-mounted fixture, or whether luggage is better situated inside the car – like an extra person – crammed in the boot, or spread out over the top of the car in an ergonomic rook box.

If you only have a small vehicle and a long journey ahead of you – then hiring larger equipment when you arrive may actually be more eco friendly than carrying the extra weight of your own things for miles only to use them once!

The People:
By making sure that everyone has a part to play in the journey can make the whole thing easier on everyone.

If you plan to avoid sitting in traffic (or know alternative routes incase) and plan and tell everyone about regular toilet breaks and food stops – then there is no need for that ‘emergency’ diversion looking for services.

Make sure that younger travellers have plenty of things to keep them occupied – or travel at night to avoid added problems.  Ideally keep and adult in the back too; not only can they help with any kiddie-related problems without the driver having to take their eyes off the road or pull over – but you can keep the kids apart for the ride – reducing squabbles!

Also, make sure that whatever helps the driver to stay awake (regular stops, loud music, sugary food) is planned in to the journey and everyone is accepting of that need.  That way the driver won’t feel guilty about stopping and risk going that bit too far between breaks or driving faster to make up time!

The End!

posted by Catherine on Sep 25

Rather than plan to drive to a cute English village, or rural retreat - hop on a train!

You might have read my previous article about getting by without a car – it wasn’t a happy ending!  However, I have found a great reason to leave the car at home:

Rail Travel.

Instead of just using the train to get to work along with a few hundred other commuters early in the morning – I used the train to go to Paris for the weekend!

When you take into account the environmental cost of driving myself for miles across the countryside on windy stop-start lanes to an out of the way cottage – it was better to hop on a train which was already going the way I wanted!

To Paris We Went!
Well, lets be honest – the train was leaving the main Ebbsfleet International Station with or without me – so I wasn’t really costing the Earth any more carbon than it was already going to create on its short journey under the Channel!

photo credit: Whiternoise<

I know that a full train uses more electricity than an empty train – but still not as much energy as with everyone driving on their own.  And anyway; if you could ever find those 4 more people to share your car journey to that little secluded hotel for your break to save emissions – then it won’t be a secluded little hotel anymore!  It would be virtually full!

And, this little trip was so fast, that I arrived in France in no longer than it would have taken me to get from home down to the West Country to that hidden village – and it was more comfortable – and there was no traffic to sit in!

I still got to see all the rolling countryside of both the UK and abroad without having to worry about which side of the road I was on or whether there were any speed bumps in the road!  I just enjoyed the ride!

Be Eco Civilised:
So, maybe public transport for my shorter journeys was a complete disaster – but for longer trips it really gets the thumbs up!  I mean, you can hop on a train close to home and get just about anywhere!

Whether you arrive at the Caledonian Sleeper platform at Kings Cross to stay in a highland castle, or depart from the St Pancras Europe platform for a vineyard chateau – you won’t be disappointed.

On the long distance trains you get to buy your tickets in advance and choose your seating – and there is plenty of legroom!  There is no need to stand in the doorways either holding onto a post for dear life – it is like stepping into a hotel to some extent.

You are greeted at the desk or on boarding; your seats are clean, buffet cart is as standard – and sometimes meals are even included.  There are power points onboard, toilets are clean and the windows are huge!

There is no 2 hour check-in and security checks at every turn – and there is no need to stop for petrol or oil checks – and there is no chance at all of getting lost!

All that time and effort saved or reduced compared to other forms of transport only highlights train travel as the most eco friendly long-distance overland travel option.

What Else?
Well, due to the demands of many – there can be a certain commercial aspect surrounding the whole experience – but this doesn’t have to count against it.

For example, taking Ashford International Station as an example, these large commuter areas have started to cater for your every need – including huge shopping centres. Ashford has a huge shopping complex attached to the rail link with food, clothes and all sorts of consumables that shoppers demand in such places.  And you just need to glance at the St Pancras website (stpancras-international.co.uk) to see the terminal facilities you can use while waiting for your train!

