The landscape of the world is always changing. Geological processes like tectonism, denudation and volcanism have shaped the face of Earth as we know it over the course of billions of years. Unfortunately, much of the natural phenomena on the planet today is transforming for the worse due to human encroachment. Whether the effects of global warming, deforestation, urbanization or heavy tourism are to blame, the fact of the matter is that these precious gems are rapidly deteriorating right before our eyes.

The snowfield of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is quickly …

Tags: earth , eco tourism , natural phenomena , natural wonders , rare places , travel

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WWOOF! It might sound like a dog barking but it stands for “worldwide opportunities on organic farms”.

For travellers, the WWOOF organisation lets you travel the world and experience local culture on a budget. For hosts, the deal is you provide room and board in exchange for free labour.

You might be working on an organic mushroom farm in Brazil or a Buddhist community on the East Coast of Australia. This is not a jolly day out – you are expected to work hard. Yet many travellers find it very rewarding. For some, the …

Tags: eco tourism , exchange , organic farming , travel , work , wwoof , wwoofing

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Surf’s up!

As the northern hemisphere heads into summer, what better time than to learn how to surf or practise your technique? Diehard surfers were probably out riding the waves all winter long, but if you are like me, the warm weather is a definite prerequisite.

Surfing is fantastic exercise and many surfers report spiritual as well as physical benefits. Being out in the ocean paying close attention to the waves and your own body within them can’t help but bring you closer to nature. Many …

Tags: Cornwall , eco , eco tourism , Eden Project , linseed oil , resin , surfboard , surfing , sustainable

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The good news is that there are more green-minded consumers than ever before and travel companies are taking note. The bad news in that in the rush to offer eco-tourism, sometimes the eco part gets diluted or even trampled on.

Eco-tourism doesn’t just mean tourism in a wilderness area. If it did, then tourist space flights would qualify – despite the obvious energy cost involved in blasting into orbit.

In my book the number one rule for eco-tourism is to do no harm. Exploring beautiful wilderness areas is fantastic – …

Tags: carbon , eco tourism , greenwash , travel

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The global economy is tanking. The U.S. and the UK are in full-blown recession. Other countries are heading that way. We’re all going to have to tighten our belts, hold on hard and ride it out.

Grim economic news is never welcome and I sincerely hope the pain for you and your family is minimal. For the environment, the R-word is slightly more mixed news. On the one hand, people are sometimes less willing to pay extra for green supplies – sales of organic food are falling and farmers …

Tags: airfare , eco tourism , green travel , holiday , planning , vacation

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In the land where I was born it’s hot and sunny and the middle of the summer holidays. I wish I were there right now. Meanwhile, it’s definitely still winter in the northern hemisphere – with much of Europe and North America blanketed with snow and blasted by Arctic winds.

Here’s a little ray of light if the cold is getting you down…it’s a brilliant time to plan your vacation for the year. Consider:

First, it’s fun. Whether you fancy frolicking in aquamarine waters by a white-sand beach …

Tags: eco tourism , house swapping , minimum paid vacation , saving money , travel , two weeks vacation

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A year in Lifestyle – from dire rumblings over biofuel to the unprecedented eco-promises of President Elect Obama, from ravaged coral to eco sunscreen, personal sustainability to green careers. It’s been a whirlwind 12 months…and here’s why.

January: we first look at the menaces of urban tumbleweed, plastic hotel toiletries, greenwashing, and pondered the wisdom of using silicone cookware and fuel in place of food.

…

Tags: bamboo , Billion Tree Campaign , Brighter Planet , carbon footprint , carbon neutral , carbon neutral travel , Darfur , eco friendly , eco tourism , ecology , environment , green , green links , green travel , health , lifestyle , natural , news , reclaimed , recycled , recycling , reduce , reuse , Sunshine Coast , sustainable , technology , trend , web

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The Sunshine Coast north of Brisbane in Queensland, Australia is a popular holiday destination. It’s easy to see the appeal, with lovely beaches and national parks alongside good restaurants and boutique shops. Perhaps most famously, it’s home to Australia Zoo, made popular by Steve Irwin the “Crocodile Hunter”. It’s an area that is gorgeous in its natural beauty and although it has avoided the high-rise monstrosities of the Gold Coast south of Brisbane, it’s hardly an undeveloped paradise.

In the hinterland it’s a different story. As you …

Tags: Australia , eco tourism , permaculture , Sunshine Coast , travel

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