Shannon Coggins (57), Theo Simon (65), and their daughter Rosa (19) left their cozy wooden home in Somerset, UK,  back in August 2023. The trio’s destination was Wyoming, Australia, where Shannon’s sister Ellie Richmond planned to get married in December. The wedding venue in New South Wales was 15 thousand miles away from British Wales, a place so far that a simple Google Maps search spits the result “Can’t seem to find a way there”. Even the Travelmath trip calculator declares the distance as “complicated”, subtly suggesting: “You might even have to swim. May we suggest you fly instead?”

Slow travel pioneers

Indeed, to attend a wedding on the other side of the planet, most people would just take a bus to Bristol and hop on a plane to Sydney, a day’s journey away. But a family that, back in 2002, decided not to fly, knew there was only one acceptable answer – the slow travel adventure to Australia.

On her Buckle Up Dorothy blog, Shannon Coggins compared the slow trip to Australia with giving birth, a mixture of love and pain

The art student Rosa took a gap year, while her parents, the factory worker Theo and the school officer Shannon, both musicians in the folk band Seize the Day, known for their environmental campaigns, pulled brakes on their lives so they could minimize the carbon footprint on their four-months long trip Down Under.

But the Yellow Brick Road abruptly stopped in East Timor. To reach Oz, the no-fly family’s journey via buses, trains, and boats had to be polluted with a plane crossing to Australia after all. Was it a defeat?

On her Buckle Up Dorothy blog, Shannon compared the slow trip with giving birth, a mixture of love and pain. We got to talk about their delivery in Australia, just before the return trip to the UK, because, after all, there’s no place like home.

Unlike Dorothy, Shannon, Theo, and Rosa won’t be able to just click their ruby shoe heels, or wait for the next tornado. The slow-travel family will embark on another grand journey to make their one small step for man.

Shannon Coggins: I really like the fact that you call it ‘slow travel’. I’ve not heard that phrase before. It feels like I have heard it, but I don’t use it. And yet, it’s exactly what it is.

You’re the ambassadors of the slow travel movement!

Shannon: Let’s hope so. It used to be how everybody did it.

Another way of traveling around the world without planes is - by walking. Check out the incredible story of Tom Turcich!

Off-the-grid and on-the-road

Besides traveling off-the-beaten-path, you also live off-the-grid, don’t you?

S: Yes, we have built our own home. There was a long battle for planning permission over 20 years ago. Eventually, we won. The 4 acres of land are owned collectively by a group of 16 shareholders, of which Theo is one. We all have permission to build low-impact dwellings, with a limit in size.

Our home has three rooms, we’ve got a borehole for the water, and solar panels for the electricity. We are surrounded by trees and a garden that is full of birds. There’s a compost toilet outside. We have a shower which is in a shed. It’s a wonderful way of living. I love going outside to the toilet. I like collecting my water from the borehole. You have to interact with nature to do those things.

We’ve got a car park in common, at the bottom of the hill. Everybody parks there, and then walks to their houses with wheelbarrows, with all their stuff. It means it’s really safe place for children. They can run around, they’re going to see each other and have some agency about friendship and playing. It doesn’t all have to be organized by the parents. It’s been great.

It’s hard in winter when the power goes out. You have to be a lot more thoughtful about charging your computer. I used to take mine to work every day, charge it up, and bring it back home again. That’s how we live.

Theo Simon: It’s on the edge of the big village. Our collective bought the land, it’s been very low cost. But that was because we got permission on the basis that we would live very low-impact, and that we would reestablish the wildlife corridor between both sides of that field, by planting trees and bushes, which we have done. It’s become quite bio-diverse again. We have our own electricity, water, and sewage. And we have to recycle our waste as well.

S: All our rubbish is our responsibility. No one comes to collect our rubbish.

Leaving home sweet home

Is living off-grid the way to more easily save money for traveling?

S: Choosing to live a more modest lifestyle did have an impact. You can rent a big house and not have much money. You can buy a big house and have a big mortgage, and not have much money, but you’ll have security when you’re older. Or you can live in a simple, smaller way, which is what we managed to do. But it’s not an easy option. It’s not like leaping off-grid is easy. But it has meant that we can save up some money.

Theo: Now we have a housesitter. Because we also have a cat, which is really hard to leave behind.

S: Rosa’s cat.

T: Yeah, we have a house sitter looking after it, and knowing that we will be back in June.

You must be missing your cat, Rosa! But you’ve seen many on the road, right?

Rosa: Yeah, as many as I can. My cat’s name is Tequila.

S: At the rescue center, where we got her, her mom was named Sherry. Her sister was Whiskey. And it was only fair that she was given an alcohol name.

Your housesitter is a friend or someone you found on a house-sitting / swapping site?

S: It’s a friend of one of our neighbors. In Australia, we’ve signed up for housesitting. We did a housesit for a family with five dogs, a lizard, a goat, six chickens, and fourteen parrots. We did that for ten days.

From protest to purpose

Wow, a grand zoo! But let’s get back to how you even got there. You left the European summer of 2023 behind and will be back to the Old Continent when the summer of 2024 arrives. That’s quite a long trip for attending one wedding in Australia! Most people don’t decide to slow-travel around the world for a year. How did the concern for the climate change come into your life?

T: Me and Shannon actually got together through the road protest movement in Britain. We got very involved in defending the countryside against road building, which was a successful campaign, it ended in the 1990s. We also became musicians who often played in support of campaigns. We’ve been doing that for 7-8 years, when the band had already flown to Seattle, for a little tour, supported by the Farmers Union in America. We’ve gone and supported farmers in India and done a tour there against genetically modified crops. Shannon and I have also been a part of a non-violent citizen initiative in Palestine, we’ve flown there. We were very aware of the environment and of climate change even back then.

S: I asked a friend at the Center for Alternative Technology in Wales to calculate my carbon footprint. My footprint for that one flight to India and back was half the carbon that I used that year, and it was twice as much as what I should be using if the planet’s atmosphere was gonna stabilize. And I took it on! Okay, I should be using between 1 and 2.5 tons. So what am I gonna do?

I didn’t know anyone else who wasn’t flying. Everybody would look at me like I was an idiot. It was horribleShannon Coggins

I am a very practical person, Ivan! This is my responsibility, my life is my responsibility. I was a bit of an anarchist at university. I wasn’t trash-the-state kind of anarchist, I was more – it’s about me, what am I going to do? If I can see there’s a problem, I’ve got to act. And the only thing I could think of to do was to give up flying. It was easily the biggest and worst thing I was doing.

It was so horrible. I didn’t know anyone else who wasn’t flying. Everybody was flying and they would look at me like I was an idiot. Or the ones who had some kind of awareness would confess their guilty stories of their flights here and flights there, in the hope that I would absolve them of their guilt.

It took a long time before I could get through my feelings of jealousy that all these people were flying and having wonderful holidays, and I wasn’t. It took about 4 years. Because I loved flying. I loved going off on those holidays, they were so fun. I loved getting in the airplanes, and the little meals you get, the whole thing, I just loved it! It was tough to give it up. But I did.

I got to a point where I stopped being aggrieved by anyone else’s flying, or I could just understand it. I understand why people want their holidays, why they want to visit their family. But I can still carry on trying to make my difference. I think we all have to go through a bit of a process like that when we give up something that nobody else has given up. It can be lonely for a while, but I don’t feel that anymore.

R: I’ve kind of always been aware of the climate, because I was born into where we live, and my parents are both activists. I grew up surrounded by that. But then I’ve made friends who were environmentally aware as well. I’ve seen climate change and I believe it to be true. And I’d better believe it to be true, because I’m gonna have to deal with it in my adult life, I know that. I don’t want to make it worse. I want to try to do what I can. Honestly, I did find being in a plane a bit scary anyway.

Because that flight from East Timor to Australia was your first one ever, right?

R: Yeah, I don’t want to do it again.

If you want to travel around the world with the lowest carbon footprint, why don't you sail around it? Bert terHart did just that, alone, at the age of 62!

The social dynamics of slow travel advocates

Shannon mentioned: before one finds a community that embraces the slow travel trend, people could look at you like a weirdo or an idiot. In one blog post on the Buckle Up Dorothy website, Theo mentions the risk of becoming an “unapproachable self-righteous hermit”. It seems there is a considerable stigma that people who want to reduce their carbon footprint have to live with. Did choices you made due to your different lifestyle affect how you fit in your circles?

R: Actually, I’ve never experienced negativity from it. When I tell them where I live, a lot of people find it really cool. People my age seem to like the idea of living in a low-impact dwelling with no rent, out in the woods. It’s exciting for a lot of people. Obviously, all my friends fly. I don’t have any friends that haven’t been on a plane.

We can go from England to Europe easily because of the Eurostar and ferries, it’s very straightforward as it’s a very small stretch of sea. So we go on holiday to the south of France a lot. We get the Eurostar and then we go by car all the way down and camp. But the furthest I’ve ever been before we went on this trip was north of Sweden when I was 10. We took a week and went by train all the way up. We stayed there and saw the Northern Lights.

S: We spend all our money on experiences, Ivan. We have no savings! All we’ve done is save up money and then go somewhere amazing.

T: Thinking back to when we started saying that we wouldn’t fly, it wasn’t just us. There were other people that we knew in the climate movement, who were concerned about nature. Everyone was getting to the point where they knew that flying had a big emission. You couldn’t hide it. I was very uncomfortable that they still wanted to fly, or needed to fly.

People say: “I flew up to Edinburgh. Sorry, Theo.” I’m not your priest, you don’t have to apologize to me, but to the planet. It’s not me that you are hurtingTheo Simon

It was a big decision to take. But it was also partly because we were in a band that had a reasonable following. If we’re singing those things… Personally, for me, it wasn’t so hard, because I’m not such a great traveler as Shannon, I could happily stay in my shack all the time. Well, that’s not quite true. I love traveling, but it is not something I naturally want to do. Nonetheless, we thought it would be good for us to say: “We are not flying.” It felt like it was responsible in a leadership way, just to raise that. Firstly, to help people understand that our lifestyle was part of the problem, we could all look at that. And secondly, to get us thinking about how the world needs to change, what else do we need to do? It was a big step, but it was one we thought we should take.

Shannon mentioned the absolving, and I found that particularly interesting. My friends still apologize as if it’s me they are offending. In Britain, if people have to go to Scotland, they’d fly, because it’s actually quite cheap to go to Bristol and get on the plane. Whereas if you go on the train, it’s a lot of money, and it takes a long time. So people say: “I flew up to Edinburgh. Sorry, Theo.”

I get quite angry. I’m not your priest, you don’t have to apologize to me, but to the planet. It’s not me that you are hurting. I don’t usually say that. As Shannon really captured it in that song, it’s not about criticizing other people for flying, it’s just about raising the possibility that maybe you don’t have to.

Check out the 2007 music video for the song “Flying” by Seize the Day!

Investing in experience

You made a clear diagnosis about the slow travel 16 years ago, with the song “Flying”, when you recognized it as a climate crime, but also that finances and time are the biggest obstacles. As the song says, “living is hard, and flying is easy”. Not flying is sometimes a pricier choice. You have to save up for much longer to be able to afford the slow travel experience. You have to spend more time traveling somewhere, and it costs more.

S: When I was traveling before, you fly somewhere, stay there, and fly back. You tend to go for a shorter time. With our current choice of traveling, we’ve been able to afford more. As soon as you leave Europe, accommodation, food, the traveling itself is so much cheaper than living at home.

Effectively, it took us seven years to save up for this slow trip. There are a lot of things you could do with that kind of money, to deposit it, upscale solar panels… People normally redo the carpets in their houses or get a better telly. We could have gotten a really nice electric car.

But this trip is about coming to Australia and seeing my sister who emigrated 16 years ago, 4 years after I gave up flying. And the trip is about seeing the beauty of the world. When Rosa was 10, and she was just leaving the magic of childhood, I wanted her to see the Northern Lights, because that’s the magic that’s in the real world. She is just turning 20, and I wanted her to see the beauty of the real world, what is our world like.

And that’s true for me too. What is China like? What are the people in Russia like? What happens in Kazakhstan? Where is Laos? We’ve answered so many questions for ourselves. By traveling slowly through our world, we have seen so much, and so much has changed in our perception of the world. That’s worth much more to us in our lives than almost anything, it really is. My understanding of the world has changed. And I love it even more than I did before I left. It’s worth the money.

A Canadian family also took their children on a trip around the world to show them its beauty. But they had another urgent reason to do it - their kids were going blind. Read the interview with the inspiring Edith Lemay!

Voyaging against the current

You still live in a society, where you are surrounded by people who do their travels differently…

T: When we stopped flying when Rosa was born, we basically went to New Forest Camping. We did what any British family used to do all the time when I grew up, before the cheap flights came in, which was holidaying in Britain and taking a day to get there. And it was great. We discovered going to Tunisia as well, we did mad dashes on trains to Spain, to get the ferry over to Tunisia, stayed there in the off-season for a week, and then went back. So we did some quite long journeys. They took longer, and cost a little bit more probably. We could only do that because we get that 2-week holiday or whatever.

But some people pop off quite a lot, whenever they get a break, they fly off somewhere. I completely understand why they are just dying to get away. There is that thing that if I can go where there is sun, and I can drink without worrying about driving, and it’s a nice-ish hotel, and there are a few sights I can go and see, that will replenish me and then I can come back to work and carry on.

I know people have great experiences, I’m not dissing them. But quite often, they come back moaning about the food, or something about the hotel. I don’t feel that they had that much of a different experience. They’ve gone to places that are very far away, they’ve taken long flights to get there, and they sound exotic, but I feel that they didn’t necessarily need to do that. They probably could have gone to the Centre Parcs and had as good an experience without flying. So that’s how I feel about those holidays, I’m not interested in them, whereas the traveling, when Shannon first suggested it – the way we get to see the world and see people – that interested me, especially for Rosa.

Forgiveness for flying

Shannon, how do you look at the choices of others?

S: I have a different take on this. Someone I work with is a single parent, she hasn’t been away on holiday for five years, and she saved up a little money. She bought a week-long holiday in New York, to take her daughter away on a first holiday for all this time. I’ve given her some money towards it, I wanted her to go so much. I didn’t care that she was flying. I cared about the fact that she’s had a really tough life, her daughter’s had a tough life. This was something that they thought was going to be really special, and it was. It was fantastic.

As individuals, we are not going to change anything. Yeah, the flight was going to Australia anyway. But if there’s another 100 families we meet on the way, that’s one less plane 747. Slow travel is a real thing!Shannon Coggins

You know, if my sister ever needed me in Australia, I’d get on a plane like a shot. When my gran was dying in America, I rang her up, and said: “Well, do you want me to come over now, before you die, do you want me to come to the funeral, or shall I give your daughter, my aunt, the money for the airfare?” And she said: “Oh do that, love, don’t bother.” But I would’ve gone if she wanted me to.

As individuals, we are not going to change anything. This journey of three of us traveling overland to Australia – so what? It’s changed things for us. Flying is only 8% of global emissions anyway! There are an awful lot of other things to do. It’s just if we’re going to go to Australia, let’s try and do something different. Let’s open up the possibility, let’s not have a go at anyone else for what they do and how they live their lives. This is about the choices we are making. Is it possible? Can we start thinking about doing things a bit differently? That’s all I want, really.

Yeah, the flight was going anyway. Of course, it was. But if there’s another 100 families we meet on the way, that’s one less plane 747. We met three families! Slow travel is a real thing, Ivan!

No-fly tribe

T: Really interesting for us was finding different people who were doing part of the journey when they could go by plane. There was another no-flight family, doing the exact same thing, we met them in a cafe in a little town in Indonesia. We met a young dude from Prague, who was traveling around with a camera doing no-flight.

While we were away, there was this whole story of a climate scientist Gianluca Grimalda who was working in Papua New Guinea, and he was asked by his employer, the Kiel Institute for World Economy, to come back to Germany for a business meeting. And he said: “Okay, but it will take me two weeks, cause I can’t fly. I’m a climate scientist, and I know what this means, so I’m not gonna fly.” And they said: “You are sacked! You’ve gotta come back!” He said: “I’m not. I’m coming the slow way.” So he’s now back in Germany, but he did it the slow way.

Like us, all of them found that there was a point in their journey where they had to fly. We’re now trying to figure out if we can get back without doing that. But we will see. And Shannon said: “If we can’t, we will fly.” We will if we have to.

Navigating the emotional turbulence

Still, getting on that plane in East Timor must have crushed you!

S: Getting on the plane did break my heart, Ivan! Rosa’s attitude to it was the most sensible. When we got to Australia, she tried to get me to notice that we’d actually made it. I was all: “No, we failed, it’s so bad, I’m so depressed.”

R: It was hard even for me, I felt guilty about it. I also felt kind of defeated; we’d come all this way without flying at all, we got almost halfway across the world without getting on a single plane! Most people we’ve met up to that point had to fly at least once just to get to where we were. I was so proud of us actually.

In East Timor, we tried really hard to find a way to get over by boat. But it was the wrong time of the year, the wrong season, so we couldn’t. And we had to get on that little plane. But it was such a fraction of our journey. Even despite that little flight, our carbon emissions were significantly lower than if we had taken a plane all the way.

T: I felt a bit depressed about it. In one way, we didn’t travel slowly enough. We were on the move quite a lot. And when we were not on the move, we were trying to plan our next move. Because you can’t plan it all over the internet, not yet, maybe never. So we didn’t know if there was gonna be a bus from Almaty, and then we got Covid, and then we had to try and find the bus. Wherever we were, there was often some work to be done.

It can be quite tiring, just being away from home. We are older people too. It’s not like we are young travelers, forming relationships. It’s physically slightly challenging, it was very, very hot. We’ve been in Indonesia a long time, and we tried and tried, and it built up to this, but we couldn’t do it.

We had that close call at the end when we thought it looked like, by some mad miracle, we were gonna get a boat. And then we took that to the wire, the owner said ‘no’, and there we were.

I went through thinking that this invalidates everything we’ve done, and then thought we should have stayed, even if it meant staying for months until we got the boat because of the carbon. It was a very exaggerated emotional feeling, to be honest. Because once we’ve flown, I felt like, well, that wasn’t such a big deal. (laughter) Then I remembered that everyone else flies all the time.

Finding solace in carbon calculations

What did you do to get yourself back up, Shannon?

S: It messed with my brain, Ivan, as I was sitting there, getting completely depressed. I’ve arrived in Australia, our ultimate goal, we’ve made it. In four months, we got through Russia, we got through China, things we thought were impossible. Here we are, how amazing, we are still in one piece, we didn’t lose any limbs, we didn’t have any major illnesses other than Covid, and I am depressed.

I woke up very early, feeling like a criminal, and sat there on my phone, and did our carbon footprint. I found some really good websites, it was very thorough. And because we’re not using our car at home, and we’re not using gas in our cooker, we’ve actually used less emissions, even if we would have stayed at home, which is remarkable. Driving our cars to work, day to day, having to get to the supermarket, all of that’s gone out of the window because we were doing everything by public transport.

We nearly got on a cruise ship from Bali to Cairns. Obviously, it’s not flying, and then we could have felt like we’ve “done it”, we’ve actually made it, we didn’t fly. But the carbon footprint of that cruise ship was through the roof compared to our little flight from Dili to Darwin.

We were going to try and find a propeller plane. But we stayed with an honorary British consul in Dili, and she said: “Yes, but Qantas jet is going anyway, every single day. So you’d be adding a propeller plane. You would definitely be adding more carbon.” And she was right. I mean, if I got on a boat and the plane is going anyway, alright. But if I’m chartering a propeller plane to take me where I want to go, and there is a plane that is going there already, that’s not okay. I had to suck it up. Didn’t want it, but I did.

Social media backlash

The feeling that one’s action is somewhat insignificant is what sometimes stops people from acting at all. Planes are flying anyway, they could indeed think. Of course, you’re talking about the sum of our actions that makes a change. Is there a solution to that?

T: That’s really interesting. Some compensation for feelings of disappointment was that we suddenly got all this unexpected media interest for the story, from the British and Australian press. It also showed that the whole idea of low-carbon travel was something that people were now more interested in. It wasn’t so cranky.

But one of the things I noticed was, as soon as it came out on social media, there were a lot of people who just wanted to have a go. That’s what people do on social media. And so they were piling in, saying: “What numpties! The plane was going anyway, they could have just got on a plane, they’ve made no difference.”

Of course, you make a small difference if you don’t add the weight to the journey anyway. But that’s never been for any of us a key thing. It wasn’t a boycott to stop the plane from flying. But the fact is that the more people think ‘maybe I don’t need to fly’, then the less demand there is. The less likely it is that an airport’s gonna build another runway. The less likely it is that an air fleet is gonna get expanded. The more possibility there is that some enterprising person would develop a good sea route for passengers between Australia and Timor because there is a demand.

So it’s a small thing but, we’ve seen it with other green lifestyle ideas, that could suddenly change quite quickly, once people get into it. Flying to places is an idea that’s been sold to us, that this is just something we want to do and need to do.

One of the great and quite humbling things about traveling is speaking to a worker on our train in Romania or an oil worker on a Kazakhstan train. These people – they’re not gonna jump on a plane! Most of the world’s population is not in a position to think about jumping on a plane or not jumping on a plane, about what it is like to sacrifice a holiday in the Maldives. They never have that opportunity.

I don’t think it’s central that we fly as much as we think we need to do. We might change our society to make it good in other ways. Or we might develop slow travel, we might develop airships. We contribute towards that change by making that decision.

Beyond just being about carbon, slow travel is a much more interesting way to get around. If you’re gonna take a gap year, why fly somewhere if you can travel overland?Rosa

Slow travel, big impact

S: What do you think, Rosa, when people say you didn’t make a difference, what’s the point?

R: Well, it brings into conversations the idea that this is a possibility. And especially for young people, people my age, if they are gonna take a gap year, why fly somewhere if you can travel overland? That’s exciting, that’s an adventure, that’s more impactful than just flying somewhere. You get to see it all, you get to experience things you wouldn’t have experienced. You would just fly out of these countries, and you wouldn’t even think about them. But now you have to think about them because you are getting through them. And you might find a country that you really love by accident. So beyond just being about carbon, it’s a much more interesting way to travel. You see more of the world, and you get more of a sense of the world as a whole union. We’re all living on the same Earth, and that’s so apparent when you travel through it.

S: Slow travel is a wonderful way of travel. So maybe they are right. Maybe the plane is going anyway, maybe we are numpties, maybe we should have got on a plane. But having done the journey, I’m glad we did it. I saw and learned and changed more. I want to live in a world where people are trying to take care of the climate. And they may not get it right. I may not get it right. There may be something I could have done that was better, different, more. But this is me making an effort. I applaud myself and I applaud other people who are trying to make an effort. Collectively, we keep coming up with good ideas on how to do it.

T: The lifestyle hopefully has effects, but it’s for your own benefit as well. It’s about not being defeated by things. Like, we want to travel, but we don’t want to fly. Can we do that? Then, it’s challenging. But we’ve found out that it wasn’t as challenging as we thought it would be. It was actually easier in some ways. Then you get resilience, and it helps your optimism. If you make those choices yourself, you don’t feel so defeated by the situation, and it can make you feel more positive. It’s not impossible for me to go to China, I don’t have to fly, I can still go to China if I want to. And that’s been good for us.

Surprises beyond the Yellow Brick Road

To share the benefits of slow travel with the world, you launched the Buckle Up Dorothy blog. Besides an obvious connection to the “The Wizard of Oz”, as Oz was where you headed, the phrase you chose for your site’s name is a strong reference in pop culture, announcing big and unexpected events. What were those for you on this trip?

R: It was all big and unexpected in a way. Nowhere was as we expected it to be, not really. That’s the thing about travel, you get a sense of a country from a distance, but it’s impossible to know what it will be like until you are there. I’ve been surprised by so many places, positively and negatively. I was really pleasantly surprised by Turkey. They have loads of cats, they are all really well taken care of, and really friendly. They live out on the streets, but everyone respects them, vaccinates them, and feeds them. It’s really lovely, I haven’t seen that before.

S: It’s a whole culture, taking care of cats, amazing.

R: We were really excited about Kazakhstan because we had no idea what the country’s gonna be like. And it turned out the country is almost entirely a flat, featureless scrubland.

T: And an environmental disaster.

R: The people were nice. We stayed in Almaty, which was really nice, and near the mountains.

S: Tbilisi, in Georgia, we had thought it’s a cultural hotch-potch. It’s a very mixed experience, very European, but still has Russian influence. We were expecting a very open and interesting country. The hostel we stayed in was a melting pot of different cultures and ideas. But the people out on the streets didn’t look happy. The older generation looked like they were still part of Russia, and they were depressed. The younger generation all wanted to be a part of Europe, and they would get depressed. You know, how can you make such sweep judgments when you’re there for a week? But we didn’t get that feeling in almost any other country. Turkey had its own identity, Russia, China… Most of these countries we traveled through knew how to be themselves. And Georgia felt like it was almost subsumed by other cultures and other ideas. I can imagine there are quite a few countries that are like that, and how hard that is for those countries that have had that influence from so many different places.

T: It’s very personal. We’ve met somebody else who’s been to Georgia, and they’ve been to the mountains, and it was great. You can’t obviously rely on a traveler to tell you what the country is like. We had a really limited experience.

From tourist traps to true encounters

How did you feel being a traveler in the world of tourists?

T: When we went to Indonesia, we had some very ordinary experiences. On the ferry to Jakarta, Shannon met someone who invited us to her cousin’s wedding. A full-blown Muslim wedding! And we sang there, really fantastic. Then we went to Bali, which is where most of our friends would know in Indonesia, and actually went to Ubud, a beautiful little town there. But the town is now designed to find ways to extract as much money as possible from Western tourists. Which is completely understandable. But it means that it wasn’t a place where we felt we could be ourselves.

S: We’ve got friends who went there quite recently, and absolutely loved it. They recommended it to us. And the people that we met doing the selling, we really liked them. It just wasn’t what I wanted from my experience of being in Bali. What I did get was an open cremation, an incredible experience, and the community, because they all paid for the coffin and the ceremony, that was incredible. So they are running alongside each other in Bali. I think that’s what people notice from the place. Bali is still Bali, and they worked out how to make a lot of money from the people who come there.

I did not have much of that experience. The places we traveled through were much more where people live, and we got used to that. We haven’t spent much time on the normal tourist trail, so it was a culture shock ending up somewhere where our job was to pay for things and buy stuff, and we weren’t doing that. It was kind of difficult.

T: In Laos, which had a much lower tourist footprint going on, and it was off-season, we had a really pleasant experience of being in a tropical place, but not feeling that we were the target of everyone, that our job was to supply the money.

Then we had a few negative experiences like finding ourselves in a flood in Tbilisi before we knew where we were staying for the night. So we had to walk through a flood, and we didn’t know how bad it was gonna get. It was quite freaky. And we had the interrogation leaving Russia, not knowing where that would lead, but none of these things turned out to be that bad. We haven’t had a difficult time.

Pollution and progress in exotic locales

Having in mind your sensitivity toward the environment, were you surprised by the level of pollution that doesn’t usually end up on everyone’s Instagram feeds when they report from such exotic places?

S: In China, in places such as Chengdu and Guilin, the majority of the vehicles were electric.

R: In Guilin, surrounded by very typical Chinese mountains, most people get around on electric mopeds. I was struck by that because there is nothing quite like that anywhere in Europe.

S: And there was no litter on the streets. Because they have a policy where nearly everyone has a job, and people are paid to pick up litter from the streets. I got a good sense of what China is doing well.

In Indonesia, we saw piles and piles of rubbish. When I used to fly, when I went to India, I would see much more pollution, than I saw on this trip. It hasn’t been a big part of my experience. I didn’t think about what we are doing to this world. I’ve seen much more of the beauty, the kindness, and the ordinariness of people living their lives.

R: Most of the places have not been heavily polluted. The most heavily polluted was Jakarta, it was so obvious, wow. There’s smog in the air.

T: In Indonesia, a lot of the pollution comes from Western consumable stuff. It comes in and produces a lot of packaging and rubbish. And that has to be dealt with, same in Timor. Kazakhstan is an environmental disaster area. The first place we stayed in was an Airbnb in a grotty apartment block, and I turned on the tap and the water that came out was brown. The people in that city were living with toxic water.

So often, in places, it’s more been a measure of poverty, or a measure of infrastructure not having been developed. A few places have a problem with rubbish, they have no proper way of dealing with that, and maybe they have a problem with water.

But in most places we went, we found things which we could learn from. It isn’t the case that the Western world is way more advanced than the rest of the world. There’s an economic difference, but in different countries, things were done amazingly well and thoughtfully. And China was an eye-opener, after all the bad news we heard about it. After this, I have maximum respect for China.

Avatars of adventure – unleashing the Lion

Coming back to your blog, you playfully adopted Oz characters accompanying Dorothy on her adventure of finding her way home. Shannon took the avatar of Scarecrow, Theo embraced Tin Man’s armor, and Rosa jumped into Lion’s suit. Did you find brains, heart, and courage on the road, and in which moments?

R: For me, as the Lion, I definitely feel more courageous now than I was when I started. I found it hard and confronting to talk to people, especially strangers, to ask for help. And I still find it very awkward. In a lot of these countries, I can’t speak their language, and I’m just assuming that they can speak English, and that makes me feel uncomfortable. I feel like I should be trying to make an effort to learn their language. And I feel bad for making them stumble through English because I don’t know their language. I know a little bit of Mandarin, so in China, I was really struck, because I can struggle to ask a simple question in Mandarin. Suddenly I would be: back in England, why would I be afraid to ask that question? Because I can speak the language, there’s nothing stopping me! I think it helped me, now in Australia, to be more confident. Because I can communicate. So why don’t I communicate?

S: And you got a job!

R: Yeah, we’ve been here only for a week, and I got a working visa for Australia, so I could earn some money while I was here. And I walked into a Subway, gave my resume, and they offered me to come for a trial shift the next day.

S: Someone has to pay for our trip back, Ivan! (laughter)

Scarecrow’s path from doubt to dialogue

What about the Scarecrow?

S: Working-class families in Britain don’t have particularly high expectations for their children. That’s not true across the board, but there’s a certain truth in saying that my Dad told me I was stupid a lot when I was growing up. And somewhere I believed him. We didn’t sit around the dinner table, discussing art and culture and museums and books, we didn’t talk much at all. Anyway, I didn’t have that kind of upbringing.

When I was growing up, my Dad told me I was stupid a lot. And somewhere I believed him. This slow trip to Australia restored the belief that my voice countsShannon Coggins

Sometimes, when I want my mind to work and I want to be able to think and say what I think, I stumble over my words. I can’t find them. I don’t know how to think in a straight line if you like. And then, I wanted not so much to challenge myself, but to believe in myself a little bit more, that my voice counts, and that what I’m thinking and what I’ve got to say – matters.

So I built our website, from watching a video. It took a lot of effort, and Rosa helped me a bit. Oh my god, it was hard work building that bloody thing! It’s a drop in the ocean for most people, but I was determined to do it. And then I have written a lot of blog posts, and that’s been my effort, my voice, and challenge to my mind.

When we did a talk in China about our journey over the Silk Road, that was another opportunity, and the press interest in us, and this, with you, you are asking me what I think, and I am telling you what I think.

Tin Man’s journey of humility

What happened to the Tin Man?

T: I was used to thinking, talking, communicating, campaigning, blah-blah, having lots of opinions. When you’re going through so many countries in succession, there’s no way that you’re gonna know other languages, so you are subject to other people, you rely on their kindness to you. I just feel quite humbled by what people are like around the world. I feel humbled to realize that a lot of what I thought I knew, a lot of my book learning, and internet learning about what countries and people were like have been turned overhead by the experience of meeting some of them.

There have been lovely odd connections with people on the way, the guy in the train compartment in Kazakhstan, some people in East Timor, people you meet on the ferry, the ship’s musicians… Often a very brief encounter, but you can really sometimes feel that connection you get with someone. That person could have been my friend, a lifelong friend! But we will never see each other again. And of course, there’s a whole thing of trying to hang on to that, should we keep in touch… But that’s not the point, because the world is full of people like that.

One of the things that makes it possible for me when we’re traveling, when I feel a bit lost with the culture, things I don’t understand, or feeling homesick, is nature. And that’s true for all of us. If we can find a bit of nature where we are and connect with that, that’s different everywhere, but it is also the same everywhere. There’s something about nature for us which is fundamentally the same spirit. Of course, it’s one planet, and when you connect with that, it has its unique quality, but it’s also what touches my heart, and makes me feel at peace and safe wherever I am. I think the strength is that I am thinking a lot more about my connection with nature, and I am much less inclined to have opinions about everything, and much more inclined to listen to find out what other people think where they are. It’s been good for the Tin Man.

Thinking beyond flight

Now that you have traveled across the world, trying to do the slow traveling, you came up with this interesting proposal that someone could think about making a better sea connection between East Timor and Australia. What else could governments easily do to make our travel more sustainable?

S: Cheaper public transport. Stop subsidizing airplanes. If you make public transport affordable, then people will use it. Train travel is an amazing way to travel! You do see more, you have more time for yourself and for other people. You can look out the window and read the book. And you can sleep! That’s a simple thing.

R: Some of the parts of our travel were easy once we had found the way to get across. But finding how to get across was really hard. So if a country would make that a viable and clear option as a way to travel, then the people wouldn’t fly across. Buses have often been inexpensive.

T: If governments really want to think about it, there’s a lot of options for making deals and arrangements with other countries for making those through-journeys, a bit like the Interrail system, even if that one didn’t work that well. But here, in Australia, we have a pass that allows us to use Greyhound Buses for a certain period. Rather than paying by distance, it’s the period. We know that later we can travel up the coast because it’s easy.

Do we want millions of people going to the last beautiful places on the planet? It has a big impact, so I don’t know about thatTheo Simon

You can make all kinds of international arrangements to facilitate that ease of transport, and then it’s about encouraging it. Persuading governments and particularly tourism people to see the benefit. I think we’re at the beginning of that. We had some of that discussion in East Timor, which is a pretty much new country. If you develop this eco-tourism approach, which has to include travel, otherwise it’s a bit of a contradiction, then there’s a possibility you get something sustainable which has the advantage that it won’t be destroying what’s left of your environment. It will actually be enhancing the environment, because that becomes the thing that you are selling, so you want to make it clean, you want to protect it.

There’s been a contradiction in all of it, which is – do we want millions of people going to the last beautiful places on the planet? It has a big impact, so I don’t know about that.

I think someone needs to develop airships! Because they’d be slow, they could carry freight and they could carry people.

There is another aspect about the whole thing about the slow: we’re lucky, we create time for ourselves. Most people can’t. So the other aspect would be that we design our working world to give people the time to travel and that we allow that. But that would probably involve major changes in the way we run capitalism.

UN's climate summits are when the political heads gather to reflect on the ways to save us all. That doesn't always work. Read about the COP28 hypocrisy, a great gathering of private jets in Dubai!

Tips for successful slow travel

For families that are considering doing something similar, what are the best places and countries for long-term slow travel? What is your top advice – how to slow travel? Or how not to?

S: I’d say, Turkey is well-designed for slow travel. But you have to understand the Turkish railway system, which we didn’t. So either you have to turn up and be willing to wait, because it’s very popular, or you could get your head around the Turkish website in advance.

China is incredible, it has phenomenal train systems. Every single train that we got on left to the minute it was going to, and arrived at the minute it was going to. You can travel, you can afford it. But even in Thailand.

The only place where I wouldn’t travel by train is Java because it was incredibly expensive, it was crazy money to travel there, but we went third class, and that was alright.

R: I think the best advice for traveling the way we do is: you should always arrive at the station an hour before your bus or train is due to leave. That has saved us a few times. Because sometimes it’s earlier, or sometimes it’s really complicated to get onto the station, sometimes you have to put your luggage through a scanner, or things get lost in translation, and you can’t understand where you’re meant to go. And that extra hour becomes a life-saver.

S: We’ve given ourselves two or three hours on many occasions.

T: For this kind of journey, you plan as well as you can. The internet is your friend, except that now often the information is out of date. You then have to arrive and try and find out what is the real information based on the information you’ve already got, and you then need to act as if even that information possibly isn’t correct. So you are covered.

The visa hustle

T: The other thing you have to do, if you have a timescale for when you want the journey to end, you have to pin down the absolutely essential bits so that you make sure to get to that bit. We knew we had to be in Russia on a certain day, we had to leave it on a certain day because that’s what our visa said. So you’ve got to structure your trip around that.

Did you plan your visas in the UK?

S: The only two visas we had to get before we left were Russia and China. You cannot get them outside of your country of origin. All the other visas we either got as we were heading to a country, online, or at the border. But China and Russia were a lot of work, and cost a lot of money.

These are then the ones you had to plan out, you had to know where you would stay, when you would enter, and when you would exit the country. How did you prove your onward travel?

S: For China, we had to buy a plane ticket. And then we canceled it after we got our visa. It cost us 300 pounds to do that. You wouldn’t have to do that anymore. You can get a train into China right now, but none of the land borders were open when we set off. To get the visa, we had to prove we had a flight.

For Russia, we went through an incredibly complicated process to get the proof of travel within Russia. But someone said that when you book a hotel in Russia, you can ask them to book your bus tickets and then pay them because they have a direct way of receiving money you pay through Booking.com or whatever. You can’t pay for things in Russia with credit cards from outside of Russia because of all the sanctions. So there are little tiny details that you learn as you go.

Breaking through climate alibis

We spoke about how the feeling of the insignificance of an action demotivates individuals from doing their responsible part. In a world where everyone contributes to climate change, dispersing the responsibility, how to deal with these alibis for inaction calling out the hypocrisy of those who try to do their own little steps?

The guy from the Center for Alternative Technology told me that climate change is the thing that we need to almost not talk about. Live somewhere, and have a good quality of life. You’ve chosen to travel overland (because why wouldn’t you?), and that has an impact on your carbon footprint. But you’re doing it for economic reasons, and it’s a smart lifestyle choice, it’s an interesting choice, it’s a social choice. And the carbon footprint almost slides underneath.

That’s what happens with this story for us. We are a family from Somerset. We’ve traveled for a wedding, we’ve traveled overland, how interesting, we’ve gone all the way from Castle Cary to Sydney, isn’t that a long way, and how amazing, they made it. And, by the way, they are worried about the climate, cause aren’t we all? That’s what I wanted because it’s everybody’s planet.

What do you think about the art of slow travel? Are you a slow nomad yourself?
Share your thoughts in the comments, and pin this article for later!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click on them and make a purchase, Pipeaway may make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work!

The post Buckle Up Dorothy: No-Fly Family on a Slow Travel Adventure to Australia appeared first on Pipeaway.

Chocapocalypse now

West Africa, the powerhouse behind two-thirds of the world’s cocoa supply, has faced extreme weather. Heavy rains followed by a dry spell, and coupled with winds, pests, and black pod disease, diminished crop yields for the third consecutive year. Ivory Coast, the largest producer, has even pressed pause on sales for the 2024/2025 season, sounding the alarm for the industry.

