Ecotourism – Page 3

7 Tips to be A Successful Farmer in Victoria

Farming in Victoria dates back to November 1834 when the first farmer Edward Henty arrived at Portland on a boat. Two weeks after his arrival, Robert Crowley, his workman began tilling the land to plant potatoes for the first time in Victoria. That is how farming became the main economic activity in Victoria.

Today, Victoria is Australia’s largest exporter of agricultural produce. In the period 2018-19, Victoria accounted for 27 percent of the total Australian agricultural produce. This makes farming an economic driver for Victoria and Australia at large.

If you are a Victorian farmer or planning to start a farm in Victoria, there are several things you should do for you to be one of the top farmers in the region. Read on to find out the 7 most important tips to be a successful farmer in Victoria.

Be Aware of Your Responsibilities as a Landowner

As a landowner, you have a responsibility to sustainably manage your farm and cut down biosecurity risks to ensure the success of Victoria’s agricultural industry. There are three things you should do for you to be a responsible landowner:

1. Be a Good Neighbor

For starters, you can strike a conversation with your neighbor. This is a good way to build healthy relationships and reduce the number of disagreements between neighbors.

Acknowledge that your neighbor is different and has expectations that might be different from yours. Be aware that your farm activities affect your neighbors and that your neighbor might not be informed about their responsibilities for land, pests, and weed management. Inform them.

2. Learn How to Solve Disputes

Farming and land ownership are not without disputes. Using legal action is both expensive and time-consuming. Disputes are a result of simple misunderstandings but are escalated by other unrelated things such as rumors, gossip, and misinformation. Learning how to solve disputes can save you weeks, months, or years that can be wasted using legal action. Some of the ways you can use to solve disputes include mutual resolution, third party intervention, and mediation. Also, the dispute settlement center of Victoria is free and confidential for the residents.

3. Learn How to Manage Invasive Plants and Animals

Every farmer has the responsibility of protecting Victoria from invasive plants and animals. As a landowner be aware of your legal obligation to control pests and weeds on your property. Be aware of the noxious weed species and non- native pest animals, management techniques, and how you can be involved in the weed and pest management in Victoria.

Focus on Your Land’s Management

Below are four Land management tips you need to succeed as a farmer in Victoria.

1. Time Management

Although time-management concerns all farmers, part-time farmers are the ones most affected by time issues. The first thing a farmer needs to realize is that they cannot do all the work. To save time and do more ensure that you divide and delegate your farm jobs.

If you are a part-time farmer, invest in an enterprise that you can handle. For example, cattle require less time as compared to other livestock. Also, trees and perennial crops require less time and labor most of the time. Ensure that you invest in an enterprise that matches your available time.

2. Leasing Land

Leasing land means expanding your farming business by accessing more resources without having to buy land. This comes in handy especially if you have a shortage of funds. Under long leases, both parties accept additional risks that may arise. For example, the lessor might miss out on a high income if the land price rises. The lessee can also incur losses on a bad season if the lease price is higher than the income. Ensure that you perform thorough research before entering into any lease agreement.

3. Drought Management

A good farmer should always be prepared for hard conditions. When faced by drought the decisions you make will affect your land, animals, and lifestyle. Things that you need to plan for during drought include water, food animal health among other things.

Also, remember that you have a legal responsibility towards the welfare of your animals. You are not allowed to let stock suffer or die. Apart from that, it’s not in your best interests as a farmer for livestock to die.

4. Learn From other People’s Mistakes

Farming is a continuous learning process. Keep your eyes open to see what’s working and what isn’t. Talk to farmers who are already successful in whatever they are doing. This can help improve your ideas and boost your confidence in farming.

The more you observe, the more you understand farming. This will help you in your decision-making process avoiding failure in your farm business. You do not have to repeat a mistake that has already been made.

How to Maintain a Healthy Garden – 7 Useful Tips

If you are a nature lover like me, then why not create a beautiful garden in your backyard, especially if you have the space for gardening? A garden not just uplifts the aesthetic appeal of the house but also gives you your own zen area to relax. Gardening is a hobby you need to develop as there is a lot of work involved to maintain a beautiful garden. We have discussed a few tips below to help you keep it clean and healthy.

1. Learn Thoroughly About the Plants You Choose

Each plant has different sunlight, nutrients, and water requirements. You cannot water all the plants equally and a few plants may need extreme sunlight whereas others may die if exposed to extreme sunlight. Do thorough research about all the plants you choose for your backyard to make sure you are taking the best care of them.

2. Maintain Proper Spacing

Make sure to maintain adequate distance between the plants as the roots need space to spread. If plants are placed in a crowded manner then the plants will grow poorly as they would compete for water, nutrients, and light.

3. Prune the Damaged Limbs Timely

It is essential to prune the damaged parts of the plant. If not, the plant will divert all its energy and most nutrients to the damaged part in order to salvage it which may affect the health of the entire plant. A wounded limb is also prone to disease that may spread to the entire plant. Make sure you have the proper tools, such as a limb saw, and make clean cuts that heal rapidly.

4. Use Fertilizers Carefully

It is obvious that you will have to use fertilizers in order to give your plants the essential nutrients, but then you need to be careful about choosing the right fertilizer for your plants. All your plants may need different nutrient combinations to grow better, and using the wrong fertilizer can burn the roots. To avoid these, get a soil test done by a local agency to get the information about nutrient levels and the soil so you know your next steps.

5. Fence Your Garden

An open backyard without a fence is never a good idea as critters, strays and even wild animals like deers can be attracted by the plants you are growing and soil your entire garden. Especially young plants are more prone to danger if not protected from these animals, hence fence your entire garden using metal fencing material to protect it from all large animals and small critters.

6. Treat for Bugs and Insects

Keep checking your plants for any infestation as insect damage is common in plants and if not treated can spread to other plants. There are chemical sprays available for different types of bugs and insects, although dangerous pesticides such as Roundup can cause adverse health effects. Make sure to consult with a professional before using any chemicals to treat your plants.

7. Keep it Clean and Tidy

An untidy garden will promote the growth of insects and germs, hence occasionally clean the garden to save your plants and also create a beautiful-looking garden for you to enjoy.

Plants are essential parts of our ecosystem and the more we can plant trees, the lesser our carbon footprint will be. Hence consider taking up gardening as your new hobby as it is not just good for you but the entire planet.

Plan For a Brisbane Sunset Helicopter Ride on the Weekend!

When in Brisbane, you have so many fun activities to do, whether alone or with your loved one. You can go hiking, swimming in beaches, go on huge adventures in parks, or even get a helicopter ride to watch the amazing Brisbane sunset! Helicopter rides have become more popular because of the breathtaking experience and spectacular view of the entire city (and more).

But how can you plan helicopter flights for you and your loved ones? I’ll show you why you should try a helicopter ride and how to plan for one to view the Brisbane sunset!

Plan a Brisbane Sunset Helicopter Ride

There are many reasons why you need to experience a Brisbane sunset helicopter ride at least once! It can be as a way to celebrate a milestone with that special someone, or for your entire family to enjoy. Or it can be for the travel junkies and adventurous souls out there with a bucket list they’d like to complete.

Whatever the reason is, anyone would love to appreciate the beautiful sunset and see the city from a whole different perspective. The city skyline is absolutely amazing from the top, and it’s something you’ll be telling to others for years. Sure, it may be a bit nerve-wracking at first, but once you’re on top, you have nothing to worry about and you can enjoy the spectacular views with experienced pilots and staff taking care of you.

It’s best to do this on a weekend, when you’re most likely free and when the city is at its liveliest! But I know how tough it may be planning a whole helicopter ride, from budget to timing. So here are some tips and points to consider as you plan the perfect Brisbane Sunset helicopter ride.