And without these large commercial buildings – some eco friendly projects just wouldn’t get the money for their developments.  Without the financial input of large companies paying rent to these places – they just wouldn’t get built!  So go easy on the fast food chain next time you are passing, or buy your book for the journey from inside the station – as it is these companies that are funding your exciting journey!

Bon Voyage!

posted by Catherine on Sep 20

Taking that trip into London, Paris, New York or Cologne could be greener than staying at home!

When we stay home, we travel in our cars – usually alone – and get about in our own little worlds.  However, living the city life can mean taking advantage of all the communal transportation available – and becoming a bit less carbon-heavy along the way!

We all know that cities cater for thousands of people every day and so their shared resources can work out cheaper and easier than traveling by car – for example catching the train into the city itself (maybe as part of some long-distance rail tour package) and then using buses, underground, bikes or boats to get around when you are there.

City streets are usually vehicle restricted, and parking it tightly controlled – and on the other hand cities can be very pedestrian friendly.  I certainly wouldn’t drive into London or New York if I could help it!

Free Up Some Time:
If you know that you are going to travel straight into the heart of a city for a few days, then you know that leaving your car at home gives you 1 less thing to worry about – and could free you up some valuable vacation time.

You won’t have to worry about parking times, parking costs or getting to the right place on time – you can just leave all your things at your hotel and head straight out into the streets – and you can usually buy an all-day travel pass so that you can hop on and off public transport whenever you want and wherever you want!

This way, you can make a lot more out of your vacation without having to worry about putting more money in the meter or running up huge ‘all day parking’ fees – or worse: a parking ticket or a towing fee!

Alternative Travel:
And it’s not all just buses and trains – you may also be able to take advantage or travel by other means like city bus tours, canal boats, river barges, horse and car - or even gondolas!

Just because back home you opt for the sensible transport types – when abroad there are other viable options – making your trip more enjoyable and allowing you a different view of the place at the same time.

Imagine viewing Paris from a great riverboat, touring New York to the sound of horse’s hooves or peacefully floating down a canal under clear skies!

And sometimes a tour aimed at tourists can be a real travel gem!  Sometimes they travel to places that other transport links can’t go; and they might give you lots of information that an ordinary bus or boat trip. So even if you don’t want to ‘be’ a tourist all the time – sometimes it’s just worth the extra effort to get more out of your journey.

Planning Your Transport:
There are 2 ways to plan your transport – and there is no harm in doing a bit of both for your trip.

Plan in advance for the main journeys and for specific things you ‘really’ want to do.  Your main train tour across Europe would be best planned way ahead so that you get the best travel deal and find out if you can actually visit all the places you want to go in the time given.

It also allows you to find out if any of the places or things you want to see have a booking system or are closed for refurbishment or whatever.  There is nothing worse than not finding these things out until you have arrived – especially if you find out that if you had got there the day before……

Planning other things can wait until you are there!  Why not choose a last-minute trip around that church or park? 

If you want some inspiration about a certain city – why not visit one of the many city websites or tour guide sites or travel search engines like CityGuideTours.com to research some bus tours, cruise tour deals, general transport information or that something different!

Happy Hunting!

posted by Catherine on Sep 18

Time To Find Out If A Change Really Is As Good As A Break?

Rather than wait until your vacations to have a break, why not try a few little things alongside your everyday life to make things a little less stressful and a bit more down to earth.

We all get a bit absorbed by the ‘every day’ things than we need to and sometimes just a little pause or a small change can give us something else to focus on a give our bodies a chance to relax and ‘catch-up’ with ourselves.

And why not give these little ‘daycations’ an eco twist!

1) Switch Off:
Literally switch off everything that isn’t your fridge!

This means anything connected to work, the internet, the tv or any music and DVD’s – switch off the lights, the radio, the kettle, the oven – the lot.

Give yourself a peaceful day by yourself or with your partner (as long as they are switched off too!)

photo credit: *SJR*

Imagine the home-made picnic in the park with soft drinks rather than coffees; the walk along the beach with a pub lunch; the evening in the garden reading a good book; and finally – the candlelight bath.

