Ocean Clean-Up has finally begun !

A great ecological project has now become a reality as the Ocean Cleanup deploys its $20 million system designed to reuse and recycle the ocean plastic.
Here is the latest photo:

The floating boom system has been deployed from San Francisco
Bay and will undergo several weeks of testing before being hauled into
action. The system was designed by the nonprofit Ocean Cleanup,
which was founded in 2013 by 18-year-old Dutch inventor Boyan Slat.
Their mission is to develop “advanced technologies to rid the world’s
oceans of plastic.”

The floating boom system, with the help of dozens of more booms, is
estimated to clean up half of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch within the
first five years. Each boom will trap up to 150,000 pounds of plastic
per year as they float along the currents between California and Hawaii.

Can waste become a commodity ? The Chinese case study

Waste has emerged as China’s biggest environmental challenges.
The country faces a solid waste treatment backlog of around 60-70
billion tonnes, putting it under huge pressure to boost recycling
capacity.It
has already launched a scheme to create “waste-free cities” and is
building hundreds of “comprehensive recycling bases” across the country.
But firms complain that China lacks the infrastructure and waste
treatment habits required to create a profitable business.

Image result for china waste

We all know China closed the door on recyclable materials last year and will again tighten up by 2020. 

The
aim is to block imports of all waste products that could be sourced
domestically. Qiu Qiwen, director of the Ministry of Ecology and
Environment’s solid waste division, said
products not included on the banned list would also be restricted by
next year, but high-quality material would still be accepted.

“If
the solid waste … meets the requirements of China’s import standards
and doesn’t contain any hazards, then it can be treated as common
commodities, not waste,” he said.

more here: Waste as a Commodity 

Singapore International Water Week 2018 : debrief

The summit was in its 10th anniversary, with more than 24,000 people in attendance discussing the next Water Challenges

“Water is for sure the next big question mark; Australia is the driest continent in the world. Its population is growing strongly and 85 percent of it is living less than 50 kilometres from the coast. Where will the additional future water supply come from if not from the sea? ” asked Roch Cheroux, chief executive officer, SA Water

Cities took centre-stage in the event ; more details here

More details at the Official Website here: https://www.siww.com.sg/

His Excellency Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister, Sri Lanka delivering the keynote address. Image: SIWW

Green Travel: Wacky Eco-Friendly Accommodation

If you’re planning your next vacation, but
also want to give the environment a break, why not try a luxurious yet
eco-friendly holiday? For those travellers who like the finer things in life,
rest assured knowing that you’ll still be staying in some of the most luxurious
facilities around the globe, while reducing your carbon emissions and
environmental footprint. To get you started, be sure to check out these amazing
eco-friendly accommodation options.


Gorilla Safari & the Masai
Mara, Uganda


If you’re looking for something that’s just
a little bit different during your next holiday, why not take the adventure of
a lifetime through breathtaking Africa. The Gorilla Safari and the Masai Mara
Tour sees travellers experiencing various camp accommodation sites across
Africa. The eco-friendly tour company which runs this amazing adventure prides
themselves on giving back to nature in every way they can. Starting from the
very beginning, their offices in the UK have implemented conservation and
recycling programs to greatly reduce the waste produced, as well as their
overall impact on the environment.
Once the tour begins, guests will be
greeted by local leaders and dine on food from local suppliers, which helps to
keep a valuable source of income where it is needed – in Rwanda. Spending your
journey camping, you can rest at night knowing that you’re taking a step in
reducing the energy consumption of travellers.


