Sustainable Travel

The environmental cost of imported foodstuffs used in restaurants is much higher than previously thought, with cheaper meals carrying higher carbon footprints, according to a study by the University of Nottingham.

The study surveyed 40 restaurants in London to test knowledge of local goods as well as the environmental footprint of imported produce. The results revealed that the CO2 produced from restaurant meals based on imported ingredients from outside the EU is in fact "more than a hundred times higher than that of ingredients produced in Britain".

Significantly, non-EU imported ingredients carry more than a five kilogram carbon footprint, whereas produce coming from local communities carries just 51 grams.

The study, entitled 'The Environmental Sustainability of the British Restaurant Industry: A London Case Study,' grouped restaurants into four areas: Green, British, European and Non-European. Green (or sustainable) and British restaurants were found to produce the least CO2, as is to be expected.

However, in coming to terms with the concept of a non-European restaurant, the study recognised that not all of these restaurants could obtain their ingredients locally. "You wouldn't expect an Argentinean steakhouse to start serving British beef," it says. "But they could make a difference through recycling and composting, for example," it adds.

With food transport creating around 35% of the UK's total emissions, improving the carbon footprint in this area is worth serious consideration. The study recommends a full government environmental audit of British restaurants. A recent study showed that Europeans' taste for cheap imported food had far-reaching environmental consequences in terms of transport pollution (EurActiv 11/12/07).

However, the study also showed that cheaper meals generally had a higher carbon footprint, with expensive meals being more environmentally friendly. "This is what people seem to expect," said Dr. Nick Mount of the University of Nottingham, who supervised the study. "But I doubt they would believe just how high the cost to the environment is in the cheaper meals," he adds.

Dr. Mount rejected the claim that the study unduly criticised restaurants that did not use local ingredients, because if they did, meals in UK restaurants would be "uniform and dull". Instead, he pointed to the "need for regulation and a governing body to make restaurants more sustainable".

Source: Euractiv

Posted by BrianM at 3:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Considerable confusion exists amongst airline passengers about carbon offsetting, finds study | Omega, Manchester Metropolitan University, Paul Hooper, carbon offsetting, Defra
Fri 25 May 2008 – Carbon offset schemes aim to compensate for carbon emissions by investing in carbon saving initiatives such as wind farms and reforestation. However, customer uptake of offset services for aviation has been low and questions have been raised over the accuracy of carbon calculators and the efficacy of emissions saving projects.

Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) carried out a 12-month study, the Omega Carbon Offset Project, to investigate air passengers’ preferences towards carbon offsetting, including their willingness to pay. The study was headed by MMU’s Dr Paul Hooper and comprised three elements: a review of offset literature; a review of various offset schemes provided internationally; and a survey of passengers at Manchester Airport.

The findings uncovered a lack of transparency among those providing offset schemes in areas such as how the offset levy was calculated, and where the money raised was being invested. This, says the study, undermines the credibility of offset schemes as a whole – a factor which was further exacerbated by the variance in offset charges which ranged from 31 pence (60 cents) right up to £12.95 ($25) on a short-haul flight.

Results from the 487 passengers surveyed at Manchester Airport in January and February 2008 indicated that whilst most respondents had heard of offsetting and more than three quarters accept air transport contributes to climate change, less than a tenth were willing to change their behaviour about flying or to purchase offsetting. One of the main reasons why uptake was not greater, suggests the study, may be that people do not regard limiting the climate impacts of flight as their responsibility. Instead, passengers look to airlines or the government to deal with aviation’s environmental impacts.

Overall, there were high levels of uncertainty among the passengers surveyed about many aspects of carbon offsetting. Passengers were unclear how the money is used and how the schemes actually deliver benefits in terms of climate change mitigation. Some were sceptical that the environmental impacts of aviation are significant, while others viewed offsetting as simply another tax.

However, the small minority of passengers (less than 10%) who are strongly supportive of efforts to mitigate the climate impacts of flying is generally willing to pay the full cost of offsetting for a given flight. The study has developed a profile of these ‘lead-edge’ aviation carbon offset consumers and has identified some of the features associated with this small but important segment of the market.