If you aren’t at work or on call – make sure that they can’t contact you for a really relaxing day; same with the social networking – do you really need to know that your distant friend has ‘had a great night out’ or has ‘only 3 more days’ until something they don’t tell you about?

2) Take Your Time:
Just because you have the weekend off, doesn’t mean you have to fill up your days with the boring things that you think you must do – find things you have always wanted to do but were always in ‘too much of a hurry’ to do.

For example; you always drive past that lovely farmers market in town, but then worry about the parking and where you have to be next.  Well, if you are taking a daycation – then go to that market, and make sure you have nothing planned afterwards.  Catch the bus or train in so the parking isn’t a worry and plan to make a day of it so you can really explore the place.

Go alone so that you aren’t tempted to go to places you didn’t really want to go, or keep stopping for drinks, or rush around as they have their own plans.  It’s your day – so do your thing.

3) Try Something New:
Take something small that you have always wanted to do or try and see how you can fit it in.

For example, make a point of going to Salsa lessons just once a week or volunteering at a local organisation for just a few hours a week.  If you plan something then it will make it easier to stick to.

Maybe there is a book you always wanted to read, language to learn, special meal to prepare or whatever – make a date real soon for it – and stick to it.  Once you have done it you’ll wonder what was ever stopping you before.

Many people feel that they haven’t got time for something new as they get home from work tired and feel that just crashing in front of the tv with a bar of chocolate or a glass of wine (or both) is the way they can wind down – but many people really do find that something different – even if really lively – can help you to forget work and feel great about yourself.

There is always more time in the day than you think – you just have use it wisely!

posted by Catherine on Sep 16

Travelling around Costa Rica on your next eco adventures couldn’t be easier!

Forget internal flights when you are visiting this amazing country (or any other country in Central or South America) – you need to be on the ground to see the best bits first-hand.

Seeing the top of a cloud forest from way up in the sky or a winding river out the corner of a window is no way to really get a feel for this luscious, verdant and wildlife-filled location. You need to be on the (probably bumpy) road or floating on a murky alligator-filled lake or river – interacting with the landscape!

From Experience:
Having spent a month travelling around this amazing country myself (can you tell I loved it?) I have decided that not only is ground transportation more eco-friendly anyway – but it gets you more involved with the country you are visiting in the first place and can lead to some one-off experiences.

Rather than the immediate (and cocooned) straight from A to B; indirect travel brought me the following:

1) Stopping off to find 6 semi-tame macaws in the trees above us,
2) Watching a boa constrictor eating a huge green iguana,
3) Finding a ginormous Leaf-Cutter Ant’s nest the size of my kitchen!
4) Viewing a grumbling volcano while powering across a huge man-made lake,
5) Having to ask for directions to a hotel in bad French (I asked a tourist by mistake),
6) Stopping to watch a family of 6 coatis (take their time) crossing the road,
7) Getting to eat roadside snacks and fruit from the fields whenever we felt like it!

Long Or Short:
It’s not just the short journeys that can be taken by road, rail or river – longer rides can be organised too.  Many buses head out of Costa Rica into Nicaragua and Panama – as well as the long-haul buses that start and end in Mexico.

You can choose local transport with every else crammed on with you – including local people, animals and other tourists (which are very reliable considering the roads and numbers of people using them) – however, if they are full when they arrive at your stop (and I mean full to bursting) – you won’t get a ride.  And some buses only come through once or twice a day!

However, we mostly opted for the semi-private buses (which varied from giant trucks to personal taxis) to get around.  Not only did these ‘buses’ collect you virtually from your accommodation, but they collected other people too and generally stopped at main hubs all over the place for food and sights.

We were crammed on a minibus from San Jose, but on arriving at a half-way stop for yummy local food, we were divided up and we alone got onto a truck all the way up to the mountains.  The others headed off in their directions in other versions of transport.  On the way down 2 weeks later, we were with about 6 others, in the oldest mini-bus I’ve ever seen - but on splitting up at the side of the road (somewhere deserted), we got in the back of a lovely air-conditioned taxi all the way to Samara beach: perfect! 

