carbonneutraltourism.co.uk

“The Greenbox is emerging as Irelands’ first genuine ecotourism destination with a set of standards based on sound environmental practices highlighting all that the region and its people has to offer.”

A nice set of articles in the Daily Telegraph focusing on taking breaks with feeling guilty.

Long haul destinations which rely on overseas tourists could become less attractive as ‘carbon neutrality’ becomes a mainstream issue in both the public and private sectors.

As governments introduce or increase regulations/’carbon tax’ the cost of travelling to long haul destinations such as Thailand and Australia could increase making these destinations  less attractive. The long term economic knock-effect on local economies could be considerable (particularly for those destinations which rely heavily on overseas tourism).  At the same time some consumers are also making a personal choice not to take holidays which involve taking a long or short haul flight.

An introduction to Quamby Lodge Falls by Normajean and Ian Gasking.

Too often we hear someone say “In an ideal world…” then go onto to describe a set of perfect circumstances, followed by the reality situation of something less.

At Quamby Falls Lodge in Australia’s Gold Coast Hinterland we live in, and treat our paying Guests to nothing less than the ideal world. Let me tell you about it.

Our ideal world is Green. Not only does every vista and spectacular view encompass every possible shade of green imaginable, but we live green and practice green principles in everything we do. But no, we do not live a life of compromise and hippy fringe-dweller-make shift.

We and our Guests live in luxury, with every modern convenience.

It all starts with WATER. Unlike most of Australia struggling with drought and severe water restrictions, we are blessed with unlimited water, water so pure it is better than you can buy in a bottle. Our 50 acre property is a hidden valley surrounded by sheer cliffs and rainforest mountain tops of World Heritage National Parks. Twenty million years ago these mountains were formed by volcanoes, long since extinct. A spring of pure water distilled deep down below the Earth’s surface now rises up through one of the ancient volcano cores. It then plunges over Quamby Falls, a sheer drop of 116 metres. Forming our back fence this magnificent cliff and awe-inspiring waterfall is not only permanent, running all year round even in the severest drought, but also supplies our domestic water and generates our electricity through a mini-hydro-solar power plant. Using only the energy from the water before it is returned to the creek, our electricity supply is totally green with no green-house emissions.

Applying similar principles within the household, Normajean avoids the use of chemicals for cleaning, using Enjo™ micro-fibre products for all cleaning, including washing the car.

The hens lay their eggs in the mornings and are let out to free-range in the rainforest in the afternoons. Needless to say, the eggs are top quality, raising comments from the Guests at breakfast.

While our 20 acres of rainforest is a haven for many rare and endangered species growing in unbelievable abundance, a botanist’s delight, the margins have become infested with introduced lantana. Eschewing the use of sprays and all chemicals, the lantana is being successfully eradicated solely by physical labour using a long-handled cane knife and bamboo poles to lever the lantana out of the ground and roll it down the hill in a long wave. Lantana surfing!

The denuded ground is then replanted with native rainforest species, principally red-cedar Toona ciliata which grow in natural profusion along the tracks, springing up in the garden and wherever the ground has been disturbed. Rapaciously exploited by early pioneers over a hundred years ago, it was logged to extinction in many districts. Through our conservation efforts this species is making a come-back in what were severely degenerated areas. Fortunately, rainforest species up even to 2 metres high are easily pulled out by the roots and transplant with a minimum of care.

Guests may participate as Friends of the Forest in our conservation program removing lantana and planting trees. In return, their names and dates are recorded on a wooden plaque in “their” forest for posterity, and a reference point for their return in future years or their grandchildren.

Even lawn-mowing follows environmental principles. While cows maintain grass in a park –like setting in the main paddock, pademelons (miniature kangaroos) graze on the lawns at night keeping them neatly trimmed. Even the edges! Only for a few months during the summer rains when growth is too prolific for our marsupial volunteers, do we have to resort to conventional means for lawn mowing.

Recycling is a life-style thing, not limited to garbage disposal. Kitchen scraps to the hens, fallen trees are crafted into spectacular art furniture, fencing materials have all seen previous careers and, as Normajean says, it is surprising the junk Ian collects in his workshop. But is doesn’t accumulate, within a few weeks it re-emerges in a totally different and un-thought of new form and use.

So that is how we run, but what is it we do? Quamby Falls Lodge is a romantic couple’s retreat catering to the executive market who appreciate one-on-one personal service and can afford to pay for it.

When a reservation is made we send out a questionnaire in which prospective Guests tell us their personal favourite foods, fitness level, and detail of their special occasion (anniversary, birthday etc.) Their stay will then be personalised to the extent every meal will be a gourmet presentation of their nominated favourites and other personal touches are added according to individual circumstances and personalities.

Tariff varies according to the package selection and dinner setting. For top of the line, imagine if you can, a five-star restaurant complete with white lace table-cloth, silver-ware and crystal glasses transported into the rainforest beside a waterfall. The table is strewn with flamboyant fresh flowers and lit with candles. Antique lanterns and burning flares illuminate the cascading waterfall and sparkling mountain stream. A star spangles sky, and fire-flies, if you are lucky, complete the sensation of a fairy wonderland.