The study’s authors propose that further debate could usefully occur in the public arena to clarify issues of responsibility and influence in relation to offsetting the climate impacts of flights. In addition, they say, more work could be undertaken to highlight the links between individual choices about flying and climate impacts, and to emphasise the opportunities that offsetting offers to consumers who are concerned about the climate impacts of aviation.

They conclude that efforts are required to present the benefits and purpose of offsetting the climate effects of aviation much more clearly to the public if uptake is to be increased. In addition, greater transparency and accountability of the schemes could help to build consumer confidence in offsetting. The authors suggest that greater standardization between offsetting providers – together with much clearer methods of communication of common standards and good practice to consumers – should be developed within the voluntary carbon market.

The offsetting project was funded by Omega, an independent, publicly funded partnership of nine UK universities that “offers impartial, innovative and topical insights into the environmental effects of the air transport industry”.

Omega is currently talking to Defra, the UK government department responsible for environment, to ensure that these findings inform their best practice guidance. Defra is currently developing a Code of Best Practice for consumer carbon offset schemes and accreditation is due to start later this year (see story).

Source: Omega

Posted by BrianM at 3:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Thai Airways has initiated projects to support and create increased awareness amongst the company's employees in the areas of environmental awareness and climate change.

• “THAI Plants Life for Planet Earth"- The company's “THAI Plants Life for Planet Earth" project continues THAI's reforestation efforts at the Education Center for the development of Hui Sai in Cha-am district, Petchburi province. Water tanks will be provided to the center, for the transport of water used in further developing forest area. (The project will be conducted for the second time on June 14, 2008)

• “Reforestation in the Heart to Decrease Climate Change" - The “Reforestation in the Heart to Decrease Climate Change" project was initiated for youngsters to learn about and understand the importance of the forest and natural resources, by attending camps at the Education Center of Hui Sai in Cha-am district, Petchburi province. THAI employees' children will be invited to attend these camps. They company will sponsor expenses that go towards building bathing and restroom facilities used in this project, during the month of August 2008.

• “Employee Awareness Education Efforts" - A mobile exhibition and various activities will be conducted at the company's various buildings, during the month of May 2008 onwards. This project was initiated in order to boost employee awareness of environmental and CSR efforts as a part of the THAI organization, jointly working to decrease CO² emissions in the airline industry.

• “Purchase of Raw Materials Based on Good Agricultural Practice (GAP)" - The Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) project was initiated by THAI's Catering Services Department, which has been conducted for six consecutive years. Raw materials are purchased directly from the farming community through this project, which supports farmers to develop a production system that is environmentally friendly.

• “Energy Project Participation"- This project was initiated to boost THAI employee participation in the company's alternative energy project to produce biodiesel. Employees are encouraged to collect vegetable oil that has been used in meal preparation and send it to the company's catering unit to recycle it into biodiesel, which will be developed into a Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) project in the future.

About Thai Airways
Thai Airways (THAI) is the national carrier of Thailand with service to more than 74 destinations in 36 countries and five continents. THAI offers flights to more countries within the Asian region than any other airline and operates the fastest service to Southeast Asia from the U.S. with its daily non-stop JFK and LAX departures.

For more information on Thai Airways, please visit www.thaiairwaysusa.com.

Source: eTurboNews.com

Posted by BrianM at 7:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Environmentally conscious travelers can find eco-resorts around the world, but for a full, sustainable immersion, take up a short residence at a green community. Many of these sites offer tours, overnight accommodations and activities in which guests are encouraged to participate. Care to pick some organic vegetables or do some composting?

Here are some options (and get more information through Global Ecovillage Network, http://gen.ecovillage.org/regions/index.html):

Scotland

The Findhorn Foundation community on the west coast of Scotland emphasizes sustainable living with a spiritual streak. One of its sites, the Park, features an eco-village with 300 residents, 90 ecological structures, gardens, wind turbines, an arts center and more. Visitors can come for the day and take a tour, attend a workshop or event, or spend weeks there. Experience Week, for example, allows guests to work in one of four departments (garden, kitchen, home care, maintenance) and attend such activities as meditation and nature outings. Prices, which include meals and accommodations for seven nights, start at $716 per person. Info: www.findhorn.org.

Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Eco-Village, three miles west of downtown, defies the L.A. lifestyle with its Bicycle Kitchen, a nonprofit group that encourages cycling; gardens and fruit trees; beautification projects that use red-clay brick salvaged from the 1994 earthquake; and other eco-sensitive practices. The site offers $10 tours of its two-block, 500-person community. www.laecovillage.org.

Missouri

Dancing Rabbit, set in the hills and prairie of northeastern Missouri, features buildings made of natural materials, 60 acres of woods, organic gardens, a food co-op and a visitor program that allows guests to stay one to three weeks during certain periods. Guests participate in workshops, attend social events and help out. (Wash dishes, anyone?) Most people camp, but indoor spaces are sometimes available to rent; the Milkweed Mercantile Eco Inn (www.milkweedmercantile.com) will open later this year. December. www.dancingrabbit.org.

New York state

EcoVillage at Ithaca, in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, includes two 30-home neighborhoods, an organic vegetable and berry farm, a nature area and two community houses where residents gather for shared meals. Free tours are held the last Saturday of each month, and private tours can be scheduled for $30 each or $40 per family. Guests also can stay several days or weeks and participate in such activities as work teams, house meals and village planning meetings. Lodging options include a private room and shared bath in the Common House ($65 per person, $75 families), a room in a resident's home ($50) or in one of two on-site B&Bs, the Frog's Way ($90) or the Wild Goose (from $65). www.ecovillage.ithaca.ny.us.

Mexico

Huehuecoyotl Eco-Village in Santo Domingo Ocotitlan has 14 houses and an international community centered on ecology, the arts, organic gardening, solar power and holistic health methods. The property organizes eco-tours, and visitors are welcome to stay in dorms ($14), campsites ($1.43) or private homes (from $14). Participation is encouraged. Info: www.huehuecoyotl.net.

Source: seattletimes.nwsource.com

Posted by BrianM at 6:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A small, visionary travel company, Ecoventura, that conducts small-ship cruises throughout the Galapagos, offers a 10-point program that it adheres to and hopes others will as well in order to support conservation efforts in this fragile ecosystem.

1) Keeps tour groups to 10 people or less per guide to reduce potential environmental impacts and wildlife harassment.
2) Hires naturalist guides to help monitor and enforce park regulations
3) Manages water and solid waste in an environmentally responsible manner.
4) Maintains the environmental certification SmartVoyager since 2000.
5) Supports locally managed projects that address conservation threats in the Marine Reserve.
6) Supports projects and hires local people in sustainable tourism, reducing their dependency on over fishing and other extractive activities
7) Provides scholarships to local children to study conservation education at the elementary, high school and college levels.
8) Gives clients a reliable means of donating to local conservation project
9) Reduces fuel consumption by installation of high performance oil filters.
10) Offsets the carbon emissions of all tour boats and sales offices

In operation since 1990, the cruise company transports 3,000+ passengers annually aboard a fleet of four expedition vessels that have been purposefully retrofitted to highest possible environmental standards. In recognition of these pacesetting efforts, in 2005 the Rainforest Alliance presented Ecoventura President Santiago Dunn with its prestigious Individual Sustainable Standard-Setter award for making a significant contribution to environmental conservation and sustainability. In 2006, Santiago was awarded the first annual Sustainable Travel Award from the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA).

In 2006, Ecoventura also became the first Carbon Neutral operation in the Galapagos (and Ecuador). Carbon emissions from the company's four yachts (and offices including business travel) are reduced, and then offset by contributions to a portfolio of projects through the US-based company NativeEnergy.

To receive a copy of Ecoventura’s 2008 catalog as well as information on tours to the Galapagos Islands please call toll-free 1.800.644.7972, or e-mail info@galapagosnetwork.com. To access current rates, schedules and itineraries you can log onto www.ecoventura.com.

Posted by BrianM at 5:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)