Vacation Islands Push For Better Environment

Local authorities in some of the world's top holiday locations are beginning to take matters of environmental protection into their own hands.

Both local government and nonprofit organizations are banding together in the fight against pollution. Efforts to sustain tourism to favorite destinations without harmful effects to the local environment, as well as culture and social interactions, are the main focus for the most recent campaigns.

Majorca Promotes Environmental Protection and Tourism

In order to maintain sustainable tourism in the Balearic Islands, Majorca is promoting a campaign that promotes environmental protection. Environment friendly tourism in heavily travelled areas is important for the overall atmosphere of tourist areas.

Island tourist locations tend to take more abuse from tourism than most other areas. The new campaign, developed by Palma's Tourism Institute, IMTUR, is called "Palma, Responsible Tourism." The World Tourism Organization also supports the initiative. The primary goal is to encourage tourists to be more environmentally responsible in Palma.

A few of the programme's objectives are:

* Educate tourists and residents on water consumption.

* Promote Palma and Majorca as a prime tourism destination that places emphasis on protecting the environment and the Mediterranean.

* Encourage environmentally safe tourism once tourists arrive.

* Decrease carbon levels and air pollution from vehicles.

* Increase energy awareness and introduce energy conservation practices.

This was not a comprehensive list, only examples of what tourists can expect from the "Palma, Responsible Tourism" campaign. The programme includes incentives, activities, competitions and a cycling event available to all interested tourists. Palma Town Hall will donate 1 euro to the campaign for every tourist that takes part in activities related to the campaign while they have their holidays in Majorca

Other Environment Friendly Vacation Locations

Palma's campaign may be new to the Balearic Islands, but the general idea is not new to other tourist destinations around the world. Whether it is referred to as "environment friendly tourism" or "ecotourism," the end result is the same. The general idea is to introduce tourists to recycling and other activities that will help sustain tourism in their favorite destinations. In protecting their favourite holiday areas, tourists also help to protect neighbouring rivers, streams, wildlife and communities from potential harm caused by pollution.

Similar campaigns already exist in the Caribbean. One development firm was quoted as saying sustainability is "finding the right balance between the need for development and the need for environmental protection." Overdevelopment of a destination can lead to a drastic downfall of the quality of vacations available to tourists. Locally owned shops and fisheries on the Caribbean Islands have joined the efforts to help combat the negative effects of mass tourism.

Resorts and hotels on Malta promote environment friendly tourism by setting a high standard for their guests and employees. Water and energy conservation are very high on the list, as are reuse and recycling. Employees and guests are urged to turn off lights in rooms that aren't being used and to ensure water has been used conservatively and turned off when not in use. Recycling bins are placed in hotel rooms, and guests are encouraged to use only environment friendly, recyclable containers.

Environment Friendly Hotels and Resorts

Each passing year sees more hotels and resorts join the fight against pollution. Environmental agencies have begun offering initiatives and awards to hotels and resorts that go the extra mile to protect the environment. The very environment they seek to protect is the one that draws more tourists to their location year after year.

With the ski season just around the corner, it's worth noting that several U.S. ski resorts have earned awards from environmental protection agencies recognizing the work they put into protecting the environment and local forests. Their efforts include using environment friendly cleaning products and recyclable take-out boxes, cups and flatware, as well as encouraging reuse of linens and towels and composting kitchen scraps with wood chips for use in landscaping

Global Warming is No Storm in a Teacup for UK Homeowners

It's probably fair to say that global warming is one of the most debated topics of the 21st century. And, whilst most people would probably agree that global warming is indeed happening, much of the debate has centred on whether humans are to blame, or whether it's simply nature running its course.

But at any rate, many scientists believe that the effects of global warming are being witnessed already with numerous extreme weather events happening around the globe which have resulted in droughts, floods and subsequently, a higher incidence of disease in many of the world's poorer countries.

Moreover, whilst the UK may be synonymous with rain for many people, it traditionally has never experienced extreme weather events such as hurricanes and cyclones. But, the floods that swept many parts of the UK throughout the summers of 2007 and 2008 may be a hint at what's to come if climate change predictions are anything to go by.

However, even though many homes were completely destroyed by the UK floods, research has shown that more than a third of all UK homes remain uninsured, with as much as £214 billion of property directly at risk to future flooding. Indeed, 2008 has been a particularly turbulent year for storms in general, with hurricanes Ike and Gustav in particular causing substantial damage throughout the USA and Caribbean, with the effects of them being felt as far away as the UK.

Of course, the weather is one thing that humans have no control over and the widespread destruction it can cause from time to time is simply a part of life. But, that doesn't mean to say that measures can't be put in place to help minimise the long-term effect an extreme weather event could have on people's lives.

This desire to address the issue of global warming and climate change has led to the formation of Climate Wise, which is essentially a group of leading organisations from within the insurance industry that conduct research and analysis on the potential risks of climate change. And, its main aim is to ultimately, reduce the risks global warming poses to the UK.

But in terms of taking immediate action to reduce the risks that storms and floods pose, the simplest solution may be to ensure adequate home insurance is in place. This not only covers the structure of the house, but also all of the contents too.

And, for those who already have insurance in place, then it's certainly worth requesting a new UK home insurance quote. Furthermore, it will certainly pay to scrutinize the small print, because it's possible that the contents of the home have increased in value since the original policy was taken out, thus meaning they are now 'under-valued'.

So, whether it's down to human activity or simply part of nature's climate cycle, it certainly seems that global warming is more than a storm in a teacup for homeowners across the globe, which is why it's wise to ensure adequate home insurance is in place. Clearly, by spending a little money now, it could save a lot of money should the worst happen.