Costa Rica Vacations:
In general, any trip to Costa Rica should be a travelling holiday!  It would be such a waste to just arrive in one location and stay there the whole time before heading home!

There are so many different landscapes and climates in this varied country that you need to move about a bit to see them all!  We had a month and visited 3 different regions – but we need to go back!

We don’t like name-dropping trips though (“I’ve been to A,B and C yesterday and whizzing through D and E tomorrow”) – we like to savour the moment – so “2 weeks in A, 10 Days in B and staying in C for a week” is more our preferred conversation.  D and E will just have to wait!

Hopefully not too long!

posted by Catherine on Sep 4

Can I really get through a month without my car?

I spent the past month using public transport instead of a car to see if it was a practical option for the outdoor types.

I was not adverse to traveling any routes, any time or any type of transport – but I needed to get to work and to a few outdoor events along the way.

I physically got rid of the car for the 4 weeks too so that there was no temptation, and told all my friends and family so they all knew my reasons.

Then it began.

The Scenario:
I currently live in Town A, and I work just outside Town B (which is around 10 miles away).  I live with my partner and we are both ‘outdoor types’.  A friend lives 25 minutes walk up the road, but everyone else lives in Town B.

I am right next to a train station at home, but my work is 3 miles away from a train station, and there are various buses that travel within a 30 minute walk of my work from both Town A and Town B.

I like to volunteer in the countryside, visit a few reserves and go for lovely outdoor walks.  I also like to visit my friends across the county.

Problem 1:
Straight away there was a problem – I had to get to a work meeting for 8.30am – and there was no bus at that time – it seems that country buses work on a timetable that nobody can work out!  So favour number 1 came into action: borrow someone’s car!

In addition to this, I also had to travel on the trains during peak times – so not only was the train packed to the brim with business types, but I had to pay an extra £2 to stand up all the way there – while cowering under some gentlemans armpit for the 30 minute ride!

Problem 2:
I had a training day in the middle of nowhere for the Wildlife Trust.  And although the organisers were very happy to arrange a car share – I would have had to have caught the train to the nearest car to share – in rush hour, changing 3 times and costing £22 return!  Needless to say I decided to decline the event. 

It wasn’t the first event I couldn’t get to without incurring huge costs.

Problem 3:
Well, this was another big one, as everytime a friend wanted to meet up with me – we had to arrange to travel in their car. 

Whether I walked to theirs or caught a bus or train to a meeting place – they had to drive me around like a taxi.  And it didn’t feel too nice either.

It seemed as though I was avoiding using my car by using their instead!  Yes, we were technically car sharing – but we would have been doing that anyway when we met up!

Problem 4:
The shopping was beginning to become a hassle – and I don’t just mean the food shopping.

Yes, I could walk to town and get bit’s a bobs – but nothing too big, as I couldn’t carry it.  Planning the order in which I brought things also added an extra angle to shopping as I had to make sure I brought all the small things first leaving the heaviest things till last.

However, anything too big or bulky was out.  For example I was hoping to get a large fish tank from a car boot sale or the local paper, but there was no way I could go an collect it myself.

With all shopping there was the option to have things delivered to me by other people – but it all added to the cost and sometimes greatly increased the time it took to get to me. Sometimes too long or too much!

Problem 5:
We hadn’t really noticed this one until a few weeks in either – but we weren’t going anywhere for fun.

I had spent so long planning just getting to work and the basics, that we realised that we couldn’t even get to the places we loved.  Visiting a local nature reserve, castle, zoo or park was going to be a logistical nightmare!

Not only would we have to carry everything with us – like waterproof and lunch, etc – we would have to mix and match a chain of transport links to do so – and cut our day short as necessary to get home before the last bus!

