The Great Barrier Reef: Eco-tourism with a Mission

On a recent trip, I had the great privilege to go to Australia, where I stayed on the eco-conscious and luxurious Heron Island. Located 72km off the coast of the Australian mainland, Heron Island is surrounded by part of the Great Barrier Reef. Virtually untouched by society, the only human presence on this small island is from a resort and a research center. At Heron Island, they take a different approach to providing an enjoyable experience for their guests than many modern resorts. While rooms are chic and the food is gourmet, there is a low-tech approach to most of life on Heron Island. The activities available beyond exploring nature include board games, ping-pong, and tennis. The only televisions are located in the bar and while two computers with internet access and two pay phones are provided, the lack of wi-fi and cellular receptions means almost no one is “plugged-in.” This lack of electric-powered devices allows the solar panels placed on the roofs of many buildings to provide much of the power needed to run the island. Additionally, minimal light pollution means spectacular views of the stars. Heron Island is a World Heritage Listed area, meaning that both the island and the island-life are protected. At Heron Island, eco-tourism efforts are in full swing with both the activities available and what the island itself has to offer. Lessons on how to interact with nature are mandatory and that helps to keep the massive bird, fish, coral, turtle, and even whale population healthy and happy. The organization Ecotourism Australia even awarded the resort with Advanced Eco-Certification. While both dive and snorkel boats are available daily for a cost, I found that the most enjoyable activities were free. Hosted by the naturalists on the island, there are bird walks which draw attention to the great diversity of bird-life, as well as reef walks on which you can experience the Great Barrier Reef in an up-close and exciting way. With thousands of birds and hundreds of different types of coral, not to mention the diversity of fish and sea cucumbers, an enjoyment of nature is hard to avoid on Heron Island. While eco-tourism exists all over the world, it is not just green-washing in Australia. While very similar to the United States in many attitudes and lifestyles, the Australian way of life is inherently different. The country is an island, with the vast majority of population residing on the coasts. For Australia, global warming is an incredibly real and serious threat. Beyond the threat of ocean level rise for the mainland, due to the rise of ocean temperatures with global warming, the coral reef is also threatened. According to the World Wildlife Fund, climate change has already adversely affected the reef. A recent report from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority predicts that if the carbon dioxide levels reach the predicted 450 parts per million by 2035, that would mean extreme bleaching of coral which would diminish that ability of the reef to make new coral. Some predict that by 2050, the reef would be completely dead. This unfortunate problem is part of the reason why Australia is fighting hard against climate change and their eco-tourism efforts are a great example of this commitment. Heron Island is a wonderful place with an amazing amount of nature to experience. For more information on booking and activities, check out the Heron Island website. As different seasons mean different animals are active, the Heron Island bio calendar will help you to discover when your favorite animals are around. Image Credit: Heron Island

Brimfield Antique Mart Comes Around Again

Buying antiques is one of the best ways to give the planet a longer shelf life.  From the obvious furniture to pottery, china, and silver with long bloodlines, outfitting your home with things from the past is always an investment in the future.   

The most famous  -- and perhaps largest and oldest -- outdoor antique sale in the United States is the Brimfield Show, a week long extravaganza that takes over a quaint town in central Massachusetts for one week in May, July, and September every year.  The May event, which starts on the 17th, is arguably the best time of year to really make it a fun, sustainable trip while you find new Bakelite jewelry, architectural elements (because every house needs a stained glass window and a decorative arch), and more.    May is beautiful in Massachusetts and while you are bargaining side by side with men in t-shirts that read "I collect old coins" or dealers looking to stock their shops for the winter, you can rest assured knowing that more parts of your visit are geared towards re-use and recycling.  

Although the mile-long stretch of antique dealers runs all week, sections are divided into various "fields" that open on different days, providing new items and excitement each time you go.  You may start out interested in folk art but end up coming home with depression glass, wrought iron plant stands, and vintage toys.

Coming into Brimfield from the airport in Hartford, consider using the show's number one service, PickupPal.com a car pool service that reduces the number of cars coming to the area and tracks the savings in tons of Co2 not entered into the atmosphere.  There are many typical New England bed and breakfasts between Connecticut and Massachusetts, all less than half an hour to the show site.  One of the best, a little farther away but worth the drive, is Delta Organic Farm B&B, which boasts local sustainable meals (mostly harvested right on the premises) and a certified allergy-free environment. 

Although there are many food vendors at the site, with some vegetarian and locally sourced options, if you fly into Hartford, before you head east, consider stopping at  Alchemy, which features excellent vegan, vegetarian, and raw foods as well as smoothies: a great option is packing a lunch of their delicious vegan wraps.

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aerial image of opening day at May's Field

previous image from Old Good Things, selling architectural finds at Brimfield.

Eco-Getaway: Warm, Breezy, Solar-Powered Melody Key

Cold weather is settling in across most of the nation but the Florida Keys are still warm and sunny - creating the ideal setting for a winter escape.  If you're searching for the perfect eco-getaway for the holidays, check out tranquil and luxurious Melody Key - your own private eco-island.

  

Tropical seclusion, just off the Florida coast, Melody Key offers everything you need for the perfect island getaway.  The 3-level, 3500 square foot home features state-of-the-art amenities and an additional 1500 square feet of covered and screened patio space.  The entire island is off-the-grid, powered by the sun, with a desalination system to provide fresh water.

Three spacious bedrooms, each with a private bath, are decorated with sustainable teak furnishings.  The 2 guest rooms share a balcony overlooking the sparkling sea, while the master suite boasts  a private veranda, king size bed, and a relaxing whirlpool tub.  The eco-island home also includes a gourmet kitchen, laundry room, and an amazing rooftop deck with breathtaking views of the surrounding ocean.  Satellite television, hi-def flat screens, wireless internet, and a magnificent wet bar ensure all the comforts of home.

Outside, take a dip in the sparkling pool or relax in the secluded jacuzzi.  An outdoor bamboo shower is the perfect place to rinse off after playing in the waves or you could soak in the island beauty from the oversized hammock for 2.  A large grill and gorgeous fire pit make Melody Key feel like home - inside and out.

Planning an eco-island getaway at Melody Key is simple.  The concierge service can arrange for limo transportation to Summerland Key where a private boat will take you to your hideaway.  Grocery shopping and stocking, maid services, massage sessions, and private chefs can also be arranged.  A minimum stay of at least 4 nights is required and rates are $1400 per night or $8,000 per week, including full use of the entire island.  Melody Key is also the perfect destination for an eco-friendly island wedding.

If you're interested in calling Melody Key home, the 5.5 acre island is for sale for $4.9 million, including furnishings, 2 boats, and the Summerland Key parking area.  The private eco-island is currently owned by Nick Hexum, lead singer of rock band 311.