Rainforest Resort Byron Bay,
Australia


Located in the lush surrounds of tranquil
Byron Bay, on Australia’s magnificent east coast, travellers would expect
nothing more than eco-friendly accommodation at its finest. While
environmentally conscious guests will enjoy the eco-friendly advancements of
this hotel, they can still enjoy the finer things in life. The secluded one and
two bedroom cottages are equipped with reverse cycle air-conditioners, with
eco-inverters, perfect for keeping cool or staying warm, while still reducing
your footprint. A qualified remedial massage and healing therapist is also
available at the resort, perfect for eliminating any nasty toxins to assist in
rejuvenating your body.
For international travellers, the easiest
way to access the rainforest landscape of Byron Bay is by car. If you are
hiring a car from the airport, be sure to check out Australian
holiday packages options, in order to find
the best combo deals for flights, accommodation and car hire.


Dyfi Forest Tipi &Yyurt
accommodation, Wales


So, you’ve stayed in cottages and
eco-friendly resorts, but you still want to get that one step closer to nature?
Well, this if the green travelling adventure for you. Dining on organic fare
and indulging in holistic therapies, travellers will spend their evenings in
countryside tipis, amongst a large organic farm in the Dyfi Forest. This carbon
neutral accommodation option has been voted as one of the best eco-friendly
destinations in the world.
Whether you’re searching for the adventure
of a lifetime or a relaxing retreat, you can do it all by travelling green. Say
goodbye to carbon emissions and unnecessary energy usage, as you take a
positive step for travelling for the future.

Choose a Green Hotel this Summer

As the summer holidays are approaching, you may be wondering how you are going to spend it this year. Planning for a summer vacation trip? You may want to consider searching for an eco-friendly accommodation provider to add meaning to your vacation. In case you might be thinking, what is then, considered as a green hotel or resort?

Basically, they are accommodation providers that incorporate environmental friendly policies into their operations for better sustainability. Nowadays, the definition of being a supporter of sustainability has included contributing back to the society as well. Hotels that are located at an urban setting has also taken up the challenge of being eco-friendly, through simple measures like serving organic food and providing amenities in bulk instead of individual packaging. Such hotels busted past perceptions of green accommodation being just those which are located in the jungles and other natural settings.

Due to the rising number of hotels claiming to be “green”, travelers need to look out for official green certificates or labels, which are awarded by independent organizations. Greenty is one reliable website that helps you to do so, highlighting the green measures that each hotel is undertaking. Feel free to browse through our database of over 3,000 hotels that are rated subjectively by a team of green travel experts, through an assessment grid of 21 green criteria. Hopefully, you will be able to find one that meets your needs this summer.

By the way, here are some of the links to the hotels we have rated this week; enjoy the read!

Sandals Whitehouse
Sandals Montego Bay
Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa
Sandals Royal Caribbean
Sandals Grande Ocho Rios
Chukka Caribbean Adventures
Couples Swept Away
Couples Sans Souci
Couples Negril
Royal Plantation Spa& Golf Resort
Beaches Boscobel Resort & Golf Club
Hedonism II
The Ritz Carlton Golf & Spa Resort Rose Hall
Mövenpick Resort & Residence Aqaba
Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea
Mövenpick Resort & Spa Tala Bay Aqaba
Scandic Neringa Hotel
The Fairmont Mayakoba
Villa del Faro
El Retono Ecolodge
Posada Yum Kin
Boca de Iguanas Beach Resort
Playa Viva

Have a nice day!

Michelle

The Ocean Cleanup Project – already raised 30mUSD

We love this project – The Ocean Cleanup by 22-year-old Boyan Slat.

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is one of the most polluted areas of
the ocean. has a potential cleanup solution. The Ocean Cleanup uses a boom to capture
plastic and keep it in areas where a boat can come and periodically
pick it up. The pipe moves with the waves and uses floating anchors.

The system should be fully deployed early in 2018.

 $30 million has been raised for the cleanup



Note: The Ocean Cleanup is a foundation that develops technologies to extract plastic pollution from the oceans and prevent more plastic debris from entering ocean waters. The organization was founded in 2013 by Boyan Slat, a Dutch born inventor-entrepreneur of Croatian origin[2][3] who serves as its CEO, and has received over $31.5 million in donations since foundation, from sponsors including Salesforce.com chief executive Marc Benioff, philantrophist Peter Thiel, Julius Baer Foundation and Royal DSM.[4] The Ocean Cleanup also raised over 2 million USD with the help of a crowdfunding campaign in 2014.[5] The foundation’s headquarters are in Delft, the Netherlands.