And, I wasn’t able to combine journeys as before.  Going to and from work was virtually an A to B then B to A pattern.  Usually on the way home from work I might do the shopping or visit a friend, etc – this wasn’t possible anymore. 

My route to work didn’t really pass by anywhere of any use so either a separate bus ride or a long walk were needed to add anything on to the day – and it was already an extra 2/3 hours a day just doing the basics as it was!

Problem 6:
The money was becoming a key factor too.  I don’t mind spending a bit extra for the more eco friendly options – but over £150 a month just for work.

This obviously didn’t include all the days out I wasn’t having – but there was all the little extras spent on treating all the people who were giving me a lift here and there.  Well, I couldn’t just take lifts for free – so I ended up buying lunch for someone or offering them a few pounds here and there.

Infact, I even started walking everywhere to save money – putting myself out and adding hours onto my day to stem the endless trickle of money from my account!

Or declining lifts and days out with people to avoid having to ‘owe’ people favours!

Solutions?
Well the only way I am going to be able to survive without a car is if I change my lifestyle and get myself a different job!

Basically – the outdoor-loving lifestyle with a job in the countryside cannot work with extreme eco friendly travel – unless money was no issue and there were 4 more hours in a day!

posted by Catherine on Aug 24

Make Your Eco Holidays More Eco Friendly By Setting Your House To Work

Rather than leaving your home empty while you go off on your eco holidays – make it work for you – and for the environment.  I mean what’s more of an eco waste than an empty house?

Now we have all heard of ‘house swaps’ – but that means that you have to take your holiday in just the one place – and agree on how long for with the other person – but there are a few more options open to you while you are away.

1) Special Events:
If you live near a well-known location or event – why not coincide your trip to allow you to let out your home for a great price!

It’s not just about the ‘really’ famous places these days either as there a local festivals and events popping up all over the place these days.  Especially if you have a property right in the action – or far from it!

Peak season in the Lake District or the South Coast could be a great time to go away yourself.  Your home would be looked after, secure and making you some funds for next years holiday while you are still enjoying this years!

2) Your Front Garden:
Even before you go away, you could be finding a person who needs a parking space right about where you are living!

Thousands of people drive into work every day looking for that elusive safe parking spot where they won’t get a ticket.  What better place than your front garden!

If you can find a ‘tenent’ for your gravel before you head off then there is always someone visiting and leaving your home everyday while you are away – for added security – and you aren’t wasting that patch of land either!

3) Your Back Garden:
If you are lucky enough to have something great in your garden – like a tennis court, pool or riverbank or whatever – then why not consider ‘renting’ it out while you aren’t there?

Of course you could rent it out while you are at home too – but while you are away those resources are going to be wasted.  So share them out – either free or for a small fee if you like!

People also need a place to camp in small villages or remote footpaths – so maybe a small donation for your unused garden wouldn’t be too much trouble for you – maybe give a share to a neighbour who checks up on things too.

Obviously make sure that everything is safe and secure before leaving and that you are covered on any necessary insurance or health and safety things to cover yourself – as you sometimes need to these days!

Otherwise – enjoy your holidays knowing that they are twice as eco friendly as everyone else’s!

posted by Catherine on Aug 4

You and you kids could help spread the word about green travel by entering these 3 competitions!

The best way to pass on information about something you are passionate about is to put pen to paper, talk to them about them or capture the image - and this is just what these competitions could help you to do.

The first is for under 18 year olds still in education and revolves around the future of forests, the second is for those over 18 about your most memorable travel moment, and the final competition is for you both to show what you see in the environment!

Young Geographer Of The Year 2010:
Have you got something to say about he way we are treating our forests?  About what your local woodland does for your community, your family or the local wildlife? Or just something to say in praise of trees!

Whatever your motivation for entering – it doesn’t matter – it’s what you have to say that counts.

And how you say it is up to you: written, taped, a short documentary or video, photographs – or a combination of whatever media you think will best pass on your meaning to others!

Monkey Running From A Storm

There are 3 different categories depending on your age, and the closing date is October 2010.