As a result of the crisis, cocoa futures prices in both London and New York markets doubled in a year. Recently, they shattered records set back in 1977, with prices soaring, for the first time, over $6,500 per tonne.

Update 26.3.2024.: Cocoa prices broke another record mark, now costing $10,030 per metric ton. 

Update 16.4.2024.: Another record was hit; cocoa beans' exchange prices exceeded $11,000 per ton.

Climate change could permanently erase the world of chocolate

Global warming and changing weather arising from El Niño could permanently evict cocoa from West Africa. Some food futurologists predict that the extinction of chocolate could be a sad reality 100 years from now. Everyone’s favorite treat may become just a memory fading between facts and fantasies.

From the precious currency of the Mayan civilization to the golden tickets for Willy Wonka‘s chocolate factory, we’ve always placed a higher value on chocolate consumption than on climate change.

But what if we could imagine a completely different world? What if we could travel to a parallel universe where chocolate was not scarce but – abundant? I used the power of AI to visualize that dreamy world of chocolate, our precious.

If you want to inspire others to save Earth's resources, check out these slogans on environment also created by AI!

The alternate world of chocolate

1. What if the capital of the USA was Wonkatown D.C.?

Imagine the USA in which the capital city was named after the first president Willy Wonka, and not George Washington. The eccentric chocolatier would not reign from the White House but from the White Chocolate House. Little Donald Trump would be able to visit the factory only if he got lucky with snagging a golden ticket, like Charlie Bucket. Of course, he could always apply for the job position of Oompa-Loompa.

Beware whenever you notice marketing supported by AI! Parents who brought their kids to Willy's Chocolate Experience in Glasgow will think twice next time.

2. What if California was Chocofornia?

In the alternative universe, fortune seekers would rush to California not to mine gold but the abundant reserves of chocolate nibs. Rising from that frenzy, San Francisco would’ve had cable cars gliding on chocolate. The Golden Gate Bridge would’ve been the Silver Gate Bridge, made of recycled chocolate wrapping foil, of course. If you ended up behind chocolate bars, Alcatraz (known as The Choc) would arrest your palate. Fortune cookies, invented in Chinatown in the 1930s, would also taste way better if made of chocolate.

3. What if Mount Rushmore was Mount Rush S’more?

In the chocolate version of USA history, besides California’s chocolate rush, there would also be a s’more rush. Popular American graham-cracker sandwich with roasted marshmallow and gooey chocolate would be celebrated at Mount Rush S’more in South Dakota. The national memorial to Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln made of s’mores would become the state’s top attraction with thousands of people gathering around the campfire to munch on their favorite treat. Shrine of S’moreocracy would get so popular that even blockbuster movies would pay their homage to the iconic site. In “Marshmallow Attacks!”, Tim Burton‘s villains would add their faces to the sticky peaks of the Black Hills.

4. What if the Grand Canyon was the Grand Chocanyon?

In the United States that abound with chocolate, unique natural treasures would be protected as national parks. One such preserve would be Grand Chocanyon in Arizona, a gorge carved by the mighty Chocolorado River, so unique that it’s often considered on par with the original 7 wonders of the world. Imagine hiking through the spectacular landscape of chocolate erosion, with park rangers warning you that the tempting towering cliffs of cocoa are strictly off-limits for snacking. Irresistible cravings would inspire even filmmakers such as Ridley Scott, whose “Thelma & Louise” would give a new meaning to Death by Chocolate.

5. What if Coachella was Nutella?

Every year, Chocolorado Desert would host the world-famous Nutella Festival. Gathering at what we know as Coachella Valley in our reality, thousands of hazelnut-cocoa lovers would gather to experience trendsetting live music, art installations, and partying in eclectic fashion combinations. From Nutella-inspired costumes to body painting with the beloved spread, festival-goers would set new standards of decadence.

For even more nut Coachella outfits and Nutella-fueled partygoers check out our carousel on Instagram!

6. What if the Super Bowl was replaced by a Peanut Butter Cup?

Chocolate America would still have sports fanatics, cheering for their team in the grand finale of the NFL – the Peanut Butter Cup. Besides the game to declare the winners of the cup – American football champions, the event would serve entertainment with spectacular halftime shows, and the most expensive commercials in history. True to the nature of their peanut filling, the main cup sponsor would be Snickers, the chocolate bar brand launching their very own line of – sneakers.

7. What if Kremlin was ruled by a chocolate addict?

Turning now to another global power that focused on chocolate dominance after the Second World War, in a geopolitical tension between East and West better known as the Cocoa War. The seat of the Soviet Union, later Russia, Kremlin (Cremelin, in English) is a fortified complex in Moscow, named after the government’s smooth approach to foreign policy. In this sweeter version of the universe, President Vladimir Putin would not be a dictator but an addict, a chocolate addict. He would be famous for topless bear rides in chocolate rivers, organizing sweet retreats in Siberia, and throwing calorie bombs on Ukraine. “Cremelin annexing Cremea” would be a more digestible headline if Russia would shower their neighbors with bonbons instead of bombs.

8. What if the Colosseum was a Chocolosseum?

Speaking of sweet combats, we couldn’t skip mentioning the Roman Empire that built the largest amphitheater only to be able to entertain the public. In Chocolosseum, gladiator games would’ve been fought over the precious treat in a cocoa-powder-filled arena. The emperors knew that to rule the crowds, it was enough to feed them and entertain them. This idea of cocoa combats was compressed in the famous Latin saying “panem et circenses” (loosely translated as “chocolate and games”).

9. What if the Pope was Chocatholic?

You might have been taught that Jesus, just like Romans, offered only bread when he hosted that Last Supper. But what if, just what if, cocoa was as widespread as wheat? In this reality, the Son of God doesn’t break bread; he breaks chocolate bars, declaring: “Take, eat; this is my body.” The apostles would be the first to coin the term “sweet Jesus”, spreading the happy news and maybe stamping a completely different history of Christianity. Surely, by offering chocolate wafers instead of those made of whole wheat, the Church would attract many more followers to Sunday communions.

10. What if the Leaning Tower of Pisa was the Leaking Tower of Pisa?

The Tower of Pisa is another iconic Italian landmark. In the alternate reality, the belltower wouldn’t lean because of the unstable soft ground, but because of its design. The engineer would’ve started from an attempt to create the world’s largest chocolate fountain. The gigantic fondue with melted chocolate would attract millions of visitors making funny photographs while pretending to touch and lick its flowing liquid gold.

11. What if Paris had the Eclairiffel Tower?

In a world that doesn’t know what to do with extra chocolate, Paris would erect a tower of their own, the Eclairiffel Tower. Built for the 1889 World Fair to celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution (famous for Marie Antoinette‘s sentence “Let them eat cake”), the towering masterpiece would highlight the staple pastry of French cuisine – éclair. Inebriated by the cream-filled choux dough topped with chocolate icing, some tourists would linger and accidentally spend the night on the tower. But who could blame them?

12. What if Rio’s most famous beach was Cocoa Cabana?

In our fantasy chocoverse, Rio de Janeiro has a special connection with the sweetest treat. Between Sugarloaf Mountain and Forte de Cocoa Cabana (where else?), a chocolate-loving paradise built its name as one of the most iconic beaches – Cocoa Cabana. The four-kilometer-long stretch of sand is where people come to take long walks, enjoy the sunshine, or sip freshly opened cocoa nuts. The city is famous for its Rio Chocarnival, the largest in the world, where millions attend parades with chocolate-themed floats and samba dancers.

If you like the idea of a chocolate parade in Rio, check out more images in our Instagram carousel!

13. What if Easter Island had Easter Bunnies for Moai sculptures?

Easter Island or Rapa Nui in Chile is another bucket-list destination for many travelers. In a world where chocolate would not be scarce, it would be used to carve nearly 1,000 monolithic statues, known as moai. Half-buried underground, these enigmatic Easter Bunnies would leave many questions unanswered – why and how were they built? Their purpose would’ve remained a mystery, but the first European visitors would eventually name the bunnies’ home – Easter Island.

14. What if the capital of Egypt was Chocairo?

The birthplace of chocolate is in South America where several civilizations started cultivating cacao trees. Their mythical cities, such as Maya‘s Choco Itza, had counterparts in Africa, where pyramids appeared as tombs for rulers in countries such as Sudan or Egypt. In the version of history where chocolate never dies, confectionery brands constructed monuments to the treat, believing in chocolate’s connection with eternal life. The Pyramids of Giza were managed by Toblerone, Twix was responsible for Giza Sphinx, while Ferrero Rocher directly appointed pharaohs.

15. What if M&M’s stood for Masai Mara?

You might think that M&M’s are named after their creators, Mars and Murrie. But in our fantastic universe, the rainbow drops fell over Masai Mara, the wildlife reserve in Kenya. Maasai tribe named this area Mara (“spotted”) when they first migrated here and saw small bushes dotting the landscape. Or were those little dots of color in savannah something else? Masai Mara would’ve been a perfect spot to test the idea behind coating the colorful chocolate candies in sugar, as a way to prevent them from melting in warm climates.

16. What if you could taste the feeling of always Cocoa-Cola?

Coca-Cola made fantastic marketing by guarding the recipe of its fizzy drink as top secret. But what if, instead of coca leaves, the secret ingredient was cocoa beans? Forget about ice; Cocoa Cola is best enjoyed topped with marshmallows, perfect for cozying up on a cold winter day. Even in the company’s iconic Christmas commercials, Santa Claus would finally get a chance to indulge in a comforting hot Cocoa-Cola, accompanied by a plate of cookies. Our chocoverse makes sense, doesn’t it?

17. What if chickens laid Kinder Eggs?

In a world where we never lack chocolate, mass production is key. The solution for Kinder Eggs would be specially trained laying hens. These poultry farms would deliver steady supplies of chocolatey delights known as Kinder Surprise or Kinder Joy. Three things in one – some chocolate, a toy, and a – surprise.

18. What if Milka was painting all domestic animals lila?

In the chocolate-ruled universe, Milka would be another corporation that couldn’t be ignored. In the competitive confectionery market, the brand would turn to controversial advertising tactics. Beyond just painting their signature cow Lila in purple, the company would make Alpine pastures a gigantic color experiment. Everything that moves would become a violet walking advertisement.

19. What if dogs and pigs were hunting chocolate truffles?

In the underground of certain forests, an expensive delicacy grows – truffles. In 2023, one of these unique products of nature was auctioned for 184,000 euros! These edible fungi are even called precious white and precious black truffles as if Gollum himself was in charge of the naming. But in an alternate reality, the truly precious food delicacy would be chocolate truffles, reaching prices that give headaches. Luckily, chocolate truffles are the perfect headache remedy.

20. What if our Mars mission found we were already there?

The finale of the “Planet of the Apes” movie reveals that what Colonel Taylor and his crew believed was a distant planet governed by monkeys was actually – Earth. The scene with the half-sunk Statue of Liberty was a warning already in 1968: human civilization is capable of destroying itself. In the parallel reality where we left chocolateless Earth to look for a new home, imagine that our rovers, helicopters, and eventual human missions on Mars discover that we were already there.

Precious world of chocolate – conclusion

The recent cocoa crops crisis is just the newest bitter warning that climate change is not something to toy around with. Symptoms are all around us, and ignoring each and every one of them will not make the disease vanish in thin air.

Chocolate is not yet another ingredient. It is an important cultural cornerstone that does more than just satisfy our craving. Science has proven that chocolate lowers blood pressure and boosts our feeling of happiness. The world without chocolate is the world with higher tensions, robbed of joy.

Chocolate doesn’t have to become a term from the history books or an object that only artificial intelligence can recreate. It can survive if we act

Let’s not sugarcoat it; if we don’t cover our eyes completely, we can see the darkness is already swallowing this Middle-earth.

Sure, we can indulge in whimsical daydreams of a world where chocolate rivers flow freely and cocoa beans rain from the sky. We can invent fantasies where we prioritize treats over threats, and bonbons over bombs. We can even giggle while diverting our attention to a temporary amusement, imagining alternative iconic landmarks, festivals, or even religions.

But the issue remains serious. Hoarding the supplies will not solve it. Just calling something precious is not enough. We know how Tolkien‘s Sméagol ended; both he and his precious were destroyed.

Humans can still choose a less tragic path, if we act. Chocolate doesn’t have to become a term from the history books. History can also not become a legend. Legend doesn’t need to become a myth. Chocolate doesn’t have to pass out of all knowledge and become an object that only artificial intelligence can recreate. It can survive.

Ultimately, it’s up to us. Global warming will melt much more than just one food item. But our political power still controls the thermostat.

Did you like this fantastical guide through the world of chocolate?
Pin it for later!

The creator of all AI images in this article is Ivan Kralj. The alternate chocolate realities were imagined with the help of tools such as Dall-e, Alchemy, and Stable Diffusion, with additional adjustments in Adobe Photoshop.

The post Precious World of Chocolate: Bitter Reality and Sweeter Fantasy appeared first on Pipeaway.

Nothing says “Let’s save the planet” like putting a fossil fuel boss in charge of a conference dedicated to combating climate change

The Conference of the Parties, now COP28 (the digits counting the generous number of years since we acknowledged the severity of the issue), is the UN‘s annual convention on climate change. It brings political heads together, expecting them to tackle the issues of greenhouse gas emissions, and evaluate our overall progress in the global survival attempt.

This year hosted by Dubai, the oil-rich Arab emirate, and presided over by Sultan Al Jaber, the CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), the climate conference tries to keep a straight face while talking about achieving targets set by the Paris Agreement  (COP21) that was, back in 2015, imagining a “sustainable low carbon future”.

Nothing says “Let’s save the planet” like putting a fossil fuel boss in charge of a conference dedicated to combating climate change. On this same Earth that strives for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, Al Jaber’s appointment as COP president was a controversy bordering mockery. It was revealed that ADNOC was in a position to monitor summit office e-mails, that they planned to use the event to strike new oil and gas deals, and that Al Jaber was questioning climate science, claiming that phase-out of fossil fuels would take us “back into caves”.

Manon Aubry, a French member of the European Parliament, called out the UN’s decision to empower Al Jaber as scandalous, likening it to “having a tobacco multinational overseeing the internal work of the World Health Organization“. Twitter activists compared him with “Count Dracula in charge at the Blood Bank”.

We are not cockroaches

Unless you’ve been living under a rock in the last decades, you know that our survival on this planet is seriously questionable. Well, that’s not entirely true. The endangered Australian cockroach Panesthia lata, previously thought extinct, has been literally hiding under a rock for over eight decades before being proclaimed resurrected.

But we are not cockroaches. Threatened with climate change, we cannot just cross our fingers for a surprise miracle. Playing hide-and-seek on this third rock from the Sun will not make our self-inflicted mess magically disappear.

Making political choices that involve appointing some of the architects of our climate catastrophe as leading voices in solving it is like asking a fox to babysit the chickens. It says that we might have either given in or given up. The reputation of our seriousness toward solving the issues is jeopardized. Is it all just a spectacle?

You’d think by 2023, we’d have moved past the era of empty paroles and symbolic gestures. But here we are, sending our leaders to yet another greenwashing gala, this time to the Arabian Desert, so they could almost literally bury their heads among the sandcastles.

One of the ways we produce irreversible damage to life on this planet is plastic pollution. Read how the travel industry fights against it!

“We belong to the Earth”, said the ostrich king

It was King Charles, the British monarch, who delivered an opening speech at this Ostrich Summit, with messages we would expect to be written for a speaker as privileged as him.

“I pray with all my heart that COP28 will be another critical turning point towards genuine transformational action at a time when, already, as scientists have been warning for so long, we are seeing alarming tipping points being reached. (…) As I have tried to say on many occasions, unless we rapidly repair and restore nature’s unique economy, based on harmony and balance, which is our ultimate sustainer, our own economy and survivability will be imperiled. (…) After all, ladies and gentlemen, in 2050 our grandchildren won’t be asking what we said, they will be living with the consequences of what we did or didn’t do.”

As King Charles was delivering his environmental TED Talk about “an unmissable opportunity to keep our common hope alive”, urging his colleagues to meet this opportunity with a true sense of the emergency, and with a commitment to practical action, he conveniently forgot to mention that his Royal Highness, the UK’s prime minister, and the foreign secretary all took separate private planes to fly to Dubai. Apparently, “practical action” doesn’t include carpooling.

Oxfam, the British organization focusing on the alleviation of global poverty, already calculated that the richest 1% of the world generates as much pollution as two-thirds of humanity. Billionaires living their lives like King Charles will cause 1.3 million heat-related excess deaths before 2030.

It is estimated that a private jet joyriding from London to Dubai is 10 times more polluting than a commercial plane. And yet, the British political elite took not one, not two, but three of these aerial polluters for their journey to the summit.

“The Earth does not belong to us, we belong to the Earth”, said the king of ostriches in his opening address, still coughing out some sand.

Dear King Charles, if you're reading this, you'll be glad to know that there are 10 simple ways to reduce your carbon footprint. And here's where to find the cheapest commercial flights!

Climate action cannot wait

King Charles who accepted to be the opening mascot of the summit is just one of the hundreds of political heads landing at Dubai airport in private jets, the most polluting mode of travel.

“When compared against the average annual carbon footprint per person of 4.7 tonnes in 2019, some private jets release two tonnes of CO2 per hour shared amongst typically very few passengers. Private jets therefore embody a striking example of carbon inequality in which the most privileged contribute significantly to climate change whilst the impacts are often experienced by those least privileged”, says the study that calculated the effects of 315 private flights during COP27 in 2022, when political ostriches got a taste of Egyptian sands.

Research led by Carole Roberts calculated carbon emissions of various transport options between London and Dubai, for COP28. (Not only) British political elite chose the most polluting way to get to the climate conference.

It’s 2023, and not everyone wants to repeat the obvious mistakes. Nepal‘s prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal flew to Dubai on a commercial plane, with Nepal Airlines. But before you applaud him, hear this: the flight left Kathmandu two hours before the schedule, leaving 31 not-very-important passengers behind. Nobody knows why the delegation was in such a hurry that the official departure had to be abruptly changed, but it seems their earlier presence in Dubai was of utmost importance. In their defense, it is a known fact that climate action cannot wait.

The airline claims it accommodated the stranded Nepalese passengers in hotels, and flew them to Dubai on alternative flights. As if climate cares.

To prove that we could think differently about long-distance travel, one British family embarked on a four-month-long journey to Australia. Read their inspiring no-fly story!

Charade of Swifties

With twice as many attendees when compared to that polluting Egypt conference (oh, how we learn!), COP28 prepares to leave the highest carbon footprint in history, making even seasoned air traffic controllers break into a cold sweat. Despite Dubai being the home to one of the world’s most connected airports, many world leaders decided to grace the summit with their bountiful contribution to climate change by arriving in private jets.

Whether they started from Japan, Nigeria, or Switzerland, these very important jet-setters flocked to the climate conference as if they were Taylor Swift herself. In 2022, the pop star was crowned the greatest celebrity CO2 polluter, emitting 1,184.8 times more gas than the average person. But the fresh billionaire at least doesn’t pretend that she is circling the planet in her private jet to save it.

Swift is not giving speeches where she would, like seriously concerned King Charles, pledge happily-ever-after if we all just hold hands: “So if we act together to safeguard our precious planet, the welfare of all our people will surely follow.”

One political leader refused to participate in the grand charade. Hilda Heine, the former president of the Marshall Islands, a country acutely threatened by rising sea levels, resigned from the position of COP28 advisor. She wasn’t interested in playing a role in the carbon carnival, where the UAE allegedly planned to use the conference to secure new oil and gas deals. Heine called it “deeply disappointing” and undermining “the integrity of the COP presidency and the process as a whole”.

Do you think that King Charles' messages could make it to the list of the best Save Earth quotes?

