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How meat lovers can reduce their food footprint

by Laetitia Mailhes To eat meat or not to eat meat, that is the question. I find there are many layers to deciding whether to eat meat, what meat to eat and how often. Health, environmental, and social justice considerations all come to mind. They leave a lot of us confused. In some cases, we collapse them into a dogmatic approach that keeps us separate from what actually works best for us. Here is the map of the land as I’ve drawn it while searching for my own path: HEALTH     * pros Meat is the most naturally occurring, well balanced and easily obtained package of proteins, essential acids and source of iron and Vitamin B12 that you can find.     * cons Many scientific studies have demonstrated that meat is linked to the main health issues that plague our Western society (cancer, diabetes, heart diseases, strokes, etc.). Not only is it acid forming in the body, but it taxes the digestive system. The latter is poorly designed to eliminate meat in a timel

Asia Pacific’s first PADI Green Star Award awarded to Matava

We’re pleased to announce that Matava – Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort has received the first PADI Green Star award in the Asia Pacific region in November 2011 for our sustainable and eco-conscious environmental activities and business practices. The program helps PADI Dive Centers and Resorts identify practical actions they can take to protect and preserve the environment. Because they choose which conservation actions they would like to implement, PADI Dive Centers and Resorts can completely customize the program for their businesses. “There’s more to going green than simply jumping on the eco bandwagon,” says Bob Coleman, Vice President of Sales, Retailer and Resort Association, PADI Americas, Latin America and Canada. “Well-organized conservation initiatives can reduce costs while strengthening your brand, especially when you strategically introduce them into your overall business plan. Earning the PADI Green Star Award shows customers that you care about the environment and

Take a Friend to Fiji for 50% off Matava package: 2nd Person Half Price on Land and Air! | Matava - Fijis Premier Eco Adventure Resort

Matava Summer Special 2nd Person 50% off Escape to Fiji to Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort and the Second Person stays Half Price ! Valid for travel between 1st December 2011 – 29th February 2012 Details: valid for double / twin share ANY Matava Dive, Romance or Adventure Package 5 nights stay or longer All meals and airport transfers included Complimentary Snorkelling on Critter Junction Waterfall hike and village afternoon Lovo feast and kava ceremony Additions: Extra night – 2nd person half price (based on double occupancy) Extra days diving – 2nd person half price Single Supplement – Waived Based on published package and add on rates Excludes gamefishing and kayaking packages Travel through 29th February 2011 subject to availability Blackout period: travel Between 23rd December 2011 and 29th December 2011 excluded Air Pacific Special Take a Friend to Fiji for Half Price Air special. Discover the wonders of Matava in Fiji and save money on the second person. For a

FOUR PILLARS OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

FOUR PILLARS OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM 1. REDUCE... By far the biggest impact we can have on global warming is to reduce our consumption. There are dozens of ways which have significant impact without really affecting our lifestyles. These include everything from switching off unneeded lights to car-pooling. 2. REUSE... We can cut down considerably on waste if we use things more than once. Especially packaging and containers – we must do away with single-servings and introduce reusable containers. Additionally, many items we throw away could be given away or resold, to reduce the reliance of others on new goods. 3. RECYCLE... Most of the waste products we pay others to take away could be turned into energy or money. Even rotting garbage gives off methane which could be used to power our cars. In addition, separating your rubbish provides the means for others to recycle (one man’s trash is another man’s treasure). 4. REPLACE... At present, we’re stripping resources from the world. Everythi

How meat lovers can reduce their food footprint

by Laetitia Mailhes To eat meat or not to eat meat, that is the question. I find there are many layers to deciding whether to eat meat, what meat to eat and how often. Health, environmental, and social justice considerations all come to mind. They leave a lot of us confused. In some cases, we collapse them into a dogmatic approach that keeps us separate from what actually works best for us. Here is the map of the land as I’ve drawn it while searching for my own path: HEALTH     * pros Meat is the most naturally occurring, well balanced and easily obtained package of proteins, essential acids and source of iron and Vitamin B12 that you can find.     * cons Many scientific studies have demonstrated that meat is linked to the main health issues that plague our Western society (cancer, diabetes, heart diseases, strokes, etc.). Not only is it acid forming in the body, but it taxes the digestive system. The latter is poorly designed to eliminate meat in a timely

Fiji feels like paradise - The Boston Globe

To travel 7,500 miles for a five-star, air-conditioned villa on the beach would have been to miss the heart of Fiji. That was not what I had in mind as I traveled with a 50-pound suitcase of medical supplies from the East Coast to Fiji’s Nadi International Airport and on to Kadavu. Paradise on land, sea Rising from the sea in a wall of densely forested mountains, Kadavu, the fourth largest of Fiji’s 333 islands, is surrounded by Great Astrolabe, the world’s fourth largest barrier reef. Eight years ago, after sailing through Fiji’s Yasawa archipelago, I came here on a whim and ended up pledging to provide medical supplies for one of the villages. Now I was returning to fulfill that promise and explore the closest place to paradise I had ever been. Kadavu’s seduction is twofold: the seclusion of an almost uninhabited island and a cult

Green Your Pet Care

For those who are working toward *getting green*, solutions often boil down to "moderation".  One pet per person in your household is ideal.  That way the person doesn't become overwhelmed by having to care for too many animals, and the pet is living in a healthier, more caring environment. As pet-owners, we love everything about our pets. Well, *almost* everything. There is the issue of what to do with their poop! There are now several biodegradable kitty litters available made from corn/wheat/pine flakes or recycled paper. The clumping varieties clump just as well as clay and are better for the environment. For dogs, whether you're walking him in public areas, or just letting him "do his business" in your yard, it is highly recommended to pick up the poop and dispose of it properly. There are several environment-friendly ways of disposing of your pet's waste products: 1. Put it in the Garbage     This is the *preferred* method in most area

Guide to a Green Nursery

When it comes to your infant, greener is safer. With so many chemicals in baby products, the best defense is a good offense. That means buying the right green choices from the start. To reduce exposure to potential toxins, remember that your baby is exposed to two environments that need protection: the immediate indoor environment and the world at large. To get this done there are 2 strategies to follow 1.     reduce indoor toxins by choosing non-toxic products 2.     reduce global toxins and waste by buying less and buying used KEEP IN MIND : Adult immune systems are able to fight off and eliminate certain toxins, but infants are still developing and especially sensitive. This is why it is important to check for hidden toxins. Follow this check list to have a safer, greener nursery! 1. Greener Paint     Choose a natural pain that is milk, soy, or plant based. These paints are labeled “Zero VOC” which means they have no volatile organic compounds.     No Lea