1. Plan Way Ahead

While helicopter rides can be quite pricey, did you know that hundreds of people book in advance? You’re less likely to get a booking if you did it last minute, with many interested people wanting to have a memorable experience. This is especially true during the hectic weekend!

That’s why you’ll want to plan and book in advance, paying a small reservation fee for it. Some companies offer bookings up to six months before the scheduled date!

2. Consider Your Budget

As mentioned, helicopter rides can be quite pricey. On average, helicopter rides are about $150 to $200 per person! However, there are companies that offer reasonable prices and promos if you search enough.

Some companies offer low-peak rates, which you may want to book ahead from, or promos with special discounts or inclusions to save a few bucks. Or, you can search online for vouchers and discount codes. Even $10 off can go a long way.

3. What Comes With The Ride?

Get your money’s worth and learn what’s included with the helicopter ride! Usually, these are included:

15-20 minute private helicopter ride good for two to four people
A glass of champagne before the flight
Bouquet or chocolates for your partner (optional)

Some flights can go on for longer, though sunset helicopter rides are usually only half an hour long. You may want to check with your chosen companies to see if they have more inclusions to their packages!

4. Look Into Their Terms

Make sure that you read the company’s terms before you make a booking. They have maximum passengers and weight limits, as well as a few rules to follow while in flight.

For instance, there is a maximum of three to four passengers per flight, with a maximum passenger weight of 110 kilograms each. Furthermore, you will need to be in the area for a briefing at least 20 minutes before your scheduled ride.

5. Find Reputable Companies

And lastly, select a reputable company that has provided helicopter rides without any major issues or complaints. Look into previous customer reviews and research the company’s history and experience. You’ll want trusted pilots and staff to take care of you while you’re up in the air, so you know you are safe and can enjoy the entire time without a hitch.

Wrapping It Up

Are you planning to share a beautiful moment with someone special? There’s no better way to do it than to have a helicopter ride together and watch the sunset over the Brisbane skyline! Many companies offer packages and with the right planning, you can have the perfect and memorable night to remember.

I hope that this article on planning for sunset helicopter rides in Brisbane helped you out. So don’t wait any longer and look into any reputable companies that can take you up to extreme heights!

Do you have any questions or want to share your experiences taking helicopter rides in Brisbane? Share it in the comments section below, all your thoughts are much appreciated!

How to Practice Sustainability when Working From Home

If you’re among those who are learning to work from home all of a sudden, then all of your normal routines have probably flown out the window. You may be eating different types of foods, trying to keep your kids entertained, educated, and fed while you work remotely, and trying to manage your mental and physical health.

One thing that can easily get neglected as you change routines, though, is sustainability. We can’t forget that in addition to living in a world experiencing a pandemic, we’re also still battling climate change and its disastrous consequences.

So how can you find balance? How can you stay sustainable, safe, and productive when working from home? Here are some tips to get you started.

Before You Stock the Shelves with Sustainable Food, Make Sure Your Kids Aren’t Allergic!

With grocery stores experiencing shortages, your normal options for feeding your family might not be accessible. If you’re trying to stock your shelves with sustainable food, you might be looking at new products and meal solutions for feeding a house full of people three meals a day.

It’s important to remember, though, before you add a bunch of new sustainable food to your shelves, to check for allergens that might affect your family. About 7.6% of children have a food allergy in the United States, and some of them experience severe reactions. Not only are allergic reactions to food very scary, but medical care can be more difficult to access during a pandemic.

Healthy food is important for wellness in your household, but so is safety. Research products before you buy them and keep an eye out for the eight most common allergens that affect children. You don’t want to buy a bunch of food only to find your family can’t eat it. That’s not sustainable at all!

Support Companies That Are Sustainable and Socially Responsible

Companies are facing enormous challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many small businesses are unlikely to survive the sudden loss of income caused by social distancing.

In these desperate times, it’s more important than ever to support businesses that practice effective corporate social responsibility and commit to sustainability. Without support from consumers, they may not be able to bounce back once things start to return to normal.

Show your support by shopping from your favorite sustainable businesses online or buy gift cards for future use. You can also help by encouraging friends and families to shop from these kinds of businesses as well.

Every Work Space Needs Plants – Just Make Sure Your Watering Practices Are Sustainable

Working from home can be tough, especially when you’re not used to it. One of the ways you can make your workspace and home brighter is by adding some sustainable decorations, like plants. Plants can help improve your mood and can even spice up your meals if you choose edible varieties.

With that said, it’s important to make sure that you’re caring for your plants sustainably, both indoors and out. Reducing your dependency on the hose and tap to water your plants is a smart solution for you and the planet. Consider putting up a rain barrel or even just a few small containers outside for collecting water that you can use to keep your plants happy and healthy.

Consider Practicing an Eco-Sabbath

If you’re feeling helpless about practicing sustainability, then it can really help to regain some sense of control, even if just for a day (or an hour). An eco-Sabbath is a predefined period of time where you avoid using resources. This includes anything that runs on electricity (and electricity, period), cooking (which uses energy), and purchasing.

Eco-Sabbaths might not be realistic for your family, but they can be a great way to pause and reflect while reducing your impact at least a little bit. Try a short Sabbath at first and work your way up to a day-long Sabbath once a week. It’s an opportunity not only to use fewer resources, but to read, write, and spend time with your family while shutting out electronics and other distractions.

Sustainability, Uncertainty, and a New Way of Life

The pandemic has upended life as we know it, and there’s a lot of uncertainty in our world right now. That doesn’t mean you have to give up on sustainability, though. Think of the wins—you’re probably driving less, eating out less, and spending less by working from home—all of which helps the environment. The economic impact may be devastating, but the silver lining might be a more sustainable world for a little while.

Ideas to Embrace Nature and Go Solar!

The world’s revolutionizing and solar energy is helping us all to adopt an environmentally friendly life! With coal and water under the threat of extinction and electricity bills surging up higher, the sun is actually a God sent blessing for the world. It’s freely available and is inexhaustible (Bless the Sun!). The experts have utilized this free energy wisely enough and harnessed it to gift us solar powered products and gadgets.

The solar powered gadgets are nothing short of magic in our lives today. You can utilize them for long that you don’t even have to worry about paying the bill for the same. And if we add to the benefits, you can actually be paid by the State (in some places) if you own solar panels in your property! So, isn’t solar energy a great inclusion in our lives? And we could actually benefit from it more if we utilize its different ways in our day to day life! Of course, solar panel maintenance is an unavoidable part of “going solar.”

Ø A list of best solar powered devices for your regular lifestyle!

Gone are the days when solar energy was looked upon hesitantly and people used to shy away using the same. Today, you’ll see almost everything utilizing solar power and operating excellently everywhere. Below, we have listed some tips which can bring that magic of the power of the sun to your daily domestic life better and cut down your electricity charges too.

o Solar panels — There are lots of cheap solar panels available in Melbourne via Wattsup Solar and Electrical, which provides you economical options that last for decades. These can be easily put up on your roofs and you can cut down your electricity bill to an admirable all-time low. And as said above, you may even get paid for the amount of energy you conserve through your panels.

o Solar water heaters — Most people nowadays complain about the high usage of electricity and gas used to heat their water. With solar heaters, you can consume hot water in a chilled climate and wouldn’t need to stress about the hike in your bills because of it.

o Solar charger —Mobile chargers are a must for everyone today! You just couldn’t function without smartphones, and your phones require chargers to operate. You can skip to solar chargers which would really make your life a lot easier. Carry it anywhere, without worrying about the plugs or sockets — simply charge them throughout the day under the sun and fill the battery of your device through them during the night.

o Solar oven — Cooking is a daily chore in almost all households. And most of us carry out this task through stoves and ovens which are either fuelled or run through electricity. While solar ovens are an excellent investment. They work similarly as the electrical one but don’t cost you a hefty bill.

o Solar lights — Yes, we are even fortunate enough to have solar lights in our life. These are a great alternative to the electrical ones, as they provide better brightness and last longer, along with reducing your utility bills.

These are some excellent gadgets listed especially for easier domestic usage. They utilize maximum solar energy to make your life easier. Now, can you imagine the long list of benefits you can enjoy once you adopt them in your regular lifestyle?

Best Sustainable Living Blogs To Follow in 2020

Creating a sustainable lifestyle is a goal for many individuals this year. From shifting consumption habits to reducing waste output, there are plenty of areas where we can all improve to make the world a better place.

If you’re looking for inspiration and guidance to help you make a change, there are loads of amazing resources to check out. Here are some of the best sustainable living blogs to follow in 2020.

1. Mommy Travels

On Mommy Travels you will find travel tips, reviews of hotels and restaurants, activity suggestions, itineraries, and more. Whether you are on a tight budget and need to stay close to home, or able to have a luxury European vacation, Mommy Travels will help you plan the ultimate family vacation.

2. Public Goods

Many of the toughest problems we face are the result of the products we choose to consume. That’s why they’re committed to making healthier, more informed choices easy and accessible to all. They don’t make products that aren’t good for people and the planet. Their membership model allows them to offer the highest quality with the lowest price tag.

3. Elevays

At Elevays, Erica Jones, MHS is your go-to girl for a quick weeknight dinner recipe, your bff’s baby shower gift, and some serious “living your best life” inspiration. Her and her husband Dr. Isaac Jones make natural living easy for entrepreneurial families and busy moms. Their blog and one-stop shop will empower you to make powerful choices for your health and well-being without feeling overwhelmed. Can I get an amen?! Dive into all the *au-naturel* tips and tricks you need to clear acne, combat aging, and boost confidence. Learn how to fight fatigue, harness energy, and become the best version of yourself. Get step-by-step guides on detoxing your body AND home and the tools you need to elevate your life. If you want all of this and more, head over to elevays.com to meet Erica, your new, most-trusted girlfriend, essential oil expert, and non-toxic lifestyle guru.

4. Green and Prosperous

Want to learn more about green living, growing your own food, adopting a healthier lifestyle, or minimizing your exposure to harmful chemicals? It’s all covered in the Green and Prosperous blog. The main editor, Kelly is the face behind the blog – a mother of 2, a professor at the George Washington University, blogger, and advocate for green living.

6 Ways Industrial LED Lighting Cuts Energy Costs and Consumption Today

There should be no denying that, as time goes by, humanity, in general, becomes more aware of the environmental issues and looks for new ways to remedy the problems that are causing them. That is, by all means, commendable. However, it should be pointed out that, while our gaze is set for the future, we are missing an opportunity to solve a lot of problems here and now.

Take for instance lighting that, according to recent estimation, makes up for 15% of worldwide energy consumption and 5% of global greenhouse gas emission. And all that because a huge number of existing businesses and entire industries are still relying on legacy lighting systems. Let us take a look at some of the ways this situation can be changed by a simple transition to more contemporary industrial LED lighting.

More light produced by less energy

When we think about the incentives the business world could have for the transition to energy-efficient LED lighting systems, we can’t think of a better argument than the simple fact that industrial LED bulbs are simply brighter or, in other words, produce more light. For instance, while a good old incandescent bulb requires as much as 40 watts to produce 450 lumens, LED bulbs are producing the same output with no more than 6-9 watts.

Translate these numbers to vast industrial facilities and huge office spaces, and you will only begin to realize how much power we are wasting with dated lighting systems.

Incredible efficiency per fixture

This can be considered to be the other side of the same coin but it is still worth mentioning that, although the lumen output of LED lights is constantly high, their efficiency per fixture often goes off the charts. Just how efficient they can get? Well, according to the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, that efficiency can go as high as 80% or 90% more than conventional lighting systems. Of course, you can’t expect the numbers to constantly be that high but smart selection of fixtures can take your business quite far.

