Green Snow Holidays – From Bbc Green
Green Rewards asked:
Here’s our essential guide to skiing and snowboarding the green way
Skiing and snowboarding are not the obvious choice for an eco-friendly traveller. After all, air flights, luxury spas and hacking your way through the pristine snow are a far cry from a tree-planting camp in Devon.
But it doesn’t have to be like that – winter sport is about enjoying the great outdoors, so we’ve looked at some of the best ways to respect it too. Here’s our advice on how to get there, where to stay and what kit you should bring with you.
Take the snow train
If you’re looking for a greener way to the slopes than flying and are tired of the inconvenience of flight delays, then travelling by train could be for you. Thousands of skiers and boarders choose to make their journey to the heart of the slopes this way every season.
Rail Europe’s Snow Trainis an overnight sleeper service from London St Pancras and Ebbsfleet International, Kent, to a number of skiing destinations in the French Alps. There is a specially designated sound-proofed disco carriage, so you can party all night, or if you’d rather save your energy for the slopes, there is comfortable, flat-bed sleeping accommodation.
In many cases, ski train journeys are similar in length to flying. Remember, by train there’s no two-hour check-in time, fewer delays and (on most trains) no long transfers to your resort.
Plus, most independent research says that travelling to the slopes by train produces a relatively small carbon footprint compared to flying or going by car.
It’s worth remembering though that you need to change platforms at Paris before travelling onto the stations at Chambery, Albertville, Moutiers, Aime la Plagne, Landry and Bourg St Maurice.
The Snow Train can also be more convenient if you’re taking your own gear, as there is no charge for carrying your skis or boards in their ski locker. You arrive early Saturday morning and depart last thing the following Saturday, so you get maximum time on the slopes.
Eco-friendly coach travel
Coach travel to the Alps is a long-haul option but it is also great value. National Express’s Eurolines service runs from London Victoria to nine resorts in both France and Switzerland, and there is no charge for skis and snowboards.
The journey takes approximately 18 hours and most coaches leave in the afternoon and arrive early next morning. Reclining seats means you should get a decent night’s sleep and there’s usually a film to watch in the evening.
Greener accommodation
Finding a good value eco-friendly hotel or chalet can feel like an uphill struggle, as they are few and far between. But if you look hard, you can find wood fires, solar panels, and composting heaps among the hot-tubs, spas and gyms.
If it’s composting toilets you’re after you may well be out of luck, but lots of companies are increasingly looking out to protect the environment that their holidaymakers enjoy. Here are some of our favourites…
Whitepod
This unique Swiss eco-camp located above Les Cerniers, a small village at the foot of Dents du Midi, features five wood-fire heated domes around a 19th-century chalet. The igloo-shaped pods are each made from weatherproofed cotton stretched over a storm-proof steel frame, which should keep you snug and warm.
Inside, the pods are lit by petrol lamps and are furnished with recycled or sustainably made furniture. You can only get there on skis or snowshoes and your luggage is delivered via snowmobile, so it’s a good choice if you’re looking to get away from the crowds.
If you don’t want to ski or snowboard you can always go snowshoeing, dog-sledding, relax in the hot tub or try the star-gazing platform with telescope. If you have children, the site also offers an Eco Kids Camp from July to August, which includes wildlife observation, local farm visits, organic picnics and evening games.Winner of the Responsible Tourism Awards 2005 for innovation.
From 325 euros per night including coffee and afternoon tea.
For more information:Whitepod
Whitepod is renovating the camp to cut its footprint and ensure that the level of service remains high. As a result, it will not be open for this coming winter 08/09. However, their mountain refuge, which sleeps up to 60 guests, is open from 1 December 2008.
Green Rides – Challet Montperron
This luxurious 18th century eco-chalet is based just outside Bourg St Maurice. With five large double bedrooms, it includes all the usual chalet amenities such as wi-fi and cable as well an open log fire, spa area and a wood pellet-fired hot tub.
The electricity is sourced from wind and solar farms in northern France. All food waste is composted, the rubbish is recycled and energy efficient light bulbs are used throughout the property. The owners are also planning to install a solar panelled roof and offer a discount to customers who take the Snow Train.A week typically cost from £385 per person.
Green Rides
Karibuni – Lodge Aravis
This 100 year old catered chalet is set in the Aravis Mountains near La Clusaz and sleeps 35 people. It has a gym, sauna and massage room as well as a children’s area and an onsite ski hire shop.France can be hard for veggies but Lodge Aravis has been accredited by the Vegetarian Society, soust ask for their vegetarian menu. All waste is either composted or recycled and they aim to source as much fair trade, local, and free range produce as possible. The chalet also offsets its carbon emissions through Climate Care.
The people behind Lodge Aravis also run a number of other smaller chalets, including Chalet Aravis which can sleep up to 11 people and uses solar panels to heat all of its water.
From £580pp a week (including a lift pass for seven days of skiing).
Location: Aravis Mountain, French Alps. For more information: Karibuni
Green shopping for snow gear
When it comes to being green on the slopes, skis, snowboards and winter gear can pose a problem. Nearly all of them are made of a combination of wood, fibreglass, foam, plastic and steel, which are stuck together by epoxy resin, and are nearly impossible to recycle.
However, many manufacturers are taking green steps, from carbon offsetting to using sustainable materials, such as bamboo, and even solar-powered factories.
New Zealand company Kingswood Skis won a product sustainability award for their bamboo-core carbon neutral skis. They are also looking into a flax alternative to fibreglass which is used in almost every ski and board made today. And they provide a clear breakdown of all the materials used in their products on their website.
Arbor makes its snowboard’s cores from renewable, fast-growing bamboo, which has come from sustainably managed forests and the bases are made with leftover poly-ethylene. They have pledged to donate a portion of all their revenue to organisations involved in protecting the environment. Also, its factory’s machines are wind-powered.
Don’t forget the eco-benefits of buying secondhand gear or renting ski or snow equipment. Freecycle and Ebay are just a couple of online places you could try.
Take a look at our shop now for the best eco friendly shopping.
Here’s our essential guide to skiing and snowboarding the green way
Skiing and snowboarding are not the obvious choice for an eco-friendly traveller. After all, air flights, luxury spas and hacking your way through the pristine snow are a far cry from a tree-planting camp in Devon.
But it doesn’t have to be like that – winter sport is about enjoying the great outdoors, so we’ve looked at some of the best ways to respect it too. Here’s our advice on how to get there, where to stay and what kit you should bring with you.
Take the snow train
If you’re looking for a greener way to the slopes than flying and are tired of the inconvenience of flight delays, then travelling by train could be for you. Thousands of skiers and boarders choose to make their journey to the heart of the slopes this way every season.
Rail Europe’s Snow Trainis an overnight sleeper service from London St Pancras and Ebbsfleet International, Kent, to a number of skiing destinations in the French Alps. There is a specially designated sound-proofed disco carriage, so you can party all night, or if you’d rather save your energy for the slopes, there is comfortable, flat-bed sleeping accommodation.
In many cases, ