Five ways you can help save the planet

English: A colour version of previous map, ranking countries by carbon dioxide emissions in thousands of metric tonnes per annum, based on List of countries by carbon dioxide emissions as of March 2006. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Five ways you can help save the planet

Harmful emissions are constantly threatening the state of our planet and saving the environment is everybody's responsibility. Many people choose not to act because they feel that their efforts are unlikely to make a difference, yet there are many ways that you can reduce your harmful impacts on the environment. The top 5 ways that you can help save the planet are listed below.

1 – Water usage: Water is a valuable resource and supplying your household with water consumes a great amount of energy, therefore it is important to be careful with your water consumption. Transporting and treating water uses a great amount of energy, whilst one fifth of household carbon emissions come from heating water for baths, showers and washing up and this is why it is important that we are not wasteful in our water consumption. However on average each person in the UK uses 150 litres of water each day and this could be greatly reduced in a few simple steps. Firstly taking a short shower instead of a bath could save up to 10 litres of water per minute, secondly turning off the tap when brushing your teeth can help reduce water consumption as can placing bottles of water in the fridge instead of waiting for the tap to run cold. A comprehensive list of ways to reduce water consumption is provided by the government and can be found here.

2 – Transport: Transport accounts for around 25% of global carbon dioxide emissions and world energy consumption and therefore reducing our reliance on harmful modes of transport should be a priority. Cars are by far the most convenient but they are also the most harmful for the environment, therefore trains and buses are much greener forms of travel. However the most environmentally friendly ways to travel are on foot or by bike as they produce no carbon dioxide emissions, not to mention the fact that they can help improve fitness and save money.

3 – Recycling: One of the most effective ways that you can help the environment is through recycling, as this means that your waste and unwanted goods are re-used as opposed to being sent to landfill sites. The key reason that recycling is helpful for the environment is that it means that less energy and natural resources are used, this is because parts of your unwanted items can be used in the development of new products. So next time that you conduct a house clearance, take your unwanted items to be recycled as opposed to taking them to the dump.

4 – Modify your home: Another way to reduce harmful impacts on the environment is to modify your home to become more environmentally friendly. This can be done on either a small or large scale, one of the most effective and expensive ideas is to install solar panels in the home in order to reduce your reliance on electricity. But you can also make simple changes that can be extremely effective, these include ensuring that your insulation is effective in retaining heat and installing a water saving toilet.

5 – Electricity usage: Reducing your electricity usage will not only help save the planet, it will also lower your energy bills. The biggest problem in most households is that residents fail to switch off lights and unplug appliances when they are not in use, which increases your energy usage. A common rule for appliances is that if you won't be using it for another 36 hours then it should be unplugged. Other ways to lower your electricity consumption include washing your clothes at a lower temperature and switching to energy saving light bulbs.

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Ecotourism 101 - What is Ecotourism

Ecotourism 101

In a day where the idea of recycling and reducing one’s carbon footprint is on the rise, traveling can seem like an unnecessary luxury. One that will only create costs in more than just monetary form. Pollution will take place during the actual traveling process, fast food wrappers will be disposed of, fuels will be used, etc. But rather than looking at traveling from the “green is king” point of view, try approaching your travel ventures with the “greener is better” mindset.

Common Sense

It can be easy to get down on oneself for unnecessarily driving a few blocks or tossing soda cans when a recycling bin cannot be found. However, it is also important to look at life from the big picture. For the most part, doing your best to help out Mother Nature is all you can do. There is no use fretting about a single tossed can or adding to pollution when it’s raining. Instead, focus on all of the good things you are doing for the environment.

This comes into play while traveling as well. Just because getting to a new destination may cause some pollution, doesn’t mean you can’t take the time to enjoy traveling. You still need to eat, shower, use the restroom – these things will just be done in an alternate location. You may be using water during the vacation, but you’re saving it at home.

That being said, there are plenty of vacations that allow you to enjoy nature without contributing to excess waste or pollution.

What is Ecotourism?

Ecotourism is being a tourist on a carbon budget, or, more specifically, traveling responsibly to natural areas and helping conserve the environment.

According to the International Ecotourism Society, those practicing ecotourism should:

• minimize impact
• build environmental and cultural awareness and respect
• provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts
• provide direct financial benefits for conservation
• provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people
• raise sensitivity to host countries’ political, environmental, and social climate

Examples of Ecotourism

One of the most well-known examples of ecotourism is that of Madagascar. Because it is a biodiversity hotspot, the country offers the opportunity to see rare plants and animals. In fact, 80 percent of its animals and 90 percent of its plants grow only on the island. In cooperation with ecotourists, the country allows them to travel to their land to view rare sights, while the country benefits financially. Much of the profits from the low-impact traveling goes to preventing poverty throughout Madagascar. A win-win situation that provides few negative effects of the environment.

Central and South America have steady supplies of ecotourists, as well as Indonesia – all of which profit financially by teaching others about their cultures and ancient structures.

Ecotourism is a great way to gain a culturally rich experience while providing economic help to others. To find out more about ecotourism, explore TambopataEcoTours.com  travel tabs, or contact us above.

Guest post written by Bethaney Wallace, a travel blogger for AnyCabs.co.uk. 

Related articles

• What the Heck is Ecotourism? (typing4trees.wordpress.com)
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Fishing in the Peruvian Amazon

While most fishing in the Tambopata National Reserve is illegal due to conservation concerns, Casa Hospedaje El Gato is a privately-owned property adjacent to the reserve offering sustainable fishing in their local creek.  This lodge, located about 5-hours by boat from Puerto Maldonado is an ideal location to fish for a variety of species while getting an introduction to the incredible flora and fauna in the area.

• The Owners: Don Adrian Ramirez settled on his property in the 1980’s with his family.  While he was aware of the resources the land and creek had to offer for agriculture and fishing, tourism had not yet become popular in Puerto Maldonado.  For years the family lived sustainably as they developed their farm and trails throughout the property.  In the 1990’s the Peruvian Amazon began to see a significant increase in tourism in the area and the family began to welcome guests to the property.  Eventually, Don Ramirez passes the property on to his sons Victor and Eduardo and in 1997, Casa Hospedaje El Gato was officially opened to tourism.  Today Don Ramirez’s two sons guide fishing tours and manage the property with the support of their mother and other family members for preparing meals and making guests comfortable.  
• What types of fish can I catch? Visitors have the option of releasing their catch or bringing it back to camp and having it prepared for dinner.  Among many species of fish that can be found in El Gato, here are some of the more common:
  • Piranhas
  • Doncellas
  • Catfish
  • Sardines
  • Huansacos
• What is the lodging like? Lodging at El Gato consists of 6 basic cabins (a total of 18 beds) with shared bathrooms.  The main lodge serves as a dining room and meeting area.  From here there is a view of the small waterfall along the Quebrada El Gato.  Travelers can also enjoy this view while relaxing in a nearby hammock.  All buildings at El Gato are constructed using local materials and techniques.
• What else can I do while I’m there?
  • Guided jungle walks offering the opportunity to see a variety of fauna such as monkeys, peccaries and many birds species.
  • Guided night walks through the forest to see some of the nocturnal species or along the water to hunt for Caiman with flashlights.
  • A visit to the family farm where guests will be able to try local fruits such as Papaya or Copuazu fresh from the plants.
  • Down time at the camp can be spent listening to the stories of the Ramirezs’ who are native to the area.  Ask them about their ancestors or how the area has changed since they first arrived.  They will have a wealth of stories to share with you.

 

Native Families in the Peruvian Amazon invite tourists for homestays

The Native Community of Infierno, comprised mainly of people from the Ese’eja tribe, sits adjacent to the Tambopata river only minutes from the city of Puerto Maldonado, Peru.  In 1996 the community signed a contract with Peruvian ecotourism company Rainforest Expeditions to build the Posada Amazonas lodge on their property.  When the 20-year contract was signed it was agreed upon that Rainforest Expeditions would train members from the community in ownership and operation of the lodge while both parties benefited financially.  At the end of the twenty years ownership and management of the lodge will be turned over completely to the community of Infierno.  The collaboration has received many awards for setting the standard of ecotourism in its purest form.  

 
Through this contract, the people of Infierno, who once made their living off destructive practices such as slash-and-burn farming or logging, are now familiar with all aspects of the tourism industry from guiding and food preparation to operations and marketing. Eventually, several families from Infierno learned that tourists had an interest in learning more about their native culture and traditions.  For this reason they developed their land, made their accommodations suitable for international tourists and opened their households up to homestays.  With deforestation of the Amazon wreaking havoc on many of the local flora and fauna species, the goal is to give value to the forest in a sustainable way.  Through tourism, this is possible.  

Saona: Saona is owned by the Durand family, comprised of twelve siblings with extensive experience in both agriculture and tourism.  Many of the siblings are bilingual (English and Spanish) and have been involved in some way or another in eco-tourism through the initiative with Rainforest Expeditions.  Their land is located approximately two hours by boat from Puerto Maldonado and consists of extensive farms with a plethora of local fruits and vegetables such as bananas, various citrus fruits, papaya, yucca, and corn.  

While staying with the Durands guests learn about indigenous Peruvian culture, have an opportunity to try local foods and are able to experience the jungle guided by those who were born and raised there.  There property has both a parrot and mammal claylick where animal species such as Macaws or Peccaries can sometimes be found eating clay.  The Durands offer tours of their extensive farms, allowing guests to sample many of the local fruits fresh from the tree.

The Durands are eager to welcome guests into their home to share in their customs and show others the value of this incredible forest.  As Rolando Durand says, “The aim is to preserve the area and protect wildlife.”

Majosejue: The Mishajas are Ese’eja descendants who have also worked in tourism for many years.  The father Don Jose Mishaja is a Shaman (natural healer) from the Native Community of Infierno.  Two of his sons are naturalist guides in the area and are experienced in meeting the needs of international tourists.  

Guests visiting Majosehue are taken on a tour through the Mishajas’ ethnobotanical garden to learn about the various plants the shaman uses for healing.  As their land is located along the border of the Tambopata National Reserve it offers close access to pristine forest.  A 90-minute guided hike takes guests to a nearby oxbow lake which is home to a family of Giant Otters.  Guests can paddle around the lake, fish for Piranhas and look for many of the bird species that inhabit the area.  

Centro Etnobotanico Ñape: This center, located along the Tambopata River, within the Native Community of Infierno was opened in 1986 with the goal of providing natural medicine to locals from the community.  In 2001, the center saw that tourists also had interest in the healing powers of rainforest plants and began to open its doors to international guests.

Operated by the shaman Don Horonato, the center recently completed construction of rustic cabins.  The shaman teaches guests the significance and use of many plants and offers the opportunity to prepare the medicines themselves. Visitors leave with a deep appreciation for the natural healing powers of the forest.

After a stay at one of these initiatives, tourists feel they have gained an understanding of not only the incredible flora and fauna in the rainforest but also the people who call it home.  For more information about Saona, Majosehue or Nape, please visit www.tambopataecotours.com.

What is Leishmaniasis? Your questions answered.

While very few travelers to Peru actually contract Leishmaniasis it is an important condition to be aware of in order to take proper preventive measures against it.  Here is the basic information about Leishmaniasis.  For more detailed facts, figures, and epidemiology,  visit the website for Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

• What IS Leishmaniasis?  It is a disease caused by the bite of a female sandfly carrying the parasite.  While there are two type of Leishmaniasis (visceral and cutaneous) we’ll just talk about cutaneous Leishmaniasis as it is the most common form of the disease.
• Symptoms of Leishmaniasis:
  • The most common symptom is a painless skin ulcer in the location where the bite occurred.
  • Less common symptoms may include: difficulty breathing, stuffy or runny nose, difficulty swallowing, or sores near mucous membranes.

• Treating Leishmaniasis: With the proper diagnosis and medication cure rates are high.  The sooner the parasite is discovered the sooner it can be treated and cured.  The disease can be identified by a doctor taking a small sample from the ulcer to look for the parasite.  Once diagnosed the condition can be treated with either tablets or injections, and occasionally it heals on its own.
• Preventing Leishmaniasis: The best way to prevent this disease is by preventing sand fly bites particularly during the hours of dawn and dusk when they are most active.
  • Minimize your skin exposure by wearing long-sleeved tightly-woven, light weight clothing during your time in the rainforest.  
  • Tuck in your shirt and pull your socks over the hem of your pants.
  • Use insect repellent containing Deet, carefully following the instructions on the container.  
  • Sleep under mosquito netting tucked tightly underneath your mattress.  

Three Great Ways to Spend a Day in Puerto Maldonado

What is the best way to spend a day in Tambopata?  Here are a few budget ideas that wont break the bank.  For $60 US each of these day-long activities includes transportation from Puerto Maldonado, snacks, lunch and local guides who known the rainforest better than anybody since they grew up there and call it their home.  Whether you're interested in adventure activities, local flora, or a day on the water there is an activity that caters to you.

Go on an Adventure!  Go to the Tambopata Adventure Center and try Sea Kayaking, Stand-Up Paddling and Mountain biking.  All equipment is included along with local guides who have extensive knowledge of wildnerness adventure safety.  For lunch, guests are taken to the rural botafogo estate where they will have the opportunity to chose from a variety of local fares. 

Visit the Puerto Maldonado private reserve.  This pristine forest is home to tress that are over 500 years old and more than 40 species of birds.  Tambopata is often referred to as the 'Capital of Biodiversity' due to its wide variety of fauna and flora species.  Guided by local people who call the rainforest their home, you can walk along well-maintained trails and see many of the varieties offlowers that grow in the forest.  Guests also have the opportunity to learn about the traditional medicinal uses of rainforest plants.

Spend your day on a Lake.  Sandoval Lake is one of the largest oxbow lakes in the area.  It is home to a family of the nearly extinct giant lake otters along with turtles, monkeys and more than 1,600 species of birds.  Spend the day navigating this lake on a catermeran with a local guide who can help you to spot and identify various wildlife species.

For more information or to book you adventure go to www.tambopataecotours.com

Antimalarial drugs for travel to the Peruvian Amazon

Should I take antimalarial drugs for travel to the Peruvian Amazon?  This is the most common question travelers ask when planning their travel to Peru.  Malaria is a serious disease which humans can contract by being bitten by an infected Mosquito.  Malaria is present in some places in Tambopata and Iquitos, however it is extremely rare. While the majority of locals, tourism staff and guides do not to take the vaccine, many travelers prefer to play it safe and opt for one of the following anti-malarial drugs recommended by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  Atovaquone-proguanil, Doxycycline, or Mefloquine.  

If you decide to take anti-malarial medication during your travel in Peru:

• Speak with your health care provider and see ‘Choosing a drug to prevent Malaria’ in order to make the decision that is best for you.  
• Make sure to see a physician 4-6 weeks prior to travel as all antimalarial drugs need to be taken prior to travel.  
• Purchase your antimalarial drugs prior to travel as drugs you find in Peru may not be manufactured according to United States or European standards.
• Do not take the drug Halofantrine (marketed as Halfan).  While it is used by many people overseas, it has life-threatening heart-related side effects.  

Other Preventative Measures:

• Minimize mosquito bites is by wearing tight-weave, long sleeve cotton clothing and insect repellent on exposed areas of skin.
• Sleep in well-screen rooms or using a mosquito net.

*For more in-depth information regarding Malaria and Peru, visit the CDC website:
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/peru.htm