think green

Seven years around the World

 Here again... it is time to take time to explore and discover what was given to us: nature!

...It will take place over a 7 year, 21,000 mile journey by foot – of which two and a half years are already completed – and retrace the path of the first humans’ migration out of Ethiopia and around the globe, ending at the tip of South America. The organisation has recently completed a Kickstarter funding goal in order to finance the rest of the journey... Source

All this has been possible through the use of a Kickstarter campaign.

Helping others to realise something with the support of a community. Something rather exciting and pleasing.

Out of Eden walk is a unique shared experience.

Facebook is here too https://www.facebook.com/OutOfEdenWalk

 

What else do you need and want? Nature is enough

Nowadays, it is as if people want everything from e-gadgets to clothes and other accessories.

We are almost saturated by images of trendy people wearing cool clothes and by not following such movement you could be ignored by others.

Image seems to be everything. Being too well dressed is not good either. Shabby chic is the thing such as jeans with cuts, messy hair, over sized tops. Tailoring is disappearing.

Big shops such as Primark must be laughing because it is where a lot of people shop to get that instant of fashion for next to nothing. But what about the quality?

As fashion changes all the time, this is a winning formula.

You just need to look at High Streets on the weekend: it is so busy that you wonder why people are moaning about their monthly struggles to pay bills.

But what else do we need and want? Have we forgotten what is surrounding our cities?!

Nicola Odemann may well redirect you towards the right path through her stunning photographs.

 

Holidays: getting in touch with nature

Whenever it is time to go away for a break, people seem to struggle to find an exciting destination.

It is not because you are going far that your holidays will be better than a friend cycling a few miles to live in a tent for ten days or so.

It all depends on what you are after.

Some want the sun, others prefer adventure and breaking that routine which is like a comfort zone for most part of the year.

Going back to your roots is sometimes great fun. Putting away electronic gadgets and connected devices to actually live your life without alerts, notifications, emails and irrelevant tags.

All those can be useful but how many minutes or hours a day are you wasting by just checking what other people are saying about celebrities? Will it affect your life if you don't know that such or such person has a new tattoo, haircut, car or mansion with swimming pool...etc?

Also a budget is necessary if you decide to go abroad. However, by staying in your own country (commonly known as staycation), there is less stress related, because everything is at your doorstep.

Exploring and discovering your own County and/or Country is maybe something to consider. Why going somewhere else when in fact you don't even know the region next to yours. There are various attractions to visit and just enjoy a walk through wonderful landscapes. Nature is something unique but it is taken for granted.

As so many people write on Instagram "outside is free", why not go for it. A day on your bicycle will bring you infinite satisfaction and a lot of memories without spending a Pound!

Holiday parks can be another alternative if you do not wish to spend your nights under a tent.

Whether it is cloudy or rainy you will be well sheltered in those holiday homes. Moreover those private parks have, in general, a full structure such as a local news agent, restaurant/canteen and other amenities.

Renting a luxury lodge or even investing into such holiday accommodation to then let, throughout the year, is becoming more popular.

So much so that from 25th to 27th September 2015 there is an exhibition at Beaulieu Home to National Motor Museum dedicated to Holiday Park & Homes Show!

...The show will feature the latest caravan holiday-homes (static caravans) and lodges from nine British manufacturers, with many other exhibitors ranging from holiday parks in the UK and overseas, to decking manufacturers and insurance firms... Source

And why not visit such estate to enjoy other attractions as well - http://www.beaulieu.co.uk/attractions/ - something worthwhile.

Going away from home for a few days with minimum luggage gives a sense of simplicity and suddenly you realise that everything which is on display in shop windows is not that necessary in our lives.

The way items and goods are on show, can be compared with a sort of subliminal message "you need to purchase this".

For some reasons, there is  a need to have... maybe because it looks good. High-tech and electronic gadgets are driving individuals to buy and buy more. Some people are addicted: they own tablet, laptop, desktop, smartphone and all are synchronized and connected.

Imagine living without those devices? Some have issues to cope. Something is missing and there would be a time to "adapt and adjust".  A kind of jetlag related to our modern era.

Sometimes it is good to disconnect - reading a real book and getting in touch with nature is so easy, yet so difficult!

 

 

 

 

F gases and environment [data]

All these are around us...and not just for a couple of years.

It really makes you think twice before using some products.

 

 

Fashion and organic cotton market

Fashion can be a tricky thing. Whatever is designed for a collection - usually displayed at London Fashion Week - becomes the clothes to wear... in order to be fashionable.

There are various textiles available and sometimes it can be surprising what the fashion designers of haute couture come with.

Some alternative and innovative options can come forward. As an example, Carmen Hijosa is the entrepreneur  behind the new textile Pinatex. It feels like leather but it is a material way more natural. To discover and read all details check this article HERE.

Some manufacturers/retailers like Howies® like to sell products made of recycled plastic bottles. It is all about being ethical too. Fashion is not just about making money, but thinking about the environment and The Earth. No need to mention the issues around climate change and carbon foot print that most politicians are aware of... sadly, nothing is actively done to preserve our planet.

Wearing the latest trend is generally pleasing for the buyer. However, it is essential to be comfortable... this is (or should be) the main factor. Unfortunately, it happens that it is all about the look and the colour but the garment is not that great.

Most people selling clothes want their clientèle to be happy with what they are actually buying. Having something returned is never that good, especially when the customer complaint is related to quality and finish.

Organic cotton is without a doubt the winner in most categories. And the good news is; there is a ten percent growth after three years of terrible struggle.

...The organic cotton market is again growing according to the Organic Cotton Market Report, an annual study conducted by Textile Exchange, an international nonprofit organization committed to a more sustainable textile industry... Source

We could question "who is interested in buying organic cotton items"?

 

In general, people working in hot premises, simply because it is lighter and better than nylon. New parents will also favourite the choice of organic cotton for their newborn. The industry making babywear outfits for boys/girls needs to focus constantly on such market. The competition is strong and having regular new designs, colours and seasonal collections is a must to survive. There are also those practicing a sport - with the exception of cyclists wearing tight lycra kits!

 

Cotton will certainly remains the most enjoyable textile to wear all year long. Organic cotton though brings something extra of course. It is also important to think about others.

 

 

 

 

 

Greenest eco-friendly company is named: Apple!

 

Recycling: your car after life [infographic]

What happens to your dear vehicle ones off the road?

Everything (almost) can be re-used or recycled.

See on the infographic below various stages of this process.

Surprised?

 

 Larger version click HERE

 

When the taxi is green as an apple @appletaxiexeter

Calling a taxi can be a headache because there are different companies and some can be better than others.

Exeter in Devon (South West of England) seems to have found the winning formula.

The main company is called Apple Taxis.

#vroomvroom My taxi firm of choice is @AppleTaxiExeter. Find drivers courteous and on time, fab booking app too. pic.twitter.com/txfpMpxd4z

— Emily of Devon (@PeopleOfDevon) April 15, 2015

Initially, there were Capital and Gemini which became one.

The contact number remains the same and is easy to remember - check the website HERE. It is in fact hard not to notice the cars, because there are so many of them. A bit like the yellow cabs of New York...they are everywhere.

Some cars are: eco friendly/hybrid/electric and this is also what Apple Taxis is after. Their eco policy is rather interesting:

Click on image to see larger version

What do most customers want from a business? Efficiency, great customer service, punctuality especially when it is to catch a train or plane. Lateness is not acceptable. Fear not as all drivers from this company  are real experts to drive you from A to B without any hassle.

Technology is also onboard. Each driver has a device which allows the Head Office to track their exact position. What does this mean?

For instance, when/if you call the main switchboard number, the operator will check which car is the nearest from your address. The waiting time to pick you up will be shorter than normal and when you contact them by using your smartphone, you will receive a text when the taxi is outside your building.

An impressive change which gives the new and existing users a real faith into their service. No real stress and hassle of being late for your meeting or else. Everything is correctly timed.

The service is overall pleasing and there is always the question whether you need a receipt. Business cards are also available in case you want to pass their details to a local business or some friends.

It could even be slightly less corporate by handing out a sort of quirky taxi shaped fridge magnet with the main information including the twitter handle @appletaxiexeter.

Social media interaction is absolutely essential not only to get this online interaction but to improve what is not exactly right, following clients' feedback.

 

Meet Guillaume Néry at 117 metres underwater [video]

Guillaume Néry is a French diver. His discipline is about free diving...deep underwater at 117 metres.

 

Time-lapse in Los Angeles [video]

Gavin Heffernan and Harun Mehmedinovic are photographers who have created this fantastic time-lapse, capturing the beauty of Los Angeles' sky and stars.