Guests are also treated to a two hour guided walk through the rainforest, where the ecology and geology is explained, visiting the inside of living hollow trees thousands of years old and climbing, for those adventurous enough, up through the hollow trunk of a giant strangler-fig perched on the edge of a plunging waterfall.

Yes, we live in a pristine natural environment, take care to keep it that way, and make the world a cleaner and safer place for not only all of us, but for future generations, too.

When we look back at our pioneers, it is easy to see their successes, but increasingly so their environmental misunderstandings and mistakes. How do you think you will be judged by future generations?

We hope we are taking positive steps which will set an example, and perhaps in our small way help turn the tide in positive environmental awareness.

Accommodating only one couple at a time (or maximum two if travelling together), this is your opportunity to experience unparalleled personal service in a pristine natural environment.

For the budget traveller there is a secluded creek-side camp site with green lawns, shady trees and your personal seclusion.

Quamby is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘peaceful resting place.” It is certainly that! Why not try it?

For more information on Quamby Falls Lodge visit www.quamby.net

Washington State is forward thinking and concerned about its environment.  It is well supported by its residents and industries for the education and protection of its natural environment.

As an example Earth Share of Washington celebrates its 20th anniversary.  Back in the 1980s 10 local non-profit organisations decided to pool their resources to advance environmental philanthropy.  As support for the environment continued to grow so did Earth Share.  Today they represent 65 WA organisations and have formed worthwhile relationships with the businesses and employees.  As clean energy, green building and environmental conservation goes mainstream, Earth Share of Washington is on the front line connecting businesses and donors with the most efficient and trusted organisations.  Visit their website for more details – www.esw.org.

Other interesting websites to view include www.wecprotects.org and www.nweiseattle.org.

Eco Friendly Franche-Comte – Where You Can See The Wood From The Trees
Nestled between Burgundy and the Swiss border, Franche-Comté is known as the French region with the most forest making it an ideal destination for environmentally conscious travellers. With only one easy train change at Lille Europe station, visitors can try out the region’s green offerings just hours after leaving the UK.

Visitors travelling to Franche-Comté can sleep in style whilst remaining green at the Fontaine des Oiseaux – an 18th century bed and breakfast with eco-friendly fittings just half an hour away from Besançon. The paint used in the rooms is based on natural pigments, the insulation made out of environmentally friendly material, even electricity cables are reinforced to minimise the effects of electro-magnetic waves. Organic produce is also available at breakfast including owner Joël Rième’s homemade honey.

“Maison at Home” is another stylish yet eco-friendly base for holidaymakers in the Jura Mountains. Situated in a contemporary building, the B&B features four individually decorated rooms fitted with creature comforts such as Jacuzzis in two of the rooms. Green credentials include solar heating system, recycled rainwater and the use of local materials like Jura stones for the bathrooms. More at www.maison-athome.com

hose wishing to leave the car behind on holiday in Franche-Comté will be spoilt for choice as options to discover the area on foot, on skis, on horseback or by bike are plentiful. Walking with a donkey in the Jura Mountains is a favourite with families, and these sturdy walkers are ideal travelling companions for children.

A trip to the Maison de l’Environnement on the banks of the Malsaucy lake is another pleasant yet educational day out for the whole family. The Maison de l’Environnement aims to educate visitors on the impact of human waste with exhibitions and events. “Nos Poubelle Années”, the current exhibition available until mid-December, uses waste to create a fairground setting with the goal of raising awareness about this particular issue.

A spot of gastro-shopping before stepping back on the train is a must and gourmands can take their pick from a large offering of organic shops. For crusty organic French bread, visitors can head to the Bourdier Farm in Lavans-Vuillafans whilst the Fuitière of Chapelle des Bois has been providing organic Comté cheese since 1976.

With eco-friendly accommodation, transportation and activities, Franche-Comté is the ideal destination for all those wishing to remain green on holidays. Visit www.franche-comte.org

The OECD have published an interesting report (Climate Change in the European Alps: Adapting Winter Tourism and Natural Hazards Management) which in part focuses on the impact which climate change could have on tourism in the Alps.

We understand that a sustainable tourism development plan, costing at least £1.5 billion, has been put forward in Libya to preserve the country’s rich archeological heritage and create a leading environmental destination.

The ethos is on sustainable development and the Green Mountain Sustainable Development Area could incorporate a national park and eco-hotels.  The development will also help to open up the rich archeological heritage to tourists. UNESCO and the UN Environment Programme are partners in the project.

The proposed indoor snow centre at Dubailand is aiming to be a ‘carbon neutral’ leisure experience.  Energy will be generated via solar panels on the roof…

National Public Radio reports that Swiss tourist destinations are beginning to heavily promote summer hiking and mountain biking as glaciers are retreating which is having an impact on the ski season.  This is helping to diversify the tourism product to provide ‘year round’ activities.