Good COP, bad COP

We’ve grown accustomed to commercial companies marketing their products and brands through a greenwashing lens. From Coca-Cola and McDonald’s to Walmart and H&M, the economic giants have learned that trends should be exploited. So if consumers demand green, that’s exactly where the deception would be targeted.

“The moment is critical”, their crowned heads will mutter once again while grinding sand between their teeth

But we weren’t anticipating that climate conferences, those grand assemblies of political promises, would become the latest runway for greenwashing couture. COP28, the largest climate summit in history, smells of a smokescreen, with political heads trying to convince us that they’re doing more for the environment than what our eyes can clearly see.

“The moment is critical”, their crowned heads will mutter once again while grinding sand between their teeth, and swallowing more and more letters.

With now 2 million species threatened by extinction, we know at least one species that doesn’t seem to be endangered at all. These political cockroaches will never tell you the real truth: “The moment is hypocritical.”

What do you think about this climate summit? Are you an optimist?
Comment below and pin this article for later!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click on them and make a purchase, Pipeaway may make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work!

The post Unearthing the Problems at COP28: Heads of Nations Meet in the Arabian Desert appeared first on Pipeaway.

Shifting from luxury hotel stays to adventurous backpacking trips offers a greener way to explore the world

The Earth is teeming with an increasing number of explorers, and this surge in global tourism has placed immense strain on overcrowded tourist destinations. Take Dubrovnik, the picturesque mecca of Croatian luxury tourism, for example. Overwhelmed by the cacophony of noisy tourists, the city has resorted to an unprecedented measure this year: you can bring any type of luggage with you, but if you want to roll it down their cobbled streets, that will cost you a fine! Until levitating car producers discover the niche of levitating suitcases, there is a simple and comforting solution at hand: green backpacking.

As global awareness of environmental issues increases, many of us are looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint, and one area where significant changes can be made is in the way we choose to travel.

Shifting from luxury hotel stays to adventurous backpacking trips offers a greener way to explore the world. In today’s article, we will unravel the secrets of traveling green and show you how to embark on an eco-friendly adventure. Join the movement toward a more sustainable future!

Embracing the green backpacking lifestyle

Choosing the backpacking lifestyle is about more than just swapping out a hotel key for a tent; it is about adopting a mindset of sustainability, efficiency, and respect for nature.

With the right approach, you can retain the comfort and quality of your travel experience while significantly reducing your environmental impact.

Pack light and choose sustainable gear

One of the cornerstone principles of backpacking is packing light. This doesn’t just make your journey easier; it also minimizes the energy required for transportation, thereby reducing your carbon footprint. To embrace this principle:

• Assess your needs: Carry only the essentials. Carefully consider the utility of each item you pack. If it doesn’t serve a crucial purpose, leave it behind.
• Choose multi-purpose items and clothing: Gear that serves multiple functions can reduce the overall volume and weight of your backpack. But don’t forget to consider the weather conditions at your destination! For instance, if you’re preparing for a trip to cold regions, it’s wise to add a synthetic insulated jacket, perfectly suited to the expected temperature.
• Opt for lightweight and compact gear: Lightweight items reduce your backpack’s overall weight, making your journey more efficient. Look for compact gear that takes up less space.

Moreover, make a point of choosing sustainable gear to further minimize your environmental impact:

• Seek out eco-friendly brands: Some manufacturers prioritize sustainable materials and processes. Look for these brands when choosing your gear.
• Opt for durability: Durable goods might be more expensive upfront, but they last longer, which is both economical and better for the environment in the long run.

Traveling green fundamentals: Respect local ecosystems

Respecting local ecosystems is a fundamental part of the green backpacking ethos. Here’s how to ensure your presence is as non-disruptive as possible:

• Stay on established trails: Straying off the trail can harm fragile flora and contribute to damaging erosion. Stick to the designated path to minimize your impact.
• Keep noise levels down: Noise can disrupt local wildlife. Keep your volume low, especially in sensitive habitats.
• Camp in designated areas: Designated camping areas have been carefully selected to minimize the environmental impact of human presence. Always use these areas when available.

The ripple effect of choosing green backpacking

By choosing green backpacking over luxury hotels, you are reducing your environmental footprint. However, your positive impact doesn’t stop there. Your choices can have a ripple effect, influencing others and supporting shifts in industry practices.

Inspire others to travel green

Your decision to travel green can have a significant influence on your social circle. Here’s how you can inspire others:

• Share your experiences: Talk about your backpacking trips, the stunning natural sites you’ve visited, and how traveling green and light has enhanced your travel experience.
• Discuss your reasons: Explain why you’ve chosen green backpacking and the benefits it has brought you – and the environment.
• Show it’s doable: Demonstrate that backpacking is a viable, enjoyable way to travel. This might encourage others to give it a try.

Support sustainable tourism industry practices

Your individual choice to travel green contributes to a collective demand for more sustainable options in the tourism industry:

• Opt for sustainable tour operators: Where possible, choose tour operators who prioritize sustainable practices. This supports their business and encourages others in the industry to follow suit.
• Support eco-friendly accommodations: Even when you’re not camping, you can choose to stay at eco-hostels or other accommodations that focus on sustainability.
• Provide feedback: Let businesses know that their green practices are appreciated. This feedback can motivate them to continue improving their sustainability efforts.

Each step you take towards green backpacking, from packing light to choosing sustainable gear and respecting local ecosystems, is a stride towards more sustainable tourism. As a green backpacker, your actions can inspire others, support eco-friendly business practices, and ultimately contribute to the preservation of our planet.

Luxury hotels vs. backpacking: Environmental impacts

Luxury hotels, while often comfortable and convenient, carry significant environmental impacts. They tend to consume vast amounts of energy and water, produce high levels of waste, and contribute to land and water pollution.

On the other hand, backpacking promotes minimalism, reduced consumption, and a closer connection with nature, making it a more sustainable travel option.

Energy and water consumption

Luxury hotels consume massive amounts of energy for lighting, heating, air conditioning, and other services. They also use large volumes of water for laundry, swimming pools, and landscaping.

Conversely, backpacking in nature encourages minimal energy and water usage. You’ll likely use solar chargers or battery-powered devices for your energy needs, and water consumption is generally limited to drinking and basic hygiene.

When it comes to backpacking, considering the weather conditions of your destination and choosing appropriate gear is essential. The already mentioned insulated jacket can provide the necessary warmth in cold conditions. But choosing the right gear isn’t just about personal comfort; it’s also a strategy to reduce reliance on energy-intensive heating solutions.

Waste generation and land use

Luxury hotels produce vast amounts of waste, from food and packaging to disposable toiletries. In contrast, backpacking encourages a leave-no-trace ethic, promoting responsible waste management, including carrying out what you carry in.

Large-scale construction and landscape alterations for luxury hotels can lead to habitat destruction and soil erosion. Backpacking, on the other hand, requires minimal infrastructure and can be done with a light footprint on the land.

There are also high-end hotels that play a key role in supporting green travel practices. For instance, if you go to Cambodia, you could consider staying at Jaya House River Park. In Ethiopia, you could visit Limalimo Lodge, and in Bali – The Menjangan Resort. Wherever you go, you can find solutions that support a luxury travel lifestyle, but reduce a feeling of guilt; you just need to do your research. 

Traveling green while backpacking – Conclusion

Shifting from mainstream luxury hotel stays to less conventional backpacking is a meaningful step towards more sustainable travel. This greener way of exploring the world not only reduces our environmental footprint but also offers a closer connection with nature and local cultures.

Every action taken towards green backpacking makes a difference

Our choices have immense power. From minimalist packing and wearing adequate clothing to practicing “leave no trace” principles and camping responsibly, every action taken towards green backpacking makes a difference.

By sharing our experiences and supporting eco-friendly businesses, we can help inspire a broader shift toward sustainable tourism. Beyond just influencing our immediate circles, we can plant seeds for the collective desire for change.

The time to embrace the green backpacking lifestyle is now.

What are your experiences of traveling green? 
Leave your comments below, and pin this article for later!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click on them and make a purchase, Pipeaway may make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work!

The photographs in this article have been sourced through Unsplash and Pexels.
In the order of appearance, the authors are as follows: 
Backpacker in Swiss Alps (cover image) - Janis Fasel
Packing a backpack - Timur Weber
Les Cabanes - Bram Van Oost 
Lightbulb - Nikola Tomašić
Backpacker in Tatra Mountains (pin image) - Yevhenii Dubrovskyi

The post Traveling Green by Choosing Backpacking Over Luxury Hotels appeared first on Pipeaway.

Carbon footprint happens when we are aware of it, and when we are clueless

A Chinese couple that recently visited South Korea did completely the opposite. They booked a villa in Seoul through Airbnb, but then changed their mind because they preferred another location. The flat host didn’t approve the cancelation, so they took revenge by leaving the water tap running, and keeping lights and gas on. They ended up wasting 120 tons of water and left the owner a gas bill amounting to 730 US dollars.

There are many ways these tourists could have expressed their dissatisfaction with the flat owner’s policies, but they chose the utterly senseless one. Sure, it hit the renter’s pockets, but stealing or giving away a piece of furniture would too. Nature, whose resources they mindlessly spent for nothing, was just a collateral victim in this childish revenge game.

It could be that the couple didn’t think much about the impact of their actions. But maybe that’s a weakness we are all prone to. We don’t necessarily raise CO2 emissions because we are inherently mean. We are capable of doing such things when we get careless.

Luckily, for that problem, there is a cure, and it’s called care. We can make choices. We can improve awareness of the fact that traveling is not just a way to explore new places and cultures and have the world at our service. Traveling makes a significant impact on the environment, our wanderlust comes at a cost. It happens when we are aware of it, and when we are clueless.

In today’s article, we’ll talk more about the human carbon footprint, ways to reduce it, and actionable tips and tricks that will help you join the green travel movement.

Carbon footprint definition

If your head was in the clouds for the past decades, let’s start by defining what carbon footprint means.

Carbon footprint is a term used to describe the amount of greenhouse gases (mainly carbon dioxide, but also methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases) released into the atmosphere as a result of our actions.

Everything we do, from driving a car to chowing down on a juicy burger, has a carbon footprint because it requires energy and resources that ultimately contribute to the release of greenhouse gases into the air.

These emissions are important because those gases trap the Sun’s and Earth’s heat, warm the world, and directly affect climate change. The effects threaten life as we know it, so we can expect to witness even more frequent extreme weather, rising sea levels, food shortages, and extinction of species.

Learn what's happening with the last remaining northern white rhinos in the world in an interview with Matjaž Krivic!

Carbon footprint reduction

Globetrotting generates a hefty carbon footprint, but reducing it doesn’t have to feel like a buzzkill. On the contrary, taking a path of responsible travel can add a sense of purpose and meaning to our enjoyment.

Let’s dive into some simple and effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint that will not rob you of your wanderlust cravings!

Sustainable travel is the top trend of 2023 travel predictions, and the key aspect of the aviation industry development, but also something you should adopt anyway. It starts with these easy tips and tricks to making your next trip Earth-friendly.

Some political readers did not understand the point of sustainable travel, so they went to Dubai's COP28 climate summit by the most polluting mode of transport - private jets. 

10 best ways to reduce carbon footprint while traveling

1. Use eco-friendly transportation.

Transportation is one of the key contributors to carbon emissions when traveling. Besides cars, planes are the biggest offenders; just one transatlantic flight releases 1,6 tons of CO2! Even Bigfoot would be envious of the carbon footprint of flying.

Flights are sometimes the only practical option to reach a certain destination. If that’s the case, consider choosing airlines that have a clear commitment to sustainable operations and even their own carbon offset programs (a hidden fee that is actually doing some good).

If possible, fly newer planes that are usually more fuel-efficient. Single-aisle aircraft is your best pick.

Connecting flights may sometimes be cheaper than direct ones, but if you can swing it, try to avoid layovers.

If you can organize your life in a way that you can take fewer longer trips, that’s always better than many shorter ones. Personally, I prefer traveling for up to half a year at a time. This may require one intercontinental flight, but once you’re in Thailand for instance, Cambodia or Laos is just a bus ride away. Flying from and back to your original country for every destination is the least green way of exploring the world. Combining more destinations in one trip is beneficial both for your wallet and for your transportation carbon emissions.

Of course, the best way to reduce your carbon footprint when traveling is by taking the slower option: ground transport. Trains are the number one eco-friendly choice, but hopping on a public bus is also better than traveling alone in a car. If you do need to rent a vehicle, go for the smallest one in the petrol-powered fleet, or better yet, an electric car.

Once at a destination, swapping taxi rides with cycling tours or walking routes will be as rewarding for the environment as for your nice-looking calf muscles.

A British family decided to travel to Australia overland. Learn about the benefits of slow travel!

2. Pack light.

Do you struggle before every trip with the age-old question “What do I pack?”? If you want to travel sustainably, the answer is quite simple.

Packing light is one of the easiest ways to reduce carbon footprint. Those extra kilos in your luggage may seem harmless, but they require additional fuel to transport them.

That’s true not only for planes but also for other types of transportation. For instance, while filling the car’s gas tank to the brim might be convenient, the fuel disappears quicker, simply because its weight also contributes to the total weight it needs to move around.

Packing light will reduce the contribution to the weight of the vehicle and thus affect fuel consumption.

We are all inclined to overpacking, so consider minimizing your packing list to essentials. Sticking to the basics also means that you don’t need to bring things you can easily purchase at your final destination.

Consider investing in lightweight suitcases of adequate size for your specific needs. The more compact your luggage gets, the better its environmental footprint.

When you count into the equation that you are also saving worries and money on fees for exceeded baggage weight, traveling light is indeed traveling right.

Also, your spine will thank you.

3. Choose eco-friendly accommodation.

Being conscious when choosing your accommodation can be your little contribution to a more sustainable hospitality business. Support hotels and resorts that go above and beyond in minimizing their impact on the environment, by using renewable energy sources and implementing recycling programs.

Eco-friendly accommodations are not just champions of responsibility in tourism, but also often elevate the game in hospitality altogether. Some of the best hotels I stayed at (like Jaya House River Park and Limalimo Lodge) were actually those that were fiercely supporting both their natural and social surroundings.

When leaving reviews for your accommodation, applaud the good environmental practices, and politely suggest where they can improve. By showing that customers do care about sustainability, you could inspire properties to strive to design an even greener future.

If you stay at a place that is far from that brighter future, you can still do your part by conserving resources. Let the Chinese couple from the beginning of this story be anything but inspiration: take shorter showers, skip the jacuzzi bath, cut down on heating and AC usage, and turn off those Betlehem-style Christmas lights.

4. Choose environmentally sustainable activities.

Activities we partake in on our trips also impact the environment. While some are normally harmless (think hiking, biking, snorkeling, visiting local farms, etc.), the impact of others is quite negative (e.g. jet ski joyrides, motorized boating, tiger petting, swimming with captive dolphins, and elephant rides).

Avoid activities that involve exploiting animals, revving up a motorized vehicle, or harming the ecosystem in any other way.

Always check that your tour operator follows sustainable practices. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about their commitment to reducing the impact on the environment.

Pro- tip: try to choose activities that are within walking distance of your accommodation. Or even better, choose the accommodation that is within walking distance of activities.

5. Support local businesses instead of large corporations.

Spending money at a local business directly supports the local economy and people who live and work at your destination. This can in turn help preserve the unique character of the place you’re visiting, with its authentic culture and heritage.

Also, smaller businesses usually have a gentler carbon footprint than large international corporations. They typically find their resources locally, minimizing the carbon-emitting transports large corporations with global supply chains are known for.

While big boys often prioritize profit over responsibility towards the environment and community, small guys (businesses that are rooted locally) have more interest in investing in renewable energy, reducing waste, and other sustainable practices.

Next time you feel the craving for Starbucks, booking a tour with an operator that’s owned by global investors, or buying that cheap souvenir produced in China (while you are miles away from the country), think about alternatives that replace flashy ads with positive impact.

6. Eat sustainably.

Eating local food is an extension of the previous tip. Besides supporting local farmers and businesses, it also means looking for those restaurants and markets that prioritize locally sourced, seasonal, and organic ingredients. This will avoid carbon emissions associated with shipping food across the globe.

Growing crops for livestock also requires a lot of resources and energy, which makes meat and dairy production a major contributor to carbon emissions. To reduce carbon footprint, consider cutting back on your meat intake, especially when it comes to beef, which is the top offender.

Ideally, try to completely embrace a vegetarian or even vegan diet. You’ll be helping the environment, but you might also discover delicious plant-based dishes you never knew existed.

7. Reduce the use of plastic.

The easy and effective way to reduce your carbon footprint is by eliminating single-use plastics from your life. Plastic pollution is a real thing, and the least you can do is ask the cocktail master to not put two plastic straws in your Mojito. You’re not doing an arts-and-crafts project after all!

If you don’t have it already, you should invest in a durable and reusable water bottle. Some of Amazon‘s bestsellers are the insulated premium stainless steel Iron Flask (with more than 120 thousand positive reviews), Hydro Flask with mouth straw lid, and this practical collapsible silicone Special Made water bottle that will not take much space once you’re done drinking. With free water-refill stations popping up at hotels, airports, and even shops, buying bottled water truly looks like an outdated, pricy, and senseless habit.

Of course, you can extend your eco-friendly travel kit with other goodies that will help you avoid using single-use plastic products. Those could include reusable cotton tote bags (coming in a variety of colors and quantities, so you can decorate them according to your style), refillable coffee mugs, reusable stainless steel straws with cleaning brushes, biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes, or refillable containers for toiletries, so you don’t have to constantly buy travel-sized products.

8. Go digital.

If you’re one of those people that travel around with hundreds of printed-out Tripadvisor recommendations, stop doing that! Today, when our phones are little computers, and information is just a click away, it doesn’t make sense to cut down trees just so you could organize yourself better.

Instead of ancient paperback and hardcover travel guides (with probably outdated information), discover the universe of Kindle guides. Or read blogs, such as this one, and then bookmark them, pin them, or save them for future reference in any way that suits you.

As for the maps, digital maps have numerous advantages over bulky old-fashioned paper maps that scream “tourist in town!” while you desperately try to fold them back again. Just follow the interactive map on your phone; it will give you clear directions, updated in real-time, and besides traffic situation, fill you up on details about attractions’ operating times, and show you pictures and reviews.

Embracing the digital age in the 21st century is not only convenient. It is also, not the least important, an eco-friendly way of exploring the world.

Shop here for your Climate Pledge Friendly devices!

9. Use solar charging.

To be fully independent and also to be certain that you’re minimizing your carbon footprint, invest in a solar-powered charger. You’ll be able to count on using your phone, tablet, and other devices, even when there is no electric socket in sight.

It’s a true saver on hiking adventures and camping trips, but you can use such a charger whenever you want. No more fighting over the one outlet in the hostel common room with that guy who’s been hogging it for hours!

A recommendable option is this Lincorne solar charger power bank that has an impressive 30000mAh storage and doubles as a flashlight at nighttime tracks, with lighting time lasting up to 50 hours. There is also a compass included in this waterproof and shockproof charger, so no more getting lost either! But as you already use digital maps, I’m sure that won’t happen anyway.

With this handy gadget, you’ll never run out of juice on your adventures (don’t you hate it when your phone battery gets drained just when you wanted to shoot an epic pic?), and you’ll be doing your part to save the planet. Say goodbye to dead batteries and hello to unlimited power!

10. Offset carbon footprint.

You can counteract the carbon emissions you produce while traveling through an easy and cost-effective method: planting trees.

Trees have these superhero powers that make them nature’s air purifiers. They absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and store carbon away in their trunks, branches, and leaves. Arbor Day Foundation estimates that a mature tree absorbs up to 22 kilos of carbon dioxide per year.