Useful Tips to Keep Green While Traveling

1. Choosing a green hotel

There are a number of websites that list environmentally friendly hotels, B&B’s and lodges around the world; these are a good place to start. Keep in mind that each site has its own guidelines for rating properties, so you’ll want to do your homework to make sure that the hotel meets the standards you’re looking for.

A few questions to ask before booking your hotel:

  • Is the hotel locally owned and operated? If not, is it at least staffed by local employees?
  • What kind of recycling programs does the hotel have (aluminum, plastic, paper, gray water, composting)?
  • Do guests have the option to reuse towels and sheets instead of having them changed every day?
  • What programs does the hotel have to reduce consumption? Examples include energy-efficient lighting, low-flow toilets and showers, and alternative energy sources like solar or wind power.
  • How does the hotel contribute to the local community?

2. During your stay…

Even if you’re not spending the night in an ecolodge or green hotel, there are still several easy steps you can take to make your stay more eco-friendly.

  • Keep your showers short, and shut off the water while you’re brushing your teeth.
  • When you leave the room, turn off the air conditioning, heat, television, lights or any other electric devices.
  • Reuse your sheets and towels instead of having them changed every day. Many hotels will not replace your towels if you leave them hanging up neatly; if you’re not sure, write a note for the housekeeping staff or notify the front desk.
  • Bring your own toiletries and drinking cup rather than using the prepackaged ones provided. If you do use the hotel’s toiletries, take them with you and use them at home or during the rest of your trip.
  • Know your hotel’s recycling program and sort your trash accordingly. If your hotel doesn’t recycle, consider taking your empty bottles or other items home with you to recycle them there.
  • Give your hotel feedback. Express your appreciation for any eco-friendly programs it currently offers — or if it doesn’t, encourage the management to go green in the future.

3. Getting around

Transportation — particularly air travel — is where most travelers have the biggest environmental impact. According to USA Today, a flight from New York to Denver produces as much carbon dioxide per passenger as an SUV produces in a month. To minimize your environmental footprint, try the following steps:

  • Offset the carbon emission produced by your flight.
  • For shorter trips, take the train instead of flying — especially in Europe or other regions where train service is fast and frequent.
  • When renting a car, choose the smallest vehicle that can comfortably accommodate you. Decline any “free upgrades” (which will cost you more in gas).
  • Rent a hybrid car
  • f your personal vehicle is large and not very fuel-efficient, consider renting an economy car instead. You’ll save gas and avoid putting miles on your own vehicle.
  • Whenever possible, use public transportation instead of a taxis or rental cars. Better yet, walk or bike.

4. Responsible sightseeing

When it comes to visiting the world’s most beautiful places, the old adage rings true: Take nothing but photographs, and leave nothing but footprints.

  • Travel with a tour operator that’s environmentally responsible. Before you book, be sure to ask about group size (smaller groups tend to make less of an environmental impact), whether the tours are led by locals, how the tour operator gives back to the community, and what kind of lodging is included.
  • When hiking, always stay on marked trails and maintain a safe distance from any animals you encounter. Deposit your trash in marked receptacles or take it with you when you leave. Light campfires only in established fire rings and be sure they’re completely extinguished before you leave.
  • When snorkeling, do not touch the coral or stir up sediment, as these actions can damage the reef’s fragile ecosystem.
  • Try to buy local products whenever possible instead of those that have been flown or shipped in from overseas. You’ll support the local economy and get a taste of native cuisine. Do not, however, buy souvenirs or other products made from endangered animals or plants — in most cases you can’t get them through Customs anyway.
  • Treat the locals with respect. Learn a few words in the native language, be open to cultural differences, and read up on the area before your trip so you’re sensitive to issues of dress and behavior.
  • Consider taking a volunteer vacaton to give back directly to the place you’re visiting.