LED light is better focused

So, as we can see, LED lights are far brighter and more efficient than their obsolete incandescent counterpart. But, that’s only the beginning of the story. When you are trying to lighten up a factory hall or an office space, your goal is to allow your employees to perform their tasks with optimal efficiency and without too much eyestrain. It is good to know then that the LED light solutions, like the ones produced by BUCK Lighting from Serbia, are not only efficient, but are also incredibly focused and human-centric. That means that the watts you are investing in lighting won’t be used for lighting up the walls, but utilized where they are needed the most.

LED lights are designed for smart controls

Traditional HPS fixtures sometimes take a lot of time to heat up and reach the full output. Unlike them, LED lights are capable of reaching the optimal lumen output as soon as they are turned on. That makes them a far more suitable companion for smart controls and IoT-managed performance.

Take for instance occupancy and daylight harvesting sensors. If your lighting system takes too much time to warm up, both these technologies are made somewhat obsolete. Sure, the differences may look insignificant at first glance, but after endless cycles of ons and offs, the wastes tend to pile up in the long run.

Low maintenance costs

One of the common complaints the critics like to point out in regards to LED lights is their supposedly high up-front price. This claim could not be further from the truth. Not only has the price of LED fixtures seen considerable drops over the last decade, but the very bulbs themselves last up to 25 times longer than their incandescent counterparts. All these numbers mean that the upfront price of LED lighting systems more than pays off in the long run.

Also, such a long lifespan effectively cuts the maintenance costs to a negligible price. The amount you would invest in new bulbs and maintenance crew can, thus, be invested in other energy-efficient upgrades.

New opportunities for branding and governmental rebates

Although this mention is not primarily concerned with the efficiency of the very LED lighting systems, it can’t be denied that the global business and political climate is making huge steps in the eco-friendly direction. Because of that, making your business more sustainable can open the doors for some pretty exciting branding opportunities and even governmental rebates. Much like in the previous examples, the money you are going to receive can be later spent on making additional energy-efficient upgrades within your company.

We hope these few arguments we have presented above gave you an idea of just how important the introduction of LED lights can be for the future of your business. Putting aside the environmental angle that is only going to become more relevant as time goes by, LED light systems simply make more financial sense than their obsolete incandescent alternative. In a business climate like this, every opportunity to make your business leaner and more efficient should, by all means, be used.

The Need To Recycle Rare Earth Metals For Better Future Sustainability – Know From The Experts

There’s no doubt that rare earth metals are used in almost every item that we use in our daily lives. Rare earth metals are very important elements that are naturally occurring on the earth’s crust and thereby are mined for specific use case scenarios.

However, it should be kept in mind that when rare earth metals are not disposed off in the right manner, they can easily create havoc on both the health and the environment. Times like these are when you need the help of wrecking yard in Sydney services, where like most metals out there, they’re also scrapped and recycled. The following are some of the merits of recycling rare earth metals that you should be knowing about.

The Advantages Of Recycling Rare Earth Metals For Better Future Sustainability

1. Helping The Environment

Rare earth metals put a strain on our environment. When it comes to mineral mining, the first thing that comes to mind is the deforestation of trees and plants. On the flip side, there’s also the negative side that comes from due to poor management when disposing off rare metals. In simple words, when we casually throw away our items which have rare metals in them, it can lead to the risk of exposing the environment to the metals in their rawest state.

If the disposal techniques are not taken care of in the right manner, then it can lead to our planet getting filled with toxic metals such as Europium, Neodymium and Cerium. Therefore, the best way to combat this issue is to recycle rare metals as well. If these metals are recycled, they can be reused again at a future date, which will reduce the need for further mining.

2. Saving Your Health (And All Of Living Things)

If you proceed to ingest rare metals in high quantities, then it can lead to damage to your health. These metals contaminate the soil, groundwater and nearby river bodies with the help of surface runoffs. This process is known as Bioaccumulation.