PureTravel Writing Competition 2010:
Is there something you want to share with the world that you can tell them in under 500 words?  Something amazing that silenced you?  Something disastrous that made you speak up?

Something with some serious meaning that you think could impress the readers and judges and make a difference to your local area, some distant landscape, an endangered species or a threatened community – or just a funny story that you just can’t forget?

All articles will appear on the PureTravel website and the judges will pick 10 for the public to vote on before choosing a winner!  And your prize could be the inspiration for another great adventure!

WWT Photographic Competition 2010:
Take a moment to visit a wetland centre and try to capture what wildlife means to you today.

Whether it is a close up or a rare animal, a new way of looking at something we think we know so well – or to capture that strange moment in your life that might never be found again!

There are plenty of categories this year – including one that doesn’t have to have been taken in a WWT centre – so there is hope for everyone!  All ages, all themes, all places!

Whichever one you enter – I’m sure you will feel that yours is good enough to be a winner, and why not?  Every experience is real and can make a difference at different levels – whether it’s just in the way we think about things – or whether we manage to change other peoples way of thinking too!

Good Luck!

posted by Catherine on Jul 30

Why wash your toiletries into already polluted water ways when you don’t have to!

By investing in biodegradable toiletries and sunscreen etc, for your trip abroad, you can make sure that your hygiene regime doesn’t damage the ecosystem and that your travel products leave the area as naturally as possible.

I mean – why visit a beautiful place if you are going to ruin it!

What Does Biodegradable Mean?
Biodegradable products are those that will break down readily and quickly into virtually natural particles that can be used again by nature. 

These products also have to ‘break down’ readily in a natural environment – for example when mixed with water, buried in the ground or left exposed to the weather.

Products which are not labelled as biodegradable will also eventually break down into smaller particles – but their products will not be ‘natural’ by any means – and can usually not be used in any way by natural organisms.  And these products are normally harmful to the environment and the animals that live in it.

One example would be a plastic carrier bag.  Yes, it will eventually break up in bad weather or if buried under the ground for a few years – but it will only break down into smaller and smaller pieces of plastic until they are so tiny that they can’t be broken down any further.

So in theory, plastic bags are ‘biodegradable’ in the sense that they won’t be plastic bags for ever!

But, obviously this is not what we mean when we think of biodegradable products – so you really need to rely on manufacturers to tell you that their products are made of natural (or near-natural) ingredients.

The Perfect Rainforest

Biodegradable Labelling:
As with so many assumed categories – there is no specific laws that govern the use of the word ‘biodegradable’ on a product. Basically anyone can use it.

In general the term is used for products that will readily break down into natural particles within 6 months of disposal – and even this is a bit vague.

AND as biodegradable products rely on the natural effects of weather, bacteria and sunlight – eliminating these by incorrect disposal can render them trapped in their complete state!  For example without air – only anaerobic respiration can be used to break products down; and photo-degradation only occurs in sunlight.

Take the human body.  It is made of natural particles and will break down naturally in the environment in most circumstances – but bury in under peat, desiccate it in a desert or trap it in a thick layer of ice and it will be virtually intact thousands of years later!  And we have found entire humans with intact skin and hair all over the world because of this.

So, really you need to aim for more ‘natural products’ – but then again, there is no legal definition for labeling a product as natural!  Oil is natural after all!

The Result:
You can see that the theory of using biodegradable products is 100% eco friendly and can help to reduce our impact on the planets waterways and oceans.

However, the practice part is a little more difficult!

The best you can do really is to think about reducing your dependence on excessive toiletries in the first place.  I mean do your need to remove your nail varnish in the middle of the jungle?  Or style your hair so it doesn’t move all day when trekking up a mountain?

And secondly, look at who is making it.  If a big chemical company is making it – then it probably isn’t the most natural product – no matter what they say!  They know that there is no legal definition for certain things so try to ‘trick’ consumers with flowery pictures and ‘natural sounding’ words.

Basically, if it’s a household name and is found in virtually every supermarket – it won’t be good for the environment!