There is nothing wrong with planting a tree in your backyard or your neighborhood. You can reduce your carbon footprint and the feeling of guilt with this simple action.

If you don’t want to get your hands dirty, you can donate money to organizations that will plant trees for you. The reforestation projects are led by already mentioned ADF, but also non-profits such as One Tree Planted, Trees for the Future, and Carbonfund.

Annulling the effects of a short flight costs 25 dollars, the yearly offset of compact car effects – 50 dollars, and if you just want to erase your individual contribution to greenhouse gases, you can do it with already 300 dollars.

Planting one tree costs 1 dollar, so combating climate change through offsetting a carbon footprint is truly available to everyone. Start planting your forest today!

Reducing carbon footprint when traveling – Conclusion

Traveling, especially traveling internationally, allows us to enjoy discovering new cultures, landscapes, and cuisines. But this private leisure is also a common burden, adorned with a feeling of guilt.

We are not disconnected from the world we love to explore. We are not just passive observers. Every time we travel, we become active participants in the process of global warming, the enemy of that same world.

Political leaders of the world could do so much more, but while they slowly wake up from decades of hibernation, every little step towards reducing carbon footprint counts

Luckily, from packing our bags to choosing our activities and places we stay at, there are ways to make our journey more sustainable and offset the damage we cause. I hope this article informed you how to reduce carbon footprint while traveling, or at least gave you a basic push towards a higher awareness of the significance of our actions.

Our contribution to carbon emissions doesn’t mean we have to sail oceans like Greta Thunberg. But it does mean that we should consider the invisible trail of our every flight, and try to offset our personal carbon footprint the best that we can.

Incorporating at least some of these simple tips in our travel routine can make a difference, one that is calculated as positive. World leaders could do so much more, but while they slowly wake up from decades of hibernation, every little step counts. Like, fitting a carry-on in the overhead bin instead of checking it in, or walking instead of hopping in a cab.

Traveling is one of the most exciting activities, but even more when it’s meaningful. The thing is: carbon footprint is not just an ugly travel souvenir we can hide on some less-visible shelf. It’s a haunting shadow that doesn’t go away, and it’s not called a footprint without a reason. It matches our foot just like Cindarella‘s shoe. There’s no running away.

Did you like these easy ways to reduce carbon footprint?
What will you incorporate into your daily routine?
Pin this article for later!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click on them and make a purchase, Pipeaway may make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work!

The photographs in this article, except for the one of Jaya House River Park (author Ivan Kralj), and foldable water bottle (Amazon), have been sourced through Unsplash. 

In the order of appearance, the authors are as follows:
Footprint (cover image) - Evie S.
Qutub Minar - Akshay Srivastava
Packing - Paige Cody
Hiking - Devon Hawkins
Strawberries - Samantha Fortney
Pizza - LUM3N
Map - Burçin Ergünt
Solar charging - Zendure Power Station
Tree - meriç tuna
Beach (pin image) - Y S

The post 10 Simple Ways to Reduce Carbon Footprint When Traveling appeared first on Pipeaway.

The Earth Day quotes of today sometimes borrow from thinkers of yesteryears, reminding us that, hm, we have heard those things before

Antarctica is melting, the world is drowning in plastic, and species are brought to the edge of extinction through poaching or even wars. The air that we breathe, the water that we drink, and the food that we eat, are deteriorating day by day. The galloping natural disasters and extreme weather changes are not a wake-up call anymore. The nightmare is coming, and we cannot be soothed by shushing lullabies.

Humanity hasn’t moved much in the last 50 years. I still remember school lessons that were telling us it was the last moment to act (and that was more than three decades ago!).

Among the memories, survived this Native American proverb: “We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” We were taught this was a quote by a Sioux chief, even if in the last decades, these words were attributed to many others, from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and Ralph Waldo Emerson to David Brower and Lester Brown.

The Earth Day quotes of today also sometimes borrow from previous thinkers, reminding us that, hm, we have heard those things before. As if in some terrifying loop, we seem to know all the answers, as much as we knew them decades earlier. Yet, we still do not do enough to reduce our carbon footprint, change our eating habits, or sort out our garbage production. 

Human and A.I. take on Earth Day captions

In today’s article, I bring you the list of 100 Mother Earth Day quotes and slogans that range from funny, and catchy to downright inspiring.

Hopefully, they can inspire you to take real action. At the very least, you can use them for your social media captions and statuses, posters, or protest banners.

Most thoughtful Earth Day sayings were created by humans. As clever contributions to the discussion on our planet’s most urgent problems can never be too many (and it’s 2023, after all!), I gave the task to artificial intelligence chatbots, namely ChatGPT, Bing, and Bard, to come up with their own Earth Day slogans. 

Just like humans, these smart-head technologies may be regurgitating already expressed human thoughts, but on this holiday, recycling certainly shouldn’t be an issue.

With this ultimate collection of Earth Day lines, ranging from deep thoughts to dad jokes, I wish you a happy Earth Day 2023!

If carrying a banner around is not practical for you, take a stand and say what you mean with these reusable environmental stickers, eco-themed temporary tattoos, or Earth Day mini buttons you can wear on your jacket or backpack!   

40 best Earth Day quotes, by humans

Quotes on environment conservation

“First thing in the morning you look after yourself, you brush your teeth and wash your face, don’t you? Well, the second thing you must do is to look after the planet.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

“The planet is in distress and all of the attention is on Paris Hilton.” – Al Gore

“If this book has a lesson, it is that we are awfully lucky to be here – and by ‘we’ I mean every living thing. To attain any kind of life in this universe of ours appears to be quite an achievement. As humans we are doubly lucky, of course: We enjoy not only the privilege of existence but also the singular ability to appreciate it and even, in a multitude of ways, to make it better. It is a talent we have only barely begun to grasp.” – Bill Bryson

“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” – Robert Swan

“A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

 “If all humans disappeared today, the Earth would start improving tomorrow. If all the ants disappeared today, the Earth would start dying tomorrow.” – David Suzuki

“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.” – Mahatma Gandhi

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Jane Goodall

“If we surrendered to Earth’s intelligence we could rise up rooted, like trees.” – Rainer Maria Rilke

Happy Earth Day quotes

“Look deep into nature and you will understand everything better.” – Albert Einstein

„Land really is the best art.” – Andy Warhol

“I thought I was pretty cool until I realized plants can eat sun and poop out air.” – Jim Bugg

“The Earth has music for those who listen.” – William Shakespeare

“The Earth laughs in flowers.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“The Earth is a fine place and worth fighting for.” – Ernest Hemingway

“The Earth is what we all have in common.” – Wendell Berry

“Look at a tree, a flower, a plant. Let your awareness rest upon it. How still they are, how deeply rooted in Being. Allow nature to teach you stillness.” – Eckhart Tolle

“The miracle is not to fly in the air or to walk on water, but to walk on the Earth.” – Chinese proverb

“Even a wounded world is feeding us. Even a wounded world holds us, giving us moments of wonder and joy. I choose joy over despair. Not because I have my head in the sand, but because joy is what the Earth gives me daily and I must return the gift.” – Robin Wall Kimmerer

“The Earth is what we all have in common.” – Wendell Berry

“It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living.” – David Attenborough

More Save Earth quotes

“There is no such thing as ‘away’. When we throw anything away it must go somewhere.” – Annie Leonard

“Do something. Pay your rent for the privilege of living on this beautiful, blue-green, living Earth.” – Dave Foreman

“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” – George Bernard Shaw

“To leave the world better than you found it, sometimes you have to pick up other people’s trash.” – Bill Nye

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

“Avoiding climate breakdown will require cathedral thinking. We must lay the foundation while we may not know exactly how to build the ceiling.” – Greta Thunberg

“We are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change and the last generation that can do something about it.” – Barack Obama

“The most environmentally friendly product is the one you didn’t buy.” – Joshua Becker

“There are no passengers on spaceship Earth. We are all crew.” – Marshall McLuhan

“Leave nothing but footprints; take nothing but pictures; kill nothing but time.” – John Kay

“For most of history, man has had to fight nature to survive; in this century he is beginning to realize that, in order to survive, he must protect it.” – Jacques Cousteau

“The Earth will not continue to offer its harvest, except with faithful stewardship. We cannot say we love the land and then take steps to destroy it for use by future generations.” – Pope John Paul II

The final human contribution to Earth Day messages

“You are not Atlas carrying the world on your shoulder. It is good to remember that the planet is carrying you.” – Vandana Shiva

“You don’t live on Earth, you are passing through.” – Rumi

“Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.” – Chief Seattle

“When the last tree is cut, the last fish is caught, and the last river is polluted; when to breathe the air is sickening, you will realize, too late, that wealth is not in bank accounts and that you can’t eat money.” – Alanis Obomsawin

“If you really think that the environment is less important than the economy, try holding your breath while you count your money.” – Guy McPherson

“For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

“We only get one planet. Humankind must become accountable on a massive scale for the wanton destruction of our collective home. Protecting our future on this planet depends on the conscious evolution of our species.” – Leonardo DiCaprio

“All we have to do is to wake up and change.” – Greta Thunberg

60 best Earth Day slogans, by A.I.

Earth Day wishes, as composed by large language models

“Earth Day: One day to celebrate, 365 days to protect.” – Bard

“Earth Day: Let’s plant the seeds of a better future.” – Bard

“Let’s give Earth a day of rest.” – Bard

“Let’s make Earth Day every day, or else we’ll all be living in a giant garbage can.” – Bard

“Earth Day: The only holiday that matters.” – Bing

“Earth Day: Love it or leave it.” – Bing

“Earth Day: The day when we admit we have a problem and seek help.” – Bing

“Earth Day: The day when we renew our vows with the Earth and promise to do better.” – Bing

“Earth Day: The only day you can get away with being dirty.” – Bing

“It’s time to get Earthy – let’s make every day Earth Day!” – ChatGPT

“Celebrate Earth Day – plant a tree and watch it grow.” – ChatGPT

“Earth Day – let’s all come together for a green-tastic world! – ChatGPT

“Earth Day – because there is no planet B.” – ChatGPT

If you're impressed by the power of text-generating AI, check out the images generated for our guide through the fantastical world of chocolate!

Funny Earth Day quotes, from the mouth of artificial intelligence

“Save the planet, or else I’ll tell your mom.” – Bard

“Save the planet, or else you’ll have to live on Mars.” – Bard

“Earth Day: Let’s do it for the planet, and for the ‘gram.” – Bard

“Earth Day: If you love the Earth, hug a tree. If you hate the Earth, hug a cactus.” – Bing

“Save the Earth, it’s cheaper than therapy.” – Bing

“Save the planet – it’s the only one with good Wi-Fi, and we can’t let that go to waste.” – ChatGPT

“Love the Earth – it’s the only planet with pizza, and that’s worth protecting.” – ChatGPT

“The Earth is our canvas – let’s paint it green, but maybe not with actual paint.” – ChatGPT

“We don’t inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children – unless you’re talking about student loans, then we might never pay it back.” – ChatGPT

“The Earth is our home – let’s keep it clean and tidy, unless you’re a sloth, then just do your best.” – ChatGPT

“Green up your life – unless you’re a frog, then you’re already doing it right.” – ChatGPT

“Plant a tree, grow a life – unless you’re a beaver, then you might prefer to chop it down.” – ChatGPT

“Don’t be trashy, be classy – unless you’re a raccoon, then trash is pretty much your jam.” – ChatGPT

“Eco-friendly is the way to be – unless you’re a vampire, then solar power might not be your thing.” – ChatGPT

“Reduce, reuse, recycle – unless you’re talking about bad jokes, then you should definitely dispose of those.” – ChatGPT

Earth Day slogans that rhyme

“The Earth is our treasure – let’s keep it clean for our future’s pleasure!” – ChatGPT

“Let’s put the pedal to the metal – it’s time to drive sustainable and settle!” – ChatGPT

“For a better tomorrow, reduce your carbon sorrow.” – ChatGPT

“Earth Day every day, let’s not delay.” – ChatGPT

“Be kind to the Earth, for all it’s worth.” – ChatGPT

“Earth Day: Give a hoot, don’t pollute.” – Bing

“Earth Day: Don’t delay, act today.” – Bing

“Be a green bean, not a has-been.” – Bing

“Don’t be a carbon emitter, be a carbon quitter.” – Bing

“Be a green star, not a green scar.” – Bing

“Be a green warrior, not a green worrier.” – Bing

“Don’t be a land filler, be a land healer.” – Bing

“Don’t be a nature destroyer, be a nature enjoyer.” – Bing

“Earth Day: Don’t be late, participate.” – Bing

(Google’s Bard sadly wasn’t able to produce Earth Day slogans that rhyme.)

More A.I. thoughts on Earth Day

“Save the planet, or else.” – Bard

“It’s not just about saving the planet, it’s about saving our butts.” – Bard

“It’s not just about saving the planet, it’s about saving our future selves, and our future pets, and our future selves’ future pets.” – Bard

“It’s not just about saving the planet, it’s about saving our planet from us.” – Bard

“Let’s make the world a greener place, one leaf at a time.” – Bard

“It’s not too late to make a difference, but it’s getting later, and later, and later.” – Bard

“Plant a tree, plant a hope.” – Bing

“No Earth, no life. Know Earth, know life.” – Bing

“Live simply, so others can simply live.” – Bing

“Earth is like a fine wine, it gets better with age. Don’t spoil it.” – Bing

“Earth is like a bank account, you can’t withdraw more than you deposit. Don’t overdraft it.” – Bing

“Green is the new black, but it never goes out of style.” – ChatGPT

“Don’t be a litter bug, be an Earth hugger.” – ChatGPT

“Go green or go home.” – ChatGPT

“Think globally, act locally, party sustainably.” – ChatGPT

“Protect our planet – unless you’re a superhero, then you might be more interested in protecting the universe.” – ChatGPT

“The Earth is our only home – unless you’re an astronaut, then home is wherever you hang your space helmet.” – ChatGPT

“Love your mother, Earth that is!” – ChatGPT

If you want to know more on future travel trends, check out what artificial intelligence has to say about it!

The best Earth Day captions, quotes and slogans – Conclusion

Since 1970, when Earth Day was initiated by US Senator Gaylord Nelson after a massive oil spill in Santa Barbara, humanity had plenty of time to reflect on our impact on the planet, as well as take action to make things better.

Some things progressed, others regressed, but climate change effects are becoming more and more visible. From melting ice caps to raging wildfires, the harsh reality is telling us: We haven’t done enough.

The compilation of Earth Day quotes of great thinkers and witty quips of machines can be more than just words

There might be no time for thinking anymore. Even acting might come with an excessive delay. But like the Chinese would say: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.” There’s no point in going through what-if scenarios and dwelling on things we haven’t done.

What can we do going forward? Can we be better stewards of our environment?

Hopefully, the compilation of Earth Day quotes of great thinkers and witty quips of machines, in these times when we want to embrace the future, can be more than just words. Sure, they can serve as captions on your social media or as messages on your rally posters, but they would be the most useful if they managed to motivate you in kickstarting your eco revolution.

If some of these quotes inspired you to make a real change and give your little contribution to the better world of tomorrow, that might be a small step for a man. But it wouldn’t be the first one with the potential of changing the world.

Did you like this collection of Earth Day quotes and slogans?
Pin it for later!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click on them and make a purchase, Pipeaway may make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work!

The cover and pin image of this article have been created by Ivan Kralj/Midjourney.

The authors of photographs used in quote-images are, in order of appearance, as follows:
Plant - Nikola Jovanovic on Unsplash
Trees - Anastasiya Romanova on Unsplash
Pots - Bernard Hermant on Unsplash
Turtle - David Troeger on Unsplash
Rings - Elisey Vavulin on Unsplash
Sloth - Sophia Müller on Unsplash
Footprints - Pablo Merchán Montes on Unsplash
Astronaut - NASA on Unsplash

The post From Thinkers to Machines: 100 Best Earth Day Captions, Quotes and Slogans appeared first on Pipeaway.

The most popular park in Seoul’s World Cup Park complex did not just appear with an angelic choir and holy beams of light. Haneul Park has an ugly-duckling background, and the makeover required a lot of work. Once a landfill site the city was ashamed of emerged as a picturesque oasis of resurrected nature, immortalized in thousands of Instagram hashtags and some highly-rated Korean dramas. 

To further expand sustainable development in western Seoul, the city government chose to enrich Haneul Park with another environment-friendly attraction: the biggest spokeless Ferris wheel in the world. On the top of the former landfill, a solar-powered observation wheel should become the symbol of technological advancement, but also a new way of experiencing Seoul’s skyline, through eco-tourism.

This place provides the best of two worlds. You can spend your day surrounded by plants of the ecological park, but at the same time enjoy the panorama of the city you ran away from. The enormous flower hill grown above Seoul’s trash offers rewarding sightseeing and photo opportunities, as well as reintroduces hope that modern cities can indeed undo their wrongs from the past.

In this Haneul Park guide, learn more about Seoul sky park’s history, the best time to visit the park and all the things you can do while there. I’ll also fill you in on the best Haneul Park festivals, as well as how to avoid the crowds they attract.

Welcome to Haneul Sky Park, the swan-like example of urban regeneration!   

Haneul Park history: from landfill to landscapes

Haneul Park’s history had more twists and turns than a K-drama plot. It is linked to various purposes Nanjido island had in different periods. 

Formed by a branch of the Han River (Hangang) in the northwestern part of Seoul, the area was used as a boating dock until the late 19th century.

Then it had an agricultural phase. Locals cultivated peanuts and millet on the islet.

The saddest part of the transformation happened between 1978 and 1993, when the hill of the future Haneul Park grew as a landfill, reaching a height of 98 meters. Seoul was developing rapidly, and this development created the world’s largest garbage mountain – built out of 110 million tons of trash.

Haneul Sky Park went from the world’s largest garbage mountain to home of 30 thousand butterflies

In 1996, the six-year landfill recovery project started, just in time for welcoming the new millennium, and the 17th FIFA World Cup in 2002, the first one organized in Asia, and the first one jointly hosted by two countries, Japan and Korea.

Once eyesore dumping ground would become Seoul’s ecological zone, home of the World Cup Park. This eco-umbrella would cover five parks: Nanji Hangang Park (Han River Park), Nanjicheon Park (Nanji Stream Park), Pyeonghwa Park (Peace Park), and, directly above the landfills, Noeul Park (Sunset Park) and Haneul Park (Sky Park). 

The stabilization of the ecosystem included treating the leachate (which sounds like a fancy coffee but is actually a toxic liquid) before safely discharging it into the river. They also built 120 collection wells for extracting dangerous landfill gas before transforming it into a heating energy for the neighborhood and Seoul World Cup Stadium. To deepen the use of natural energy, wind turbines were installed to power the park’s streetlights.

The landfill was protected from rainwater with a geomembrane, which secured healthy soil for the planted grass and trees. They even introduced 30.000 butterflies to help with the eco-restoration effort. Well, there might be no better symbols of transformation than these delicate insects!

What to do in Haneul Park today?

Haneul Sky Park is the best place to go when you DON’T want to do things. But if you could still use inspiration, here are some ideas on things to do in Haneul Park, the highest point of the World Cup Park!

1. Hike the stairway to Heaven.

There are 291 steps at the zig-zag wooden stairway leading to Haneul Park. It’s a great opportunity to do some exercise. Just don’t forget to bring some oxygen tanks.

If you love hiking, consider visiting Hallasan Mountain, the highest South Korean peak on Jeju Island!

2. Pedal your way through the park.

You can also enjoy Sky Park in Seoul via bike rental too. Ddaerungi is a popular public city bike you can borrow for as low as 1.000 South Korean won per hour (70 cents), or 5.000 won for an entire day (3,50 euros). If biking uphill is not your thing, cruising along the Han River is a fantastic alternative.