Bioaccumulation can be defined as the process where rare metals start to reach out to the surrounding areas – when they’re not disposed off properly. Thereby, it can contaminate livestock, crops and even wildlife as well. As these metals could not be digested by living beings, they get retained into the cells of the organisms and thereby pass through the food chain in increased levels of concentration.

In simpler terms, these metals will continue to accumulate in our bodies, which will be a terrifying result for our overall health. This is the reason why it’s more important to recycle.

Top EcoTourism Destination Around the Globe

With ecotourism on the rise, more and more locations around the world are adopting the principles behind this environmental movement.

With ecotourism on the rise, I did a little research to find the top destinations around the world for an all-out eco-vacation. Each of these places offers visitors something uniquely different. So, consider these locales for your next environmentally friendly getaway.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica has made a name for itself in the ecotourism world due to its well-protected natural beauty. It offers coastlines on both the Caribbean and Pacific, not to mention it is nearly one-fourth rainforest. One of the main draws of this incredible natural location is the chance to see volcanoes up close and personal, aside from the many low-impact hotels and resorts.

Norway

Norway is well known for its sustainable living practices, especially in the Fjords. Fjord, Norway is one of the four pilot destinations of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, possibly due to the government’s strict regulations on fishing, hunting, and even drilling for oil.

Australia

Australia is home to some of the most diverse species of flora and fauna that are yet to be grown or encountered in Europe and the Americas.

Australia is one of the most popular choices for summer vacation, visiting alpine villages like Thredbo, pristine beaches, cycling, routes, hiking or even mountain biking.

Galapagos Islands

Home to some of the most diverse and distinct species of fauna in the world, the country’s Directorate of the Galapagos National Park implements a strict visitor management system to ensure the natural area remains protected. With a heavy focus on sustainable tourism, this eco-destination is easily one of the most awe-inspiring locations to travel to.

Palau

This island nation in the Western Pacific is part of Micronesia and offers more aquatic sights than it does ones on land. Coral reefs are home to hundreds of species of fish, which makes them perfect for snorkeling and diving. The Palau Project, a part of Blue Planet United, brings in university students to learn about the island and aspects of ecotourism.

On land, the country does offer untouched shorelines and forests filled with diverse plants and animals. The country recognizes its natural beauty and strives to preserve it at all costs.

Portugal

Ecotourism in Portugal is beginning to take hold in this beautiful land. Many places are overbuilt, but some of Portugal’s coastal areas have been recognized as protected landscapes. Their areas include the resorts of Esposende, Sintra and Cascais and southeast Alentejo, near Cabo de São Vicente.

Other areas, especially in the interior are being preserved and set aside for future generations to enjoy.

If I were headed anywhere in the world, these ecotourism destinations would be the top spots on my list. What unique and environmentally friendly places have you visited in your travels? Did I miss any wonderful locations that should have been on this list?

Cuba

Cuba has become a regional model for all other Caribbean islands with regards to sustainable economic development. The small (yet quickly growing) ecotourism industry is helping to stimulate investment and create jobs and wealth for the local community. What’s more, these important steps are helping to preserve the coral reefs and big fish that make Cuba such a special destination. The best Cuban educational tour providers offer immersive socio-cultural experiences so you can meet members of the local community, visit their community projects, and contribute in meaningful ways.

Winning Eco-Solutions for Our Homes

Globally, builders, developers, and professional remodelers of family homes are offering more green options than ever before.

Interestingly, the start of this growth can be traced back a decade, to 2009, when the global recession in the residential construction market was at a very low ebb. One conceivable explanation researchers have found is that builders started to use the advantages of green building to attract buyers at a time when the market was exceptionally sluggish.

According to a SmartMarket report by the Massachusetts-based McGraw Hill Construction company, that discusses the growth of green multi- and single-family homes in a “recovering market,” the three primary triggers were:

Continued increases in energy costs.
Changes in code ordinances and building regulations including the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) International Code Council (ICC) 700 National Green Building Standard which is approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Increasing availability and affordability of “green” products.

