Feb, 2022

The Best Eco-Friendly Humidifiers

Do you suffer from nasal congestion, dry skin, or colds every winter? It can happen to anyone! That’s why we like to start the season off well by investing in a dependable humidifier. Humidifiers keep us warm and hydrated by adding just the right amount of moisture to the air.

While Vicks and Dyson’s humidifiers are popular, they aren’t necessarily the most environmentally friendly since they sometimes require plastic filters or a lot of power. Instead, these are the finest humidifiers for an environmentally conscious house that use energy-saving technology, paper filters (or none at all! ), and automated controls. Many are dual-purpose air purifiers and humidifiers and humidifiers and diffusers—perfect for the winter!

Check out these eco-friendly air purifiers if you want two different units. Better still, try these indoor plants that are naturally clean and provide moisture to your home’s air!

1. The Canopy

Excell at purifying and humidifying the air. Paper filters, incorporated UV lamps, sophisticated sensors, replacement filter subscription accessible, USB-C charger are just a few of the features.

Size | 500 sq. Ft. and up

Price: $150.00

Look no further than Canopy for a healthy humidifier for both the air and your health. It cools down rooms up to 500 square feet for up to 36 hours of continuous use while also utilizing anti-mold and UV sensor technology to ensure that the air is as pure as possible.

This air purifier and humidifier combo will aid with dryness and dullness, nasal congestion and cough, and scent diffusion as required. For the most environmentally friendly clean, it exclusively utilizes paper filters.

2. Vornado

Ideal for medium-sized areas. Energy-efficient, with auto-humidity management and water-level sensors, as well as 5- and 10-year warranties.

Size | 750 sq. Ft. feet

Cost | $89.99

We like the energy-efficient humidifier from Vornado, prominent air circulation and humidifier manufacturer. The EVDC3000 humidifier uses 90% less energy than a standard Dyson or Vicks humidifier and can cover up to 750 square feet at once. We like that it includes auto-humidity management, low water indications, and a long guarantee, all for less than $100.

3. Missed Global

Wireless, transportable power bank, two nano-mist adjustable sprays, USB charger, seven-color lights, numerous warranties, and a 30-day trial return policy. Best known for its power & mobility.

Size | Up to 150 sq. ft.

Cost | $85

Missed Stella, one of three models in a series from Global, combines power and mobility for the greatest air care. It’s a 12-hour-running wireless air humidifier that’s ideal for the office, bedroom, or even the vehicle for road trips. Are you looking for something that is quick-acting, low-maintenance, and portable? And cleaning it takes less than 30 seconds? Consider us perplexed.

4. Objecto

It can be used without a filter. It is remote-controlled, has an automatic shut-off feature, and has a detachable water tank.

Size | Up to 800 sq. ft.

Cost | $299.99

The Objecto H9 Tower Hybrid Humidifier is one of the few filter-free humidifiers on the market, which means no single-use accessories are required. With a height of three feet, it provides tremendous coverage of up to 800 square feet. Even though it’s an investment, this hybrid humidifier comes with remote control, scent settings, automatic shut-off, and nearly 22 hours of continuous use.

5. Essentique

Made in the USA with earth-friendly materials, essential oil diffuser, automatic shut off

Size | Up to 500 sq. Ft.

Price | $120

If you like humidifiers and diffusers, check out the all-in-one Essentique Casa Aroma Diffuser. It produces 2.5 million ultrasonic vibrations each second, releasing clean, fresh air that is perfumed with your favorite essential oil. It’s as functional as stylish, with multiple color options, an LED light, and a porcelain base. It’s a pleasant approach to obtaining a good night’s sleep because it has an automatic shut-off.

Do you find any of these humidifiers interesting? Let us know in the comments…

May, 2021

Best Ways to Promote Sustainable Tourism

According to the United Nation’s World Tourism Organisation, “sustainable tourism refers to a tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities.”

With this definition in mind, let’s review some of the amazing ways to promote sustainable tourism.

#1. Take Non-Stop Flights

Do you travel a lot by plane? Well, did you know that besides emitting a lot of heat, take-offs and landings cause most of a plane’s carbon emissions?

This is why it is recommended to book a non-stop flight, which will require less amount of fuel and lower the plane’s carbon emissions.

#2. Avoid the Plane Itself

Ok, this is not always possible, but if you can, I would recommend you to avoid the plane and for example, take the train instead. Traveling by train can not only decrease your carbon footprints, but it can also provide you with the unique chance of experiencing a deeper sense of place.

#3. Travel Responsibly to Less-Visited Destinations

There are around 195 countries in the world, with more than 4 billion hectares of forest area and around 9 million waterfalls. Despite all these tourist attractions available, statistics show that 80 % of people tend to visit only 20 % of destinations in the world. Can you believe it?