3. Do your own workout.

There are no rules for sports spirits here. If you want to channel your inner Olympian at Haneul Sky Park, it offers great training spaces for anything from jogging and yoga to martial arts.

4. Enjoy a casual stroll through the park’s gardens.

Of course, you are most welcome to not sweat your day at the park. Enjoy the leisurely stroll through the eco garden’s walking trails! Immerse yourself in the colors and scents of various flowers and plants available throughout the year, from lavender and cosmos flowers to silver grass and wild reeds.

5. Have a picnic.

Pack a basket of treats for your Haneul Park visit. In beautiful scenery, the fun of having a relaxed picnic in the company of family and good friends will not be ruined even by occasional flies. There are cool rest pavilions, the XXL versions of benches to spread over.

6. Fill your Instagram feed with photos.

Striking a pose is probably the most popular activity in Haneul Sky Park. Snap some envy-worthy photos with stunning flowers and greenery as your backdrop. There are numerous photo zones and opportunities for your Instagram feed that will hardly require any filter.

7. Take in the scenic views from Haneul Park’s observatories.

There are 22 lookout points offering great views of both the park and Seoul’s skyline, with Bukhansan, Namsan, and Gwanaksan mountains in the background. The most famous observatory is the Bowl Full of Sky, the bowl-shaped observation structure that offers a 360-degree view.

8. Film your own Korean drama.

Haneul Park is a popular filming location for K-dramas. According to the industry, it is a place to go on a date (“Go Back Couple”, 2017), to reminisce about lost love (“Imitation”, 2021), to reconnect with an old love (“Manhole”, 2017), to record sounds (“Another Miss Oh”, 2016), and even to practice public speaking skills (“Introverted Boss”, 2017). What kind of Korean drama would you film at Haneul Park?

9. Meditate.

As one of the signs in the park says, “It’s okay to rest”. In this sky-high oasis, take a break from hustle and bustle, find a quiet corner, and reconnect with your Zen. 

10. Watch the sunset over the Han River.

Even if Noeul Park is a designated sunset spot in World Cup Park, you can still enjoy beautiful sunsets over the Han River during your Haneul Park visit.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by kimjian (@kimjiandesigner)

Haneul Park’s plant palette: from silver grass to golden bells

Haneul Sky Park can thank its popularity to the diverse plant life in its vast gardens. Here are some of the standout stars:

• • • silver grass – also known as eulalia grass, pampas grass, or miscanthus, this ornamental plant can tower over even the tallest person. Silver grass has light purple flowers and hits its peak bloom at Haneul Park in October.
    • pink muhly – also known as hairawn muhly, this fluffy shrub-grouped grass has pink feathery flowers and is another Instagram favorite. If you like la vie en rose, October and November are the best months to enjoy the romance-screaming pink grass at Haneul Park. It’s like a cotton candy of the plant world!
    • kochia broom cypress – also known as burningbush or Mexican fireweed, this ornamental plant has red foliage in autumn. It has the capacity to clean up contaminated soil and water, so kochia’s place in this park is really valuable. 
    • sunflower – the ever-popular flower that always turns its head to catch some rays puts on a show in Haneul Park from September.
    • cosmos – also belonging to the sunflower family, these beauties come in a variety of colors and start fully blooming in September. From white to orange and pink, there’s a cosmos to suit everyone’s tastes.
    • gourds – the hard-shell fruits of this plant decorate the park’s tunnels in August.
    • wisteria – the plant that twines its vines around the Bowl Full of Sky, coats Haneul Park’s observatory in purple in May.
    • forsythia koreana – known as Korean goldenbell or gaenari, the colonies of this bushy shrub with yellow flowers are the early bloomers. As an official flower of Seoul, forsythia pops up in March-April, giving you an open invitation to visit Haneul Park in spring.

Timing is everything: when to visit Haneul park?

As you can see, a variety of flora species at Haneul Park is available throughout the year, each blooming at different times, contributing to the beauty of the season. From early spring to late fall, the carnival of colors never stops.

However, the best time to visit Haneul Park is in autumn, from late September to mid-November. The peak of popularity is reached in October, when Silver Grass Festival takes center stage. Also known as Pampas Grass Festival / Eulalia Festival / Miscanthus Festival, this event sees silver grass in full bloom in a sea of shimmering waves that stretch as far as the eye can see. One can also participate in photo tournaments, enjoy concerts, or pampas grass crafts exhibition. The Silver Grass Festival brings 600 thousand of visitors to Haneul Sky Park, and they can even stay till late, which is otherwise forbidden because of flora and fauna protection.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 김승화 (@kimsseunghwa)

Another noteworthy happening is Haneul Park Sunrise Festival. Always scheduled for January 1st, this event plants good seeds for the upcoming year. The festival gathers people in the park for the first sunrise after the New Year’s Eve party. If you want to wish everyone all the best and enjoy cultural performances along the way, be at the park from 6:30 am!

There are other smaller festivals throughout the year, usually connected with the blooming of different flowers. While such events offer the communal experience of resurrected nature, they can also make the park quite crowded. To avoid peak times, try to visit Haneul Park during a workday.

As for the time of the day, there’s less pressure on morning hours, if you’re allergic to a forest of selfie sticks. Otherwise, arriving a couple of hours before sunset will provide the Haneul Park experience during the golden hour, as well as first glimpses of Seoul’s night panorama.

Haneul Park operating hours

If you are an early bird and eager to catch the worm, Haneul Park opens at 5 am from May to July. That gives you plenty of time to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature before the heat of the day sets in. In shoulder season, opening time at Haneul Park gradually moves to 5:30, 6:00, and 6:30, finally reaching 7 am in the winter months of December, January, and February.

Haneul Park’s closing time also adapts according to the seasons and the shifting sunset times. The complex stops operating at 6 pm in winter. But as the weather warms up, you can enjoy Haneul Park until 8 pm in spring and autumn, and until 8:30 pm in summer months. The exception is Silver Grass Festival when Haneul Park stays open until 10 pm.

How much does it cost to go to Haneul Park?

There is no entrance fee to Haneul Park.

You only need to pay if you want to treat yourself to a ride to the top of the hill in a Haneul Park buggy. A one-way ticket with Maengkkongi electric shuttle bus will set you back 2.000 wons (1,4 euros), while for a return trip, you’d need to cough up 3.000 wons (2 euros).

For everyone else, those 291 stairs are promising a free workout with a view. It will make your trip to Haneul Sky Park completely environment-friendly, and you won’t have to wait in any queue.

How to get to Haneul Sky Park?

Haneul Sky Park is located in Seoul’s Sangam-dong neighborhood in the Mapo District (Mapo-gu). The exact address is 95 Haneulgongwon-ro.

The easiest and most convenient way to get from central Seoul to Haneul Park is by metro. The closest station is the World Cup Stadium Station, on line 6. Use subway exit number 1, and walk for 10 minutes. On the intersection of World Cup-ro and Jeungsan-ro, the Haneul Park entrance should be diagonally across from the stadium.

You can also go to Haneul Park by bus. The lines stopping at the bottom of the park hill are 271, 6715, 7011, 7019, 7715, 8777, and 08.

When Seoul Ring, that high-tech Ferris wheel, rises above the hill, getting to Haneul Park should also be possible by cable car. The new type of transport will be heading to the top of the hill from the World Cup Stadium Station.

At the end of your park exploration day, treat yourself to a jjimjilbang in Seoul, or some of the best Korean desserts the capital can offer!

The best hotels near Haneul Park

Looking for a place to stay near Haneul Park? You can find everything from a budget-friendly guesthouse to a luxury five-star hotel.

The most budget-friendly accommodation option near Haneul Park is Stitches House. You can get a standard double room with a shared bathroom at this guesthouse for mere 27 euros. Check out the hotel reviews and prices for your dates here! 

If you are looking for something a little fancier, but still want to save some won, choose the 4-star Stanford Hotel Seoul. Only 1,6 kilometers away, it is the closest hotel to Haneul Park, and a standard twin room can be booked for as low as 66 euros. Check out the hotel reviews and prices for your dates here!

If you are ready to splurge like a K-pop star, get ready for the celebrity treatment at the prestigious 5-star Conrad Seoul. A deluxe Queen room at one of the top hotels recognized by Conde Nast Traveller and World Travel Awards can be yours for a price of 273 euros. Check out the hotel reviews and prices for your dates here!

If none of these ring your bell, check out other places to stay in Seoul’s offer!

Haneul Park review – Conclusion

Haneul Sky Park is part of an impressive transformation tale. It’s one thing to turn a garbage dump into a green oasis, but the story of this ecological park goes beyond just establishing a blooming wonderland in the concrete jungle of Seoul. This place became a symbol of commitment to eco-tourism on steroids.

On top of a former landfill, people now enjoy their days surrounded by birdhouses, fields of wildflowers, towering grasses, and other showstopper plants. With different species flaunting their colors throughout the year, the botanical fashion show never ends. 

Recipe for renewal: Trash is turned into treasure, methane gas into a heating source, and poisonous waste into botanical bliss

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to unwind, a romantic spot for a date, or a location to take some killer Instagram photos, Haneul Park’s blossoming beauty can convince you that sky is literally the limit.    

Soaking in the views, while knowing that you are not harming the environment, but instead helping nature to reestablish itself on the towering mountain of our past mistakes, brings in guilt-free joy.

Trash is turned into treasure, methane gas into a heating source, and poisonous waste into botanical bliss. Koreans already have eco-friendly transportation to Haneul Park, but they want more. After charging street lamps with wind, the next phase includes taming the sun to power a gigantic observation wheel.

To me, Haneul Sky Park is more than an Insta-famous garden. It’s a symbol of hope and a colossal reminder that change is possible. Just like those thousands of caterpillars-turned-butterflies, released to stabilize Haneul Park’s ecosystem, it tells us that every major shift starts with a modest step. That’s a school definition of the butterfly effect.

So, if you go to Seoul, put on your comfiest shoes, bring a camera, and capture some of the ethereal views of floral diversity that calls Sky Perk of Seoul its home. In this enchanting kaleidoscope of colors, you might even see a phoenix rising from the (tr)ash. 

If you’ve already visited one of Seoul’s favorite parks, feel free to share your own Haneul Park review in the comments section below.
Otherwise, pin this article for later!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click on them and make a purchase, Pipeaway may make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work!

The post Haneul Park Seoul: Landfill Trash Turned Photo Treasure appeared first on Pipeaway.

Ukrainian tourism delegates used simple postcards and stickers as weapons of mass attraction

“We understand it is quite unusual to see the destination with an actual war at the touristic fair”, admitted Marina Antonyuk, the president of the Association of Incoming tour operators of Ukraine. “But we think that we have to work for the future now. We need to prepare for a quicker start of tourism as soon as we win. If we start to prepare later, it will take some time. And we need tourists to come to Ukraine quickly after victory because it will also help the economy of Ukraine to revive.”

While Ukrainian men are not allowed to leave their country due to military conscription, it is women who use their powerful voices to fight for the cause. Armed with bonbons instead of bombs, and messages instead of missiles, this fearless female delegation of Ukraine tourism and cultural heritage experts fought at the frontline of the world that usually prefers not to be bothered with bad news.

Among the other delegations at the Zagreb fair, showering visitors with brochures promoting spa tourism, glamping holidays, and luxury cruises, Ukrainian delegates used simple postcards and stickers as weapons of mass attraction.

And it worked. Everyone wanted to know: what’s next for the tourism of Ukraine?

Prepare yourself for your post-war visit to Ukraine now! Learn more about the country in Lonely Planet guide or Awesome Ukraine by Osnovy Publishing. 

Impact of Ukraine War on tourism

With the full-scale war starting just after the devastating effect of the Covid-19 pandemic, the impact of the Russian offensive in Ukraine on international tourism has been obvious. Flight disruptions, skyrocketing price hikes, as well as loss of Russian and Ukrainian tourists (accounting for 3 % of global tourist spending), and a dwindling number of other tourists who traditionally saw Europe as a safe destination, all affected the tourist results on the Old Continent in 2022.

The effect of the Ukraine war on tourism in Ukraine has been as tremendous as on everyday life. With airspace practically shut down, the Russian invasion of February 2022 brought tourism of Ukraine to a grinding halt. Canceled bookings were a new reality, only slightly distorted by foreigners fictively renting Airbnb properties as a way to support Ukrainian people.

The hardest-hit areas were of course those in the combat zone. According to the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine, tourist taxes plummeted up to 95% in some places, with Kherson, Mykolaiv, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions being the most affected. Odesa, Zaporizhia, Kharkiv, Sumy, and Kyiv saw declines ranging from 54% to 80%.

“There is a certain number of people who pay the city tax, which means there is still tourism, but not in the common meaning”, Marina explained. “It is mostly journalists, governmental delegations, people who bring help… So people travel to Ukraine now, but not with the touristic purpose.”

In a sad twist of fate, the Lviv region saw a 79% increase in tourist tax compared to the year before the invasion. This is only due to Ukrainians fleeing from frontline territories to safer regions. Boarding houses and dormitories in Ukraine have seen a rise in tax collection (46%), as they become temporary shelters for displaced citizens.

Overall, Ukraine’s tourism statistics tell us that the industry has taken a hit of 31% in 2022. The biggest drop in revenue has been recorded at campsites and children’s recreation camps (57%), activities of tour operators (35%), and travel agencies (27%).

In the decade before the war, more than 20 million people visited Ukraine each year. Since 2014, this number was halved.

In 2021, tourism of Ukraine was contributing 4,4 % to the GDP, which is below the global average. Ukraine tourism size only tells us that the war hit the massive potential it had.

Croatia’s empathy with Ukraine

The walls of Ukraine’s booth at the Place2Go fair were covered with messages expressing heartwarming support. The national salute ‘Slava Ukraini’ was written the most frequently. But there were also slogans such as ‘Luck follows the brave’, ‘Together for peace’, ‘Stay strong’, ‘With courage to victory’, ‘History is on your side’, ‘Justice will prevail’… Someone suggested ‘Give Putin the wall’.

“We will bring this wall with us to Ukraine”, revealed Marina, proudly wearing the traditional costume of her homeland. “You know, all the energy from people’s wishes helps us win. Small drops will bring a big ocean!”

In a blue T-shirt emblazoned with yellow writing ‘Be brave like Ukraine’, Liza Konoplova, the manager of international cooperation and partnerships at the agency for the development of tourism in Ukraine, smiled in front of the wall.

“People express their support and they are looking forward to the end of the war, and our victory of course”, she told me. “They really want to visit Ukraine after the war, and shake hands with our great people, and see what Ukraine is all about. Now that we see this interest, we feel the responsibility to work even more. Our agency is the first step.”

But the Zagreb fair was not the first address where tourism of Ukraine sought international support. ITB in Berlin and Balttour Expo in Riga were some of the previous tourist stops on the Ukrainian journey to speak up about the war and life in Ukraine.

“In Croatia, it is a bit easier at these terms,” said Liza, “because they also had the war in the 1990s, and they understand and feel us. We don’t have to explain what it is. In other countries, we just try to share our emotions, because we are all humans, and it is important to still be humans.”

Rebuilding tourism in Ukraine through purpose-driven travel

The human aspect will be important once tourism in Ukraine enters a full-scale reboot too.

“We believe that travel to Ukraine will restart through new types of unique, meaningful and sustainable travel, which is solidarity and volunteer tourism”, explained Marina Antonyuk who, besides presiding the Ukrainian tour operators, also wears a director’s hat in her own destination management company Ukrainian Incentives.

“People will come not only to see a beautiful destination, but also to show solidarity with Ukraine, and also to help communities or territories affected by war. You can really make an impact, a change, you travel for a purpose.”

While traditional city break tourism will still have its place, especially in Zakarpattia and Chernivtsi regions, Marina predicted that tourists would increasingly seek out experiences that make a difference. It’s like sightseeing with a side of social responsibility.

“For instance, it could be corporate incentives and conferences where, instead of one day of entertainment, they go volunteering, helping at a farm, or working in the volunteer center. In solidarity tourism, people see some territories affected by war and also might go to farms, and to tourist venues or restaurants that were destroyed. As they buy their product, they help them restore their businesses.”

Solidarity and volunteer tourism as a solution for Ukraine of tomorrow was born at IMEX in Frankfurt, Marina revealed. “Our colleagues from Puerto Rico gave us this idea. They had a hurricane several years ago, which brought a huge loss to the territory. And they developed this kind of corporate volunteer tourism. It’s like fate! They paid it forward, and with this idea, we can now develop and prepare for the future start of the travel to Ukraine.”

While you are honing your future travel plans, check out which are the safest countries to visit in 2023!

Wipe-out of cultural heritage

The four-women-strong delegation is not a part of the diplomatic corps, safely tucked in beds with roses at some foreign addresses, and sipping cocktails at fancy receptions. To every tourism fair, they travel from their war-torn homeland. Many people wonder why they didn’t just leave.

“We always say that if everyone leaves the country, then there won’t be Ukraine at all”, Liza Konoplova said. “We feel this responsibility to work for the prosperity of the country and take care of its future.”

Even if she lives in Kyiv now, Liza is originally from Kharkiv, in the east of Ukraine. She can visit her hometown but at her own risk. When she returned in December, for the first time since the war started, she was shocked by what she saw. “Unfortunately, because of the common border with Russia, it’s half bombed. It is really painful to see the place where you were growing up in this condition.”

Hryhoriy Skovoroda National Museum of Literature she remembers visiting as a schoolgirl is today razed to the ground. “And this is Ukrainian heritage, which doesn’t exist anymore. You cannot understand how today there is something and tomorrow there is nothing”, she said, still shaken.

According to the Ministry of Culture, at least 1189 objects of cultural heritage in Ukraine have been destroyed or damaged, including 63 museums. In the southern regions of Kherson and Mykolaiv, the museums have been pillaged, with valuable objects taken away.

Liza called the destruction of cultural heritage a deliberate attempt to erase Ukraine’s identity. “They do it mentally, first of all, as they don’t accept that Ukraine is a separate country with its own culture and language.”

Still, there is hope that international protocols will ensure the stolen artifacts are returned to Ukraine after the war. But museums and galleries have taken preventative measures. Valuable objects have been hidden away in secure storage, while monuments have been protected with sandbags and wooden structures.

United for Ukraine: from Star Wars to Balenciaga

Buildings might have been destroyed, but the Ukrainian spirit is harder than concrete and stronger than steel. “You know what about Ukrainians? We adapt and rebuild really quickly”, Marina declared confidently. “A lot of houses in Kyiv region that have been damaged during the occupation are already being rebuilt. We continue, we adapt, we bite!”

The cultural heritage sites in the resilient capital have been preserved. From touristic infrastructure, only a 4-star Alfavito Hotel has been partly destroyed during the attack on December 31st.

But the regions in the south and the east suffered significant damage and will require a massive reconstruction effort once the war ends. The Ukrainians will not be able to do it alone.

This is where the fundraising platform United24, initiated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, comes in. With A-list ambassadors ranging from Barbra Streisand and Bear Grylls to Demna, the creative director of Balenciaga, the project aims to collect donations for Ukraine. Even the Force is with the country, as Mark Hamill aka Luke Skywalker, whose voice now warns Ukrainians about air raids, also joined the cause.

Between handing out Kyiv-produced Royal Charm chocolate sweets, wrapped in the colors of the Ukrainian flag and accompanied by a message of peace, Marina also distributed info on how to join United24.

“We present postcards with QR code which leads to the United24 web portal where people can donate to Ukraine. And they can choose directions for help. They can support defense and demining, medical aid, or rebuilding of Ukraine, any cause that speaks to their heart.”