Additionally, various government and utility incentives placed an important role too. Unfortunately, many of these have been, or are being, phased out.

Statistics provided in the report show a phenomenal increase in green building projects. While builders that undertake very few (less than 16%) single-family home projects decreased progressively from 63% in 2011, 38% in 2013, 23% in 2015, to an anticipated 16% in 2018, those boasting that more than 90% of their projects were green rose from 12% in 2011 to 19% in 2013, 24% in 2015, to a projected 38% in 2018. The figures were similar for multi-family projects: from 69% in 2011, 46% two years later, to a consistent 21% from 2015-2018. Not as many boasted that more than 90% of their projects were green though a similar trend is evident. While there were only 6% in 2011 and 2013, this increased to 9% in 2015 and was expected to double to 18% in 2018.

Similarly, those firms undertaking remodeling projects, of which at least 90% of which were green increased from 7% in 2011 to 25% in 2018. Those admitting that less than 16% of their remodeling projects were green decreased from 70% in 2011 to 21% in 2018.

So what do builders and remodelers do to make homes green?

Eco-Solutions for Family Homes

Around 95% of builders and remodelers regard energy-efficiency as the most important element of green homes. Other important green practices that provide eco-friendly solutions include:

Durability of materials
Water efficiency that incorporates more water conservation products and practices
The use of materials that emit low volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Improved quality of indoor air
Management and reduction of construction waste and a focus on material conservation and recycling
Eco-friendly site planning and development with a focus on environmental sensitivity

The motivation for opting for eco-solutions varies, with the promise of long-term utility cost savings remaining the most powerful argument for going green. Operating efficiency is also a priority, followed by a belief that quality construction, along with durability and the need for reduced maintenance, is associated with so-called green features. Homeowners also consider high performance and sustainability important and, to a lesser extent, the fact that an eco-friendly home will have a reduced environmental impact.

Professionals play an important role in terms of identifying which green products, practices, and features are best for purpose and location. This includes builders, architects, and those providing engineering solutions in Chicago, New York, London, Paris, Moscow, or whichever city you live in or are near to.

Green Products, Practices, and Features

There are so many ways to ensure that our homes are eco-friendly. These are some of the winning solutions for new homes and renovations:

Ensure your house is energy-efficient in every possible way
Switch to high-efficiency water heater and heating, air-conditioning, and cooling (HVAC) systems that are correctly sized and properly installed. Make sure all lighting and appliances are energy efficient. Insulation should exceed code minimums and windows should exceed code-mandated performance. Opt for above-code energy programs and passive solar design.
Do everything possible to conserve materials and resources
While there are different priorities for new homes versus those being renovated, there is definite value in using more durable materials as well as recycled products or materials that are easily recycled. This is particularly true for homes that are being remodeled. The use of prefabricated components and engineered wood is gaining significant attention and interest as is the use of lumber that is certified to have been sustainably harvested.
Put systems in place that will enable you to conserve water
The ability to conserve water comes from installing appliances and fixtures that are designed for this purpose. Efficient plumbing techniques also help a great deal. Look for WaterSense labels and harvest rainwater if you can.
Aim for the very best indoor environmental quality possible
There are many products and practices that will improve the indoor environmental quality of your home from filtration and air-cleaning systems and low-VOC materials (including paint, synthetic fibers, wood finishing products, and cabinetry that contains formaldehyde) to systems that increase moisture control and ventilation. A company that offers mechanical engineering services in Chicago or wherever you live will be able to assist with the latter.

There is little doubt that the challenges of finding appropriate eco-solutions for your home will be easier if you work with a professional, there is certainly a lot that each and every one of us can do ourselves. It simply requires commitment.

About the author

Michael Tobias is the founder and principal of New York Engineers, an Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Company in America. He leads a team of 30+ mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineers from the company headquarters in New York City, and has led more than 1,000 projects in New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, and California, as well as Singapore and Malaysia. He is passionate about sustainability and renewable energy.