Villa-Bali.com launches GECO project … Bali needs our help!

image 3.jpg

If you have been to Bali, you would probably know what a stunning island it is. Also known as paradise island to some, it has always been well known for its picturesque scenery, delicious food and warm-hearted locals that would offer assistance to you anytime. If you have never been to Bali, I am sure a picture speak a thousand words..

IMG_0574.JPG

However, sorry to burst your bubble, this gorgeous beach that you’re looking at now, just like the other beaches in Bali, may be destroyed by the presence of rubbish soon.

In 2015, Indonesia is the fifth fastest growing economy in 2015. The amazing progress of the economic growth and rise in population number has increased the growth consumption (and waste) which also resulted in the lack of development of public services, leading to the common sight of rubbish littered all around the streets and waterways.
image 1.png
Around 10 000 cubic meters of garbage (12 percent of plastic waste, 17 percent of inorganic waste and 71 percent of organic waste) is produced every day in Bali. The horrifying part is due to the lack of public services, 50 percent of this mountain of waste is left neglected and being thrown onto the roads, in open dumps and rivers that eventually lead them into the ocean! At this rate.. one day we might be surfing in a sea filled with plastic bags…. left over food…. dead fish…. plastic bottles and more. Waste mismanagement is a serious issue that can potentially result in health issues due to the ecological damage such as soil and water contamination. Adding on with the fact that plastic takes 500 years to decompose which is a timespan of 6 generations…. Definitely make this situation worse.

So, why should you be concerned? According to a general study, while a local produces around 0.5 kg of garbage per day, a tourist produces around 2 to 5 kg of garbage daily.  If all travellers play a part in reducing rubbish, we can create noticeable impact to the waste issues in Bali.

Being in the tourism industry – which is strongly dependent on Bali’s natural assets such as the amazing beaches, rice fields and more – Villa-Bali.com, the leader of villa rentals industry in Bali, has decided to step forward and make a change to give back to this beautiful island that has brought our clients endless of unforgettable memories. By launching the GECO project which consists of implementing small actions that can be easily integrated in villas, Villa-Bali.com hopes to raise awareness and create a ripple effect of more people being involved in Bali environmental issues.

image 2.jpeg

Under GECO project, villas are required to set up a waste management system and send their staff for training to learn about proper waste sorting. Villas staff will also be provided reusable bags from us so as to replace the use of plastic bags. In addition to these, Villa-Bali.com has created an eco-friendly checklist for any interested villa owners to follow and collated the green companies in Bali to form a green directory so as to provid clear direction and guidance to any villa owners, residents and businessess that may be keen in going green.

It is a small step but every step counts and we hope that you will join and walk with us on this journey.

Explore Canada

Every year, more than 35 million people visit Canada to enjoy the many opportunities our country has to offer, including visiting family and friends.

Canada is the 2nd largest country and the world and stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west and to the Arctic Ocean in the north. Within this vast country full of natural wonder there are countless opportunities for the eco-traveller to experience ecotourism at its finest. Canada is most famous for its mountains, in particular the Rocky Mountain range. Another fantastic ecotourism choice is the Bruce Trail system that spans the Niagara Escarpment in the province of Ontario. While in this area do not miss the opportunity to visit Point Pelee Provincial Park. This is the southernmost tip of Canada and is home to a variety of flora and fauna not to be found anywhere else in Canada. As you travel west across Canada searching for ecotourism experiences, the province of Alberta will not disappoint. Alberta offers a variety of Aboriginal experiences and attractions, celebrating the recorded history of its first inhabitants more than 12,000 years ago. From celebrated provincial historic sites to little-known historic spots, there are a variety of opportunities for eco-travelers to explore Alberta’s history and cultural roots.

More details on visa here : http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/index.asp