For instance, in Venice alone, there are more than 30 million tourists per year and these destinations are the ones suffering from over-tourism. Let me give you some more examples:

Great cities like Bruges in Belgium put a stop to its day trips advertising so as to lighten the weekend rush.
On the other hand, Paris, Barcelona, Rome and Amsterdam (with some more European cities) are limiting the number of beds available in licensed hotels in order to decrease over-tourism.

The saddest thing is how these beautiful destinations turn into toxic wastelands due to the effects of over-tourism and overconsumption. But one way to fight against this is to travel to less-visited places in the world. Now, I am not asking you to stop visiting the City of Love or the City of Lights, but I encourage you to opt for some off-the-beaten tracks.

#4. Research the Accommodations

It is evident that you will make a proper planning of your trip (except if you want to break the monotony of preparing everything, take up a crazy challenge and go to an unknown destination). Therefore, it is essential to do your research and choose a hotel that has high environmental standards and which is certified by a third party like Rainforest Alliance or Global Sustainable Tourism Council.

Another way to promote sustainability is by choosing local places to stay.

#5. Support Local Restaurants

Another easy green tip is to spend some time in local restaurants and food joints. Instead of having several meals at luxurious hotels and ordering from food giants, it is better to support small businesses. And, in this way, you will not only support locally-grown and produced ingredients, but you will also meet locals and try their traditional food.

Moreover, I suggest not choosing all-inclusive package holidays as it means that you will have to pay up-front for your accommodation, food and activities and as a result, it will discourage you from going out to local restaurants.

#6. Walk Where Possible

The most basic way of visiting a new place is to walk around and of course, this can also reduce your carbon footprints. What you can do is to ask tour guides for advice on places that are safe to walk through.

Furthermore, by leaving your vehicle behind and waking, you will not disturb animals in the wild (as they are often rattled by heavy sounds like those generated by motor vehicles).

#7. Travel With Reusables

Perhaps, this is the most easiest and simplest way to go green. So, always remember to pack reusable bags, reusable water bottles, metal straws, a travel mug and so on. Trust me, by adopting this habit, you will discourage the use of plastic items that fill up landfills and cause harm to the environment.

Will you adopt these habits when traveling? Please share your comments.

Apr, 2021

The 12 Most Sustainable Tourism Companies in Colombia

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism of Colombia carries out the National Sustainable Tourism Award annually, an event in which tourism companies that have shown commitment to preserving biodiversity are recognized. If you are interested in knowing the dozen of the most sustainable companies in Colombia, keep reading and discover which ones were awarded in each category.

An Award for Ecotourism Purposes and a Motivating Spirit

This award is how the ministry wants to show that it supports the commitment to environmentally responsible tourism. Sustainable tourism practices are based on environmentally friendly procedures, support for the conservation of nature or cultural heritage, and social and economic benefits for local populations. The idea is to reward the best ecotourism projects and motivate other service providers to bet on a kind of tourism that is gaining more and more popularity worldwide.

The Most Sustainable Tourism Companies in Colombia: From Parks to Travel Agencies

Topping the list of the most sustainable tourism companies in Colombia, we find the Arví Park Corporation, which manages Arví Park. This eco-company is responsible for organizing trails, preparing the Arví Markets with local products, the Corasante Artisan Market, the Trueke Festival, and the San Gabriel Agricultural Fair. For its part, the Ecoturismo Estratégico travel agency develops sustainable tourism programs in grassroots communities (indigenous, black, and peasant). Also, it offers community ecotourism in protected areas of Colombia, agro-tourism, and ethnic-tourism in trades and tasks in the Colombian countryside, adventure tourism, and hiking in natural regions, such as mountains, jungles, rivers, deserts, and coasts.

Category “Best in Green Tourism”

In this category, the first-place winner was Ecolodge el Almejal. This company has been working for sustainable tourism for three decades, with a hotel complex built on the four pillars of ecotourism: conservation, sustainability, environmental awareness, and community participation. The ministry has highlighted its “Golfing” project, focused on the ecotourism conservation of sea turtles in Bahía Solano, Chocó. The other winners in this category were Hotel del Llano and Biogourmet.

Category “Best in Actions for the Benefit of Local Communities”

The Yakumo Blanco Community Association, established under the essential keys for sustainable tourism, took first place in this category. The organization offers environmental education services, lodging, gastronomy, leisure activities, and recreation in the Natural Sanctuary of Fauna and Flora Otún Quimbaya. Likewise, The Plantation House Travelers Hostel Salento and Ecoturismo Estratégico were the tourism companies that took second and third place in the category in question.