It seems plenty of hearts are speaking up. As of 4 April 2023, this global initiative raised over USD 305 million to support Ukraine’s recovery.

Ukraine is home to a real-life heart-shaped island! You can find it in Sofiyivka Park or in our selection of the world's heart islands.

Ecological catastrophe in the making

Undoing the damage to Ukraine’s nature will take decades. Unless you pack a metal detector as hiking gear, many places could be off-limits for tourists.

Already in some parts of Kyiv region, you can’t just venture into a forest for a walk. Ukraine is now the most mined territory in the world, Marina said. “We are not allowed to go to any places beyond obvious roads, because there is a risk of landmines everywhere.”

Russian warships played Minesweeper even in the Black Sea. “For instance, in Odesa, you cannot swim. You can go to the beach, but not swim in the sea. There were cases where people ignored the restrictions, and were killed by mines.”

Animals are even more defenseless against war. Dozens of natural reserves and national parks were occupied and became the protection zones for Russian troops. Employees reported them driving heavy machinery over steppes, cutting down trees, digging trenches, mining territory, and blowing up wild animals.

As if constant military flights over these nature zones were not enough stressful for fauna, Russians went even further, disobeying existing laws and conventions.

In the case of Dzharylgatsky National Nature Park in the Kherson region, they dared to register it under Russian law, with documents stating that “the main activity of the park is hunting, trapping and shooting wild animals”.

Askania-Nova, the oldest steppe reserve in the world, and one of the seven natural wonders of Ukraine, the potential backbone of tourism of Ukraine, is protected by UNESCO now only on paper. On 24 March 2023, Russian forces took control of the biosphere reserve and decided to make their base there.

In this important ecosystem, Askania-Nova led the world’s largest captive-breeding program for the endangered Przewalski’s horses. We know that the population of these horses barely survived World War II when the Germans were the occupiers and shot down the valuable group of these Mongolian wild horses. Is history repeating itself?

The loss of these parks and reserves isn’t just a blow to Ukraine tourism potential; it’s an ecological disaster. Experts are calling this an ecocide that could take decades to repair. These parks might even turn into new exclusion zones, such as the one in Chernobyl.

War had a devastating impact on the population of northern white rhinoceros too. Read about their struggle in our interview with Matjaž Krivic!

Bravery on display: Ukraine vs. 404

Ukrainian booth at the Place2Go tourism exhibition also featured blue-and-yellow stickers, sporting messages like ‘Made of bravery’ or ‘Ukrainian bravery needs your voice’. These mottos are a part of the branding campaign celebrating the heroic spirit of those who stood up against oppression.

“In a way, Ukraine is a brand now. Everyone is very impressed by how the brave people of Ukraine keep fighting for their country”, explained Liza, beaming with pride. “At the very beginning of the war, the world predicted that Russia would occupy Ukraine in three days maximum. And this never happened, and will never happen. We just try to share this bravery with other people. And say that only brave people can make this world better.”

For Ukrainians, attending tourism exhibitions goes beyond just promoting a destination. As Marina pointed out, it’s a platform “to tell the truth about the war, to seek emotional and humanitarian support, and to prepare for the future”.

All creative means are employed for these causes. Take the large map of Europe on the wall, for instance. It shows the provinces of Ukraine, as well as other European countries, but I noticed a punchy detail: Ukraine’s eastern neighbor is labeled as – 404.

“Yes, because this is what they are, and this is what they will be when we finish with them!”, said the fiery red-haired tour operator.

In the digital world, 404 is an error code, typically indicating a broken or dead, non-existing link. This ‘not found’ message is normally displayed when the original web page has been moved or deleted.

“This is the concept of a mistaken country, which nowadays, in a civilized world, still wants to make wars like in medieval times”, Marina explained. “So on the map, this country is undefined, it’s like a mistake. Because there is something wrong with this country. Not something, there’s a lot of wrongs.”

In the middle of the war with Ukraine, Vladimir Putin took a break to open the Sun of Moscow, one of the 10 biggest Ferris wheels in the world. 

Ukraine tourism and its future – Conclusion

From roars in the caves to words as a means of communication, the evolution of humanity should have taught us that war is a senseless act with a steep price. Yet, it continues to exist and leaves behind a trail of destruction in the form of lost lives, demolished buildings, and lost natural resources. These scars will be felt long after the last shot is fired.

One doesn’t need glossy brochures to spark interest in the return of tourism to Ukraine

The war also has a less visible price tag. It changes us. It charges our emotions in ways that nothing else could. The trauma sneaks into us, making us courageous and vulnerable at the same time.

On two occasions, something fell somewhere in the Place2Go exhibition hall, producing a cracking sound. Most of us would not even notice it, but the instinctive wince of the Ukrainian delegation was revealing how deeply these wounds go.

Still, these four brave women warriors were eager to do their part, standing out at tourism fairs with their optimism. Armed with simple creative tools, such as stickers and sweets, they showed that one doesn’t need glossy brochures to spark interest in the return of tourism to Ukraine. Visitors were drawn to their booth, curious to learn more about a country that refuses to be defined by its war with Russia.

Ukraine is facing immense challenges. Still, its people are determined to showcase their bravery and resilience. The end of the war may not be close, but Ukraine’s tourism industry is not giving up, despite being heavily affected. It looks for new ways to promote itself as a future that’s knocking at our door.

Did you like this article on Ukraine tourism?
Pin it for later!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on them and make a purchase, Pipeaway might make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work!

The photo of the Przewalski's horses in Askania-Nova by 2bpatchett is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

The post Ukraine Tourism: What Does the Future Hold? appeared first on Pipeaway.

It’s a scenario we have seen many times before, from the Javan tiger to the Mauritius dodo. Due to hunting and loss of natural habitat, animal species cannot survive on a planet ruled by humans. The most intelligent animal on Earth is causing the most irrational history of extinction.   

Photographer Matjaž Krivic captured the emotional essence of the bond between the second-to-last northern white rhino and her devoted caretaker

There are only two northern white rhinos left in the world. And both of them are females, Najin and her daughter Fatu. Sadly, the last male, Sudan, died in 2018. Today, the northern white rhino is a functionally extinct species.

Matjaž Krivic traveled to Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Nanyuki, Kenya, where constantly monitored by her guard Zachary Mutai, the 33-year-old Najin resists the faith of her ancestors.

In “The Last Two” photo series, this talented photographer captured the emotional essence of the bond between the devoted caretaker and the second-to-last representative of the oldest land mammal species in the world. The photographs of this companionship serve as a powerful reminder of the urgency to stop humanity’s reckless destruction of the planet’s wildlife.

Pushed to the brink of extinction by poaching, the population of two northern white rhinos could only be saved by a miracle. That includes the BioRescue breeding program that uses the sperm of dead males to artificially inseminate female eggs, and transfer the embryos to surrogate mothers of another rhino sub-species. If successful, the conservation program could bring the northern white rhino back from extinction. And if that happens, you can bet Matjaž Krivic will be there with his camera to capture the magic of a new northern white rhino baby.

Matjaž Krivic on passion and pleasure of photography

For more than two decades, you’ve been receiving numerous awards and recognition for photographing extraordinary places, people, and events. The most recent award comes with the title of the travel photographer of the year, but that work doesn‘t expose any typical content tourists associate with traveling. From the Canary Islands, instead of casual beach life you portray the untamable power of the eruption, and from Kenya, instead of the beauty of the world we’re living in, you’re depicting a beauty of the world that’s dying. There is a silent mindfulness behind your motives. Is that a vision of your photography work?   

I search for moments that portray some beauty and emotion, often filled with silence and grandeur. Whether it is a face, a motion, a mountain, a bridge, or a temple.

I have never looked at photography as an industry, but purely as my passion and pleasure. As a professional, it is vital to me to keep the enthusiasm of an amateur. I photograph genuine, pristine moments, never posed or fixed.

Total respect for any individual or group is of the essence. My work is about capturing true and natural beauty.

As a self-taught photographer, how did you end up falling in love with this art form in the first place?

It was not until the first travel that I discovered my love for photography. I was 16 and wanted to see the world. I have discovered that I am surrounded by so much beauty on my travels that I wanted to capture those moments to show them to my friends and family. Soon I realized that my photos are good and I loved taking them, so photography became my passion.

War is threatening another endangered species - the Mongolian wild horses in Askania-Nova, the world's oldest steppe reserve, sometimes referred to as Ukrainian Serengeti. Read what else is in jeopardy in this war-torn country!

The last remaining northern white rhino

Explain a little about how your “The Last Two” project came about!

The story was actually brought to light by my journalist friend Maja Prijatelj Videmšek. As a journalist for the Slovenian newspaper Delo, she started doing research about close-to-extinct species and wrote an article about the northern white rhinos. Soon we decided along with journalist Boštjan Videmšek that this is the story that needs more attention.

Wars, geography, shrinking of the natural habitat, climate change, the unsustainability of the economic model, (post)colonialism, and wild hunting are woven into the fate of this already functionally extinct species. At the same time, Najin’s story offers a hand of salvation.

What do you mean by that?

The northern white rhinos’ destiny is in the hands of their Kenyan caretakers and a team of scientists at the BioRescue international consortium, which is developing and using several different techniques to resurrect the species, including assisted reproduction and stem cell research.

The plan is to insert northern white rhino embryos into southern white rhino surrogate mothers as soon as possible. There is a real chance the first “new” northern white rhino baby will be born in 2024.

The world's last northern white rhinos were raised by the Czech Dvur Kralove Zoo. Institutions often regarded as controversial animal prisons are becoming crucial actors in conserving the threatened species. Basel Zoo in Switzerland, for instance, is involved in more than 40 breeding programs, including the one for the Indian rhinoceros.

Perceiving danger and respect

A typical impression of a rhinoceros is the one of a gigantic animal with thick skin and dangerous horns, yet none of that seemed to protect it. Despite having the largest horns in the rhino world, or actually, because of that very fact, the species of the northern white rhinoceros is functionally extinct, with only two females left. How do you perceive danger when standing so close to this vulnerable giant?

You don’t feel danger. You feel respect. Enormous respect. And you feel humble.

Even with their horns sawn off for their own good, Najin and Fatu still have 24-hour armed protection. Is there a risk that they could still die from human hands?

Currently, there is no fear of that. They’re being protected at all times.

Did you yourself, in all your years of traveling as a photographer, ever end up in a seriously dangerous situation?

Never really. I was arrested once in Rwanda in 1996, as a police officer said I was not allowed to take photos of the market. He requested money so I gave him what he was asking for. But shortly after, other police officers came by, apologized, and gave my money back.

In Africa, I met face-to-face with a rather dangerous predator. Learn how I maged to pet a hyena!

Rhino whisperer

What is your approach to the authenticity of documentary photography? According to you, can there be a certain degree of staging behind it?

In my opinion, staging has no place in documentary photography.

Can you tell more about this in the context of photographing Najin? How much time did you spend there? How hard was it to achieve these fantastic photograph motives?

I was in Ol Pejeta Conservancy twice, for a week. Each day, I was waking up early in the morning, along with Najin & Fatu and their caretaker Zachary Mutai, to follow them on their daily routine.

Their movement is slow, and so is the day watching them. You can only hear the light breeze, birds, and the sound of them grazing. And Zachary’s whispers, when he’s talking to them.

When you’re spending time in this serene atmosphere, surrounded by these magnificent creatures, it’s not hard to capture their beauty on camera.

What can you tell us about Najin’s relationship with her keeper? Obviously, you portray this connection with a very touching, almost intimate exposure of their togetherness. Do they operate like pets and pet owners?

Their relationship is really beautiful. There’s a certain intimacy between them that is hard to explain. He talks to her and it seems she understands him, she listens to him. I wouldn’t say that it’s like a pet relationship, they’re friends.

A man in Croatia cares for one of the largest animals on European continent - boškarin. Check out the photographs of this gentle giant!

Environmental photographer on the road

Are you an optimist? Do you think that we can indeed have a greener future?

No. We have the technology and know-how, but we’re too greedy.

What was the crucial moment in your career that ignited your interest in themes of environmental protection?

There was no crucial moment, I think. It was more gradual. The more I traveled, the more I witnessed the effects of climate change. I thought the issue needed to be spoken of more.

How does the life of such a travel photographer function in real life? Are there sources that can fund trips that document the ways we damage our home planet?

There are some grants that can help you but have limited capacities. It’s not so easy to get in. Mostly I fund the stories myself and get reimbursed later on by publishing them.

With continuous road trips and world travels, do you reflect on the impact and sustainability of your own traveling? Do you actively work on neutralizing your carbon footprint?

I’m sorry to say that I don’t.

What is the essential equipment you can’t see yourself traveling without?

I use a Canon R5 camera, with lenses RF15-35mm, RF50mm, RF100mm/macro, and RF100-500mm. The essential part of my traveling equipment is also DJI MavicPro 2 drone.

This Swiss photographer travels the world to take pictures of toy cars. Meet Kim Leuenberger, and her miniature vintage models!

Climate crisis – balancing pessimism and hope

From the poverty of the gold diggers, the wilderness of urban environments, and similar contradiction-fueled and sometimes saddening concepts, you did arrive at the project that paints more hope in our common future. What do you want to convey with “Plan B”?

That’s a collection of the most promising projects in the fight against the climate crisis.

So, we missed our first shot. Decades of warning signs didn’t cause us to avoid man-made global warming. But all around the globe, there are communities, countries, and companies refusing to resign to the dismal future of an overheated planet.

We have the means to revert climate change, but I’m a pessimistMatjaž Krivic

This is a story of what the transformation to a zero-emission world looks like; the people, the machines, and the landscapes that play a part in the shaping of our common future.

From a Swiss-based company capturing carbon dioxide from thin air, to sea-power developments in the Orkney Islands. From the electric-mobility revolution in Norway to the ITER project in France, where 35 nations are building a miniature Sun on Earth.

This is a monument to those delivering hope and damage control, the ones collecting and creating the knowledge, experience, and technology paving our way out – our plan B.

You did say you lack optimism for a greener future because humans are greedy. On the other hand, you explain “Plan B” through hope. Does that mean that you are not a complete pessimist after all, or do you just want to give your own contribution to the “better side of history”?

There is know-how. We have at our disposal the means to revert the change. But I’m a pessimist, estimating that there will be a lack of political will or that the corporations’ influence will be too powerful to actually implement the changes. Hopefully, I’m wrong though.

If you want to stay close to some of the most amazing African animals, check out these lodges in Ethiopia that bring wildlife to your doorstep!

Matjaž Krivic’s home and away

Originating from Slovenia, a tiny European country whose wildlife predators get no more dangerous than human fish, is that the reason you feel the urge to explore what you sometimes call “the distant Earth”?

I can’t really say if me being Slovenian has contributed to my travels (laughter). But since I was young, I was drawn to the outside world and wanted to explore it.

What place do you consider your home, and are there special corners of the world where you love to come back in particular?

Well, my home is my home. But the place I always come back to is Tibet. Being at a high altitude means bad headaches, you’re super cold, and the food is awful, but somehow I feel the best.

What is the secret of Tibet then?

Hard to explain. There is something sacred, and magical there. The harsh environment is accompanied by the warmth, kindness, and humility of its people. Being there, you just become at ease with everything, yourself and the surroundings, it’s like you find yourself in a different state of mind.

What’s next on your roadmap?

I’m continuing with the conservation and environmental stories in South Africa, Namibia, Georgia, and Romania.

The Last Two - the book

Besides being the name of the photo project, "The Last Two" is also the title of the book you can order here.

The authors, Slovenian journalists Boštjan Videmšek and Maja Prijatelj Videmšek, take you on a journey through the history of the northern white rhinos, whose numbers were brought to the brink of extinction due to wars, climate change, poaching, and the black market.

They also introduce the people fighting for the future of the species: the rangers, conservationists, and scientists.

Will science prevail, or is it too late?

From the reviews 

The story of the ravages of humankind's toll on innocent creatures who have fallen prey to poachers, conflict, and climate change, The Last Two is also an inspiring tale of the best of which our species is capable. From the conservationists in Kenya who care for the mother and daughter rhinos, Najin and Fatu, to the scientists in Italy, Germany, and Japan who are racing against time and daunting odds to snatch the rhinos from extinction's terrible grasp. Written with urgency and empathy and illustrated with stirring photos by Matjaž Krivic, The Last Two is at once a chronicle of disaster and hope. -- Kelly Horan, The Boston Globe

Did you like this interview with photographer Matjaž Krivic?
Pin it for later!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on them and make a purchase, Pipeaway might make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work!

The post Extinction in Focus: Matjaž Krivic’s Pictures of the Last Northern White Rhino appeared first on Pipeaway.

Plastic pollution is not an apocalyptic nightmare that should make us afraid of the future. It silently sneaked into our dreams and messed up with our awareness. It’s here, it’s now!

While traveling around the world in the past couple of years, I’ve seen many dramatic examples of how we, the humans, have changed the nature of things. Cows eating garbage in Cambodia, boys swimming in the rivers of trash in the Philippines, sea turtles dying entangled in plastic bags in Indonesia… These are all parts of the same story!

If we speak about waste, humans are incredibly productive species. A big part of it is a plastic waste. It is omnipresent in our daily lives, and even more invisible in the travel industry. We take a plastic bag in every shop, we steal small shampoo bottles in hotels, we drink cocktails with not one, but two plastic straws. We are writing our death sentence! Is plastic free world even possible?

Empower your fight for better environment with these inspirational Earth Day quotes and slogans!

No plastic island

When I recently went to visit Mooban Talay Resort on Koh Samet in Thailand, I was excited about the prospect of witnessing an island saying ‘no’ to plastic waste. The archipelago of Samet was a national park since 1981, but in 2018, the island exorcised plastic bags and styrofoam food boxes. Thailand implemented the same restriction in all its 150-ish national parks.

When they introduced the measurement that would hopefully make the island’s environment cleaner, the authorities came out with some shocking plastic pollution statistics. Koh Samet had about 1.500 visitors a day, and each of them brought eight plastic bags on average! Every single day, tourists left 12.000 plastic bags on this small island!

The idea of forbidding the bringing of the single-use plastic bags and threatening with fines of 1.500 Bahts (43 Euros) seemed romantic on paper. Maybe as romantic as the Sunday walk of that Ethiopian couple in Harar. It was delusional!

The departure point for Koh Samet is Ban Phe, the coastal town famous for producing the fish sauce. Nuanthip Pier is the place where tourists board the boats that will take them on a journey of ecological pride. They could have chosen to stay at any other tropical island in Thailand. But they picked Koh Samet, the one that told them to say ‘goodbye’ to plastic! My nose was telling me there was something fishy about all of that. And I knew it was not the fish sauce for which Ban Phe was famous.

Plastic pollution is just one contributor to global warming. Learn how you can simply reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a greener world!

The plastic waste of plastic waste

If you decide to visit the no-plastic island of Koh Samet, before boarding on your romantic ecological journey, please take a look under the pier! Tell me: is this what eco-tourism is all about? Does saying ‘goodbye’ to plastic mean throwing it at one place, so we don’t bring it to the other site? How is this different from sweeping the dust under the carpet?

The beach under the pier leading to the plastic-free island was full of thrown plastic bags and other trash that ecological tourists could not bring further. Plastic in the sea was floating like some seaweed. It almost looked… Well, natural. The policy that aimed to eradicate the single-use plastic was clearly STIMULATING that the plastic tourists have brought would remain – single-use!

Frankly, I’m not a no-plastic tourist. I have my “single-use plastic bags” in every suitcase I travel with. Typically, I have a plastic bag that keeps my dirty shoes away from my clean clothes. Sometimes, one of these plastic bags separates wet swimming trunks from the dry underwear. My shower gel is in another plastic bag, since that episode when it spilled all over my toiletries. I use these bags for years, and would never call them single-use!

There is no ecological sense in making tourists throw away their perfectly usable plastic bags

While the island’s policy sounded intimidating, I decided to risk the fines and smuggle my plastic bags onto the island. I didn’t see any ecological sense in throwing away entirely usable plastic bags, just because here they allowed the throwing, and on the island, it would be a felony. Most of the tourists follow the protocol of throwing away their plastics. The result is not the beauty of Koh Samet or less plastic in the world. The result is the ugliness of Ban Phe and MORE plastic in the world!

No plastic policy as a marketing stunt

We embarked and left Ban Phe behind. One could easily forget this stop-over town. With minimal effort, one could easily not see the fishing boats laden with the catch of the day. One could easily not imagine the fishermen working with their nets and separating trash from fish that we would dine in the evening.

In the middle of the channel between Koh Samet and the continent, I noticed a floating plastic cup. The days are hot here, and somebody had to refresh with a smoothie. Bringing plastic to the island was forbidden. Throwing plastic in the ocean was the way not to pay the fine. Nobody imagined the ocean waves breaking plastic into pieces of microplastics, fish eating the pieces, us eating fish. Plastic doesn’t disappear.

On every corner of Koh Samet, every 20 meters, I could see that the plastic-free campaign didn’t work. Thai people were obsessed with plastic and didn’t know other methods of packing or transporting goods. Everybody walked around with their plastic bags filled with groceries, as in any other part of Thailand. This made all that throwing of plastic bags in Ban Phe even more tragic!

I quickly learned that “no plastic” policy on Koh Samet was a marketing stunt. The island was drowning in plastic waste, like all other major destinations in Thailand! If there were a dedicated decoration for lies, they would’ve probably wrapped this lie in plastic too.

Greenwashing is present even in the highest political actions to tackle climate change. Check out how the delegates of Dubai's climate summit traveled there by - private jets.

Plastic pollution with make-up

One look at a local market stall, and everything was clear! Single-use plastic gloves. Plastic bags for the meat skewers. Hard plastic for the chicken. Plastic bags for pineapples which were already packed in plastic. Apples that arrived in plastic bags, before they unpacked them for sale, only so they could pack them again for customers. Plastic bags attached to an improvised fan so they would keep flies away. Even the umbrellas were being sold wrapped in plastic! In the local restaurant, I got a plastic straw in my fizzy drink bottle. No question asked.

Sides of the roads on Koh Samet were places where passers-by threw away their trash. At one part of the road, I found some spirit houses where Thai people would leave the votive offerings. At these little shrines, they would often offer the bottles of some drink. With a straw. Even the spirits couldn’t drink Coke without a straw!

I sat down for a meal, just next to the checkpoint, where tourists needed to pay their national park entrance fee. There were four security officers in the shift. During one hour, I didn’t see them stopping anyone with a plastic bag. And many tourists had them! The only thing officers were doing was collecting the entrance fee.

At one moment, one of the officers took a break and walked to a stall nearby to buy some snack. The seller removed the plastic cover from the food and served it to this security officer in a plastic bag. He walked away, carrying this very forbidden thing. If the national park employee was breaking the law, emphasized by numerous warning displays in the center of the town, why would anyone else get the message?

Learn the brief history of plastic and plastic pollution in this short video made by National Geographic in 2018!

7/11 goes bananas

If you have ever entered the 7/11 store in Thailand, you know how quickly you got bombed with plastic. In one shop in Bangkok, I bought a big bottle of water. In a matter of seconds, while I was trying to find money, this big bottle was already in the plastic bag. There were also two plastic straws inside. Because who doesn’t drink water without a straw? I assume I got two because I needed to connect them in a big straw, as obviously I did buy the big bottle of water, and one straw would not reach the bottom!

Koh Samet’s 7/11 came into fame quickly as the place where one couldn’t get a plastic bag when shopping. It was a flashy promo I needed to confirm by my own eyes.

The seller had a pale face when I asked for a plastic bag. The gaze almost had some condemnation in it, as if it was saying: “How dare you?”

However, next to the cash register, plastic straws were waiting for all those thirsty tourists. For the hungry ones, there was a whole stand with bananas. They were selling them by piece. Every single banana was wrapped in its own plastic bag! Bananas! Fruit that grows in its own “bag”!

10 plastic pollution facts and figures you absolutely need to know

1. The name plastic describes the plasticity of the material, which means the ability to deform without breaking apart.

2. The plastic bag was first invented as a sandwich bag in 1957. By 1970s, it became the prime method for transporting groceries!

3. The average use of a plastic bag is 12 minutes!

4. Since their invention, none of the plastic bags has ever degraded naturally! They estimate that it can take up to 1000 years for a plastic bag to degrade in a landfill!

5. Only 14 percent of plastic packaging is collected for recycling! The rest directly contributes to the plastic pollution!

6. UN Environment report in 2018 found that 79 percent of all plastics ever made have ended up in oceans and landfills.

7. Plastic is killing our oceans! Every year, 1 million sea birds and 100.000 marine animals die because of plastics!

8. One out of every three leatherback sea turtles has been found with plastic in their stomach!

9. Every minute, one truckload of plastic garbage enters the seas! That’s 8 million tons of plastic per year! The World Economic Forum report estimated that by 2050, there would be more plastics in the ocean than fish!

10. Plastic is killing us, too! According to the UK research published in Environmental Pollution, each of us eats around 100 bits of microplastic in every meal! That’s 70.000 pieces of microplastic in a year!

Lies of the travel industry

Koh Samet’s idea of becoming a plastic-free island obviously didn’t work. It was either a failed ambition or a cheeky deception. It quickly demotivated me of staying there longer. I shortened my stay to three days that I initially reserved the room for, even if I planned to spend at least a week on this island with impressive beaches (and inviting eco policy). The no-plastic lie was the main factor motivating the earlier departure.

Years ago, the chain hotels had the marketing campaign ‘Save a towel, plant a tree’. Where are those forests now?Christian de Boer, MD at Jaya House RiverPark

Using lies for promotion is nothing new in the travel industry. How many times have you read in the hotel bathroom that they will wash your towel only if you leave it on the floor? Even if you have hanged them on the rails, the next time housekeeping would visit your room, you would find a whole new set of towels waiting for you.

“Years ago, the chain hotels had the marketing campaign ‘Save a towel, plant a tree’. Where are those forests now?”, asked Christian de Boer, a managing director of Jaya House RiverPark, Cambodia’s most ambitious eco-conscious 5-star hotel. “In 2019, the hotel industry is finally about real action and not merely words or marketing campaigns. It’s about the actions which you can verify and check as a potential guest.”

Jaya’s no-plastic dreams coming true

The first time I visited Jaya House RiverPark in Siem Reap, it was 2017. The hotel just opened, and while its facilities and services were world-class excellent, the investors had to have some bravery to accept the idea of a no-plastic hotel as a sustainable business model.

I had the pleasure to check the hotel this year too, and it was running better than ever. It was going so well that the opening of Jaya House no. 2 is behind the corner!

Unlike Koh Samet, Jaya House promised and delivered no plastic policy to its maximum. They served drinks with bamboo straws, they offered shower gel and shampoo in refillable ceramic bottles, they replaced free plastic water bottles with refillable glass alternative.

Each guest would receive a complimentary aluminum bottle refillable at numerous stations in town. This was a part of Refill Not Landfill campaign. So far, ten countries have joined this movement to reduce the bottle part of the plastic waste, Thailand included. Nota bene, none of the partners were based in Koh Samet yet.

The numbers behind this story were implacable. Every month, tourists in Cambodia use more than 10 million plastic bottles. Most of these end up in landfills as the country doesn’t have a recycling system. A single aluminum bottle can replace more than 4.000 plastic ones! Refill Not Landfill initiative introduced a revolution in how tourists consume water in Cambodia!

One part of the plastic trash ends up in Siem Reap River. In the town that undoubtedly didn’t provide an adequate public service for waste management, Jaya House RiverPark regularly cleaned the river and its banks. Additionally, the hotel brought trees to the river bank. In two years, they have planted almost 1.000 trees with a minimum of 3-meter height!

Do you want to support this business? Stay at Jaya House RiverPark at the best price available!

No concession on luxury

“That’s all common sense!”, Christian de Boer told me. “We cannot continue to contribute to destroying this planet. All of us have to make a bigger effort! We are never going to be perfect, but let’s try at least!”

With various programs that contributed to Jaya’s natural and social environment, one can think that these investments reduced the budget for enhancing the guest’s experience. But on the contrary, Jaya House exceeded the expectation one had from a luxury resort.

Free mini bar and fruit, free mobile phone to talk to the reception at any time and any place, free tuk-tuk rides, free bicycle use, free laundry, free massages… With pleasant rooms, two state-of-the-art swimming pools, turn-down service, and amazing breakfasts, the guest’s experience was in the middle of the attention!

Did this show that the care for the environment can go beyond just romantic ideas and be – profitable?

The friends of the environment are ready to pay more

The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) published a report on Travel Trends 2019, which suggests that responsible tourism has gone mainstream. The report found that 45 percent of people said that the travel provider’s sustainability credentials were an important factor when booking a holiday. This number almost doubled over the last four years!

“Future guests want it!”, Christian exclaimed. “Future guests demand it and are happy to pay a little bit more. Well, a realistic amount more. That’s a fact!”

Booking.com’s study in 2018 revealed that “two thirds (67 %) of travelers would be willing to spend at least 5 % more on their travel to ensure it was as low impact on the environment as possible”.

The opening of the second Jaya House in Siem Reap proved that the investment beyond the hotel, into the environment, did pay off!

However, use eco-branding just like a marketing stunt, and you will be losing customers, not gaining them! Again, I’m looking at you, Koh Samet!

8 Southeast Asian stores downsizing the plastic pollution

Southeast Asia is not only pioneering with places where one can refill a water bottle. There is another answer to the plastic pollution! Stores selling products without packaging are popping up everywhere revolutionizing the shopping experience! Here are eight places where a shopper can lower the negative impact of plastic on the environment!

Zero Waste Bali, Indonesia – at several locations in Bali, the first Indonesian bulk store offers more than 200 package-free items (food and not food)!

The Hive, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – a zero-waste store where one can buy anything from reusable sanitary pads to washable baby wipes, from granola and pasta to coffee and spices – in the amount one needs!

BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle), different parts of Malaysia – a concept detergent store allowing you to refill your bottle with a wide range of products, from car care, personal care, clothing care and household cleaners to products such as insect repellent!

Ritual, Manila, Philippines – a store selling organic products not enclosed in plastic bags, stimulating customers to bring their own container and fill it with cacao, flour, beans, salt, sugar, body and green cleaning products!

Croft Bulk Foods, Davao, Philippines – an eco-ethical store offering naked products (cacao and coconut products, dried fruits and nuts), without packaging, so the consumer can buy as much or as little as he/she likes!

Better Moon Café, Bangkok, Thailand – a minimal waste café with its own bulk store that can refill your containers with herbal tea, but also hair & body and cleansing & laundry products; at this place you can also buy low waste products such as the silicone straw, bamboo toothbrush or paper tube lip balm!

Lai Day Refill Station, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – a pack-free convenience store where you can bring your own bottle or jar, and refill it with shower gel, shampoo, oil, sunscreen, toothpaste, dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent and so on!

Tap hoa La Xanh, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – a zero-waste shop selling unpacked rice, pasta, snacks, coffee, tea, bio cleaning liquid… Bring your bag and refill what you need!

Treeline – a sanctuary of art and nature

In the same street, just 2 kilometers to the South, another resort at Siem Reap River bank follows the green path to success. Treeline Urban Resort opened in November 2018 and, in some efforts, it even surpassed Jaya’s almost impeccable no plastic score.

As soon as one arrives, it’s clear that this place pays equal respect to the tradition and the contemporary. Just in front of the hotel, a tree wraps its roots around the old Khmer sculpture, in the same way that jungle swallowed the Angkor Empire temples, Siem Reap’s prime tourism asset. Behind the entrance doors, a gigantic sculpture by Sopheap Pich, one of Cambodia’s most prominent artists, marks the hotel foyer.

Generously sprinkled with greenery and art, in both rooms and common spaces, Treeline resembles a contemporary art museum curated by nature. Overhanging plants giving an artistic frame and artworks using natural materials and Cambodian heritage as inspiration are parts of the same celebratory story. Treeline’s owner and architect, 36-year-old Hok Kang, was inspired by the interplay between nature and civilization, and it speaks at every corner of this luxury resort.

Treeline is fostering the local art scene, but is equally involved in tree-planting and cleaning up Siem Reap, showing that the responsibility of a modern hotel exceeds the boundaries of a building. The town might be blessed by being a launching pad for Angkor Wat, one of the world’s most famous touristic sites, but if the destination management ignores the plastic pollution, the negative branding will radically damage everyone’s results.

Quest for plastic alternatives

“Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.” The quote from Treeline’s hotel directory might sound cheesy. But two years after Jaya’s revolutionary practices hit Siem Reap, the high tide of industry players who invested in conscious travel and created stunning results proved that ecological strategy was based in reason, not in romantic dreams.

From the outside, it could have been just a trendy hotel with a fantastic rooftop infinity pool, two restaurants, and Brown Café, Cambodia’s version of the Starbucks. Inside, there was much more than just serving guests’ hedonism needs.

Treeline’s rooms came with a complimentary mini bar, including the free filtered drinking water in sanitized glass bottles. The free welcome package included dry fruit snacks in glass jars and even M&Ms!

The hotel paid great attention to sourcing products from sustainable and ethical local suppliers. Eggs at breakfast came from the happy chickens. Custom cushions came from the zero waste fashion brand Tonlé. Essential oils at Suri Spa, where I received a great massage, were extracted and blended from locally grown organic botanicals. The solar heating system supplied hot water.

“I need to believe in what I’m doing! It needs to align with my personal values!”, Joni Aker, Treeline’s general manager, told me when I asked about the hotel owners’ support. “If I was not going to be supported in being eco-friendly, eliminating plastics, taking care of the environment, using natural products, and supporting the local community, I knew I couldn’t be part of a project that did not share these values. Within minutes of meeting the hotel owners, I knew our values aligned and was blown away by their vision and principles.”

If you want to book a room in this hotel, check Treeline’s best available prices on this link!

Strategy for the ecological second thought

With yoga mat in my room, some of the best blackout curtains I’ve ever had pleasure sleeping behind, and the friendliness of the staff who remembered my name, the tea and the juice I liked, it was easy to be seduced. Treeline seemed to cater for all guests’ needs, but with a strategy.

In bathrooms, only the essential amenities were offered (including cotton swabs, made of paper of course). In case that a guest requested additional amenities, he or she would be offered an eco-friendly pack with toothbrush, comb and razor – all made of wood! While it looked like a collectible, it was just following the principle that the number of items used would be smaller if the guests needed to request them at the reception. Supposedly, only 30 percent of Treeline guests request such a pack, so instead of investing into plastic amenities for everyone, serving eco-friendly version to those who really need it was not just an ecological, but also – an economical choice.

On a larger scale, even some cities started to realize how much waste hotels produced. Shanghai authorities have introduced the policy that should be fining the hotels for offering disposable items to guests when they did not request them! The environmental campaign envisaged fines of 5.000 Yuan (640 Euros), hoping that this measure would support the reduction of garbage produced in the city.

Rehash Trash – recycling rubbish, renewing lives

Rehash Trash is a non-profit social enterprise in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Since 2015, it takes dirty roadside rubbish and transforms it into products with style.

The enterprise functions under the label of Green Gecko, the project that supports 32 families who stepped out of the life in poverty and street begging into an empowering environment which provided them jobs, homes, and future.

At the same time, Rehash Trash tackled the burning plastic pollution crisis in Siem Reap: cleaning up the environment and giving new life to single-use plastic.

The center of plastic pollution

It could be easy to miss their premises at Sombai Road. With hundreds of plastic bags laying around, it didn’t look much different than some other roadside houses in Siem Reap. But these plastic bags were clean! They were washed by hand and hanged up for drying under the sun.

“The main point for collecting rubbish is at the Old Market area, where many of these women were previously begging”, Kate Allen, the manager of Rehash Trash, explained. “They can find 1.000 plastic bags per day!”

In the center of plastic pollution, the resources are sadly not missing. Seventeen ladies, working for the monthly wage of 200 US dollars, found their income in what most of us discard like a waste.

Chayleang is one of them. For the last four years, she knits plastic baskets, floor mats, bags, and other colorful products. She was working in the factory before, then she lost money, and now she’s here, as my instructor.

Recycling workshop

Five of them in bright blue shirts, sit on the floor, and silently turn trash into treasure. It is not an easy job, but it’s not degrading or dangerous. These disadvantaged Khmer women are on a mission to clean Siem Reap of trash and poverty!

Cutting plastic bags into stripes, then using a special tool to weave them together and, with the help of fingers and some toes, a new product appears!

In two hours of my workshop, with Chayleang’s help, I managed to create two bracelets, one keychain, and one glass cup holder. The ladies seemed impressed by my newly learned skills, but I knew that my two hours could never compare with their full-time dedication to upgrading their family and city life.

If you want to experience Rehash Trash in Siem Reap first hand, I warmly recommend joining the workshop that will teach you how to create a personalized bracelet from roadside plastic waste. And you will have a great time with these motivating and hard working women!

Wake-up calls for no more plastic

The governments around the world are waking up! The alarm clock is louder than ever, and the snooze button will not erase the problem! Plastic pollution solutions are needed – now!

After they choked the drainage system during the devastating floods, Bangladesh was the first country that banned the use of lightweight plastic bags in 2002.

Today, 65 countries have such a ban, and 31 impose charging for bags that were previously distributed for free.

In May 2019, the Italian island of Capri started fining people 500 Euros if found using cutlery, plates, cups or any other plastic item that was not recyclable or biodegradable. The whole European Union is expected to ban single-use plastics in 2021.

Thailand pledged to get rid of the lightweight plastic bags, plastic cups, straws and styrofoam food containers by 2022. By then, even the Maya Bay (famous as Leonardo DiCaprio’s “Beach”) could receive the first visitors after it was closed in 2018 due to the effects of the overtourism.

In June 2019, Bali became the first part of Indonesia that introduced the island-wide ban of plastic bags, straws, and styrofoam.

Stop dreaming, make a change!

Brothers Gary and Sam Bencheghib first experienced plastic pollution in Bali seas as surfers in 2009: plastic encircled their surfboards! They also did micro plastic samplings at 30 different sites around the island, only to find out that each of them had alarming levels of microplastic particles.

The brothers launched Make a Change Bali, organized clean-ups, and used the power of social media to raise public pollution awareness. In 2017, they made kayaks out of plastic bottles and paddled through the most polluted river in the world – Citarum in West Java.

With growing internet publicity around it, the government was forced to deal with plastic pollution in Indonesia. The military started cleaning up the plastic river. The president Joko Widodo even said that he wanted to see the toxic Citarum become drinkable by 2025! It’s an ambitious goal for a country struggling with not one plastic pollution corner. If the perspectives are romantic walks by waterless canals of trash like in Harar, Ethiopia, I hope Mr. Widodo doesn’t end up being just a dreamer.

Until Bencheghib brothers release their “Plastic River” documentary, check this short plastic pollution video on Youtube which memorizes the brothers’ kayaking adventure!

Did you like this article?
Pin it for later!

Disclosure: My stays at Jaya House and Treeline, as well as my participation in Rehash Trash workshop, were complimentary, but all opinions are my own.

Also, this post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on them and make a purchase, Pipeaway might make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our work!

The post Brave Plastic Free World: Travel Industry Against Plastic Pollution appeared first on Pipeaway.