Category “Best in Actions for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage”

As part of Colombian culture, these category rewards companies that wish to preserve the country’s heritage. JBY Servicios (Mom’s Soups and Grandmother’s Desserts) won first place to promote the rescue of Colombian culinary and gastronomic traditions. Thee Posada Ecocultural «Dermass Inn» Native Lodge and La Sierrita Ecotour obtained the second and third places. All these companies have in common their continued effort for sustainable tourism that is not devouring nature but is integrated into it, respecting and accompanying its processes. More and more tourists and travelers are demanding responsible tourism; Fortunately, Colombia is one of the world’s places with the most significant number of tourism companies and ecological hotels. It is estimated that this South American country receives 250,000 international visits related solely to sustainable tourism. This figure allows us to identify the great importance of responsible tourism for Colombia or Latin America and the entire world.

The concept of tourism in Colombia is still relatively new and has avoided many of the worst forms of mass tourism, from all-inclusive resorts to prize competitions. Since 2007, the number of visitors has almost tripled in the ten years, reaching 3.2 million in 2017. Although Colombia is vast, tourists are relatively concentrated in the same places, so keeping tourism running smoothly and safely will be a challenge in the coming years. The country is incredibly ecologically rich – it is the most biologically rich region in the world after Brazil – and many of its landscapes, from the Andes rainforest to the coastal Chocó rainforest, are fragile and full of rare and endemic species. The Colombian people must also be treated with respect. Tourism companies must ensure that they do not exploit indigenous people for their own ends and that they do not exploit people who have experienced decades of brutal civil war and conflict with rebels.

Powerful Reasons to Practice Sustainable Tourism

Over the past few decades, the tourism sector has grown considerably and has become a sector of great importance for the economy and international trade. The total turnover of international tourism in 2015 was 1.260 billion worldwide, while the number of international travelers this year was 1.186 million. It has also proved to be a stable sector, resistant to crises and other economic phenomena, and has shown uninterrupted growth since 2009.

However, despite the economic benefits that the sector brings, conventional tourism also has several adverse effects, which are significant given the size of the industry: pollution of protected areas, erosion, hotels being overcrowded, displacement of the local population when visitors arrive, etc. In this context, the concept of sustainable tourism is becoming increasingly important.

Through the diversity of relationships associated with tourism, sustainable tourism can act as a catalyst for change globally, promoting local economies in the fight against causes such as hunger, peace, and security. Let’s check out how we can all be responsible travelers!

But What is Sustainable Tourism?

Sustainable tourism is something simple to which every traveler should be committed. In general terms, sustainable tourism is when traveling is an activity with a low impact on the environment and local cultures. But what is defined so simply is not so simple in practice. Achieving sustainable tourism development requires the commitment of all those who are part of the world of travel. Governments, companies, citizens, and localities, and, above all, travelers must do their part to benefit the industry.

At Towards-Sustainability, we believe that it’s the best way to travel around the world, as it is the only way that enriches both the visitor and the destinations so that it benefits the whole world. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has since 2015 as its main task to promote it.

Why Sustainable Tourism?

Practicing sustainable tourism is nothing more than applying to the world of travel what today is a necessity in all aspects of life, sustainability. Our planet’s resources are limited, and the unrestricted use that humanity has made and continues to make of them has us on the brink of a crisis.

Sustainable Tourism and Environment

Global warming, driven mainly by greenhouse gases, will have impacts ranging from rising temperatures to rising sea levels. The United Nations warns that unless the process is stopped, our societies’ future is at risk.

Although more and more efforts are being made, the process is slow, and maintaining lifeways that consciously or unconsciously continue the planet’s depredation keeps us at high risk. Environmental sustainability must apply to everything to avoid this crisis. Traveling is one of the most important economic activities and one of the most enriching experiences for anyone. Those of us who are travelers become addicted to knowing other places, people, and cultures. But tourism can be a constructive or destructive activity in environmental and cultural terms.

Axes of Sustainable Tourism

There are three axes for the development of sustainable tourism, and the ideal is that benefits are achieved in each of them. These are environment, economy, and culture.

Environment

When thinking about sustainability and sustainable development, the first thing that comes to mind is natural resources, which has an essential implication for tourism. It all starts with transportation because to get to a destination; we have to use some means. Although there are means without environmental impact at the local level, such as cycling or merely walking or hiking, there are no 100% clean alternatives to reach other cities or countries.

Sustainable tourism faces one of its main challenges since only traveling implies more than 70% of travel’s environmental damage. Accommodation, tourist facilities, and services for visitors also generate an impact, which sustainable tourism seeks to reduce or cancel. Many travelers like to practice ecotourism and live with nature.

Economy

There’s no doubt that tourism is one of the most important industries of our time. Figures from 2019 indicate that travel generated 8.9 trillion dollars globally, more than 10.3% of the world economy, and 1 in 10 jobs depend on this industry. Therefore, everyone wants a piece of the cake, but there is ambition in any place where there is money. Sustainable tourism cares about ecology and people, and therefore an adequate distribution of the resources generated is one of its interests. Hence, the fair tourism concept, where everyone involved can make a living from their work supporting the local economy.

Culture

There are millions of people traveling every year, and there are places that we all want to see at least once in our lives. And that’s why some destinations receive too many visits, to the extent that the number of visitors ends up exceeding the local population. Travelers tend to seek authentic experiences, but it is sometimes easy to consume the known. When many people go to the same places looking for the same experiences, you have mass tourism.

And the problem is that this is so big that serving it implies sacrificing services for local communities. This situation already occurs in many European cities where they fight against this tourism that leaves no benefits. On the other hand, receiving so many visitors runs one of the most severe globalization risks: identity loss – this can cause the loss of traditions, customs, languages, dresses, or become consumer products for the visitor, dissociated from their original meaning.

Your role is essential but very simple, choose well, visit places with respect, and consume in businesses that fight for tourism to be fair for everyone. Here, at Towards-Sustainability, we will always keep you informed of the options that exist for you. When traveling, you enjoy and help your destination and the world with responsible tourism in the natural and cultural.

Sep, 2020

Sustainable Travel: Transform Your Impact on Your Destination

Travel is a synonym of adventure. Travel challenges you. It connects you with diverse people and allows you to create meaningful relationships around the globe. Yet, travel can harm our planet if it is not done mindfully. From the huge amount of greenhouse gases emitted from air travel to the holiday resorts built on natural areas, the travel industry can negatively affect our environment.

However, we believe that we can minimize the impact and protect the Earth’s most natural places. How? With sustainable travel!

What Is Sustainable Travel?

Sustainable travel consists of finding ways to reduce the negative economic, social and environmental impacts that host the tourism industry. Also known as sustainable tourism, sustainable travel aims to value the ecosystems and maintain the natural resources of the destinations. The World Tourism Organization defines the term as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities”.

If you are not someone who usually fights for the sustainability cause, you are probably asking yourself why you should adopt a sustainable travel approach. Yes, you could be a tourist and enjoy the perks of traveling. Protecting the places you love is in the end up to you. But, let’s face the truth; sustainable tourism will not happen overnight. In fact, it will become real only if we do out part.

So, if you’ve decided to make a better impact while enjoying the Earth’s most beautiful destinations, pledge to travel more responsibly. You can start your sustainable journey with the following tips:

Choose “Greener” Transportation or Slower

Of course, this will depend on your destination. If you have several options to reach your holiday place, think about what is more Eco-Friendly. Are you traveling in a group? If you are, it will be more responsible to share a vehicle. On the other hand, while going on a solo vacation, the best choice will be to take the train or to fly.

Once you’ve reached the destination, the most environmentally-friendly means of transport will be traveling by foot or bicycle. You can also opt to be a slow traveler by staying longer in one destination instead of flying more.

Go Camping or Stay at a Local’s Accommodation

If you enjoy being outdoors, camping will be a fantastic accommodation option! With the perks of going wild and having lots of fun in nature, you will also positively impact while avoiding large resorts. Those types of accommodation negatively affect the environment because of their high level of energy and water consumption.

But if the joys of camping are not for you, no stress! You can still look for alternatives like staying in guesthouses, Airbnbs or Bed & Breakfast, that are owned by locals. This way, you’ll be more sustainable as you’ll contribute to the local economy rather than giving your money to big foreign hotel chains.

Visit and Have Fun Responsibly

Who said that sustainable travel could not be fun? Yes, it can be fun, but it has to be responsible too! You must plan ahead and do a bit of research before booking your tours. Sustainable tour operators usually have green accreditation, including Rainforest Alliance, Green Globe or EarthCheck.

Try to look for tours that do not disturb wildlife. As a sustainable traveler, you would want to pick a wildlife tour that does not allow the animals to be in contact with humans.

A good idea would be to read the reviews on Google or TripAdvisor or get more information on blog posts from trusted travel bloggers. You can even contact the tour company to learn more about their policies.

Enjoy Local Markets and Shop Sustainably

Since sustainable travel is about maintaining the health of the country’s economy, spend your money in cafes and restaurants owned by locals. This will not only be an opportunity to interact with locals and learn more about their culture but a chance to eat traditional local food. Buying street food is also another option but make sure you avoid big food chains at all costs! You can also enjoy fresh vegetables, fruits, and other local products from the farmers’ markets instead of spending on imported foods.

Last but not least, shop souvenirs from local artisans! Products that would have been flown or shipped will have a larger carbon footprint, which you want to avoid. Plus, it’s always better to take home a souvenir that will remind you of the country rather than something manufactured elsewhere.

Conscientious adventurers, with these tips, you should now be ready to try sustainable travel! Remember that it takes all of us to save our planet! And, if you already started your sustainable rescue while traveling, leave a comment below to share how your experience has been so far!

Tag Archives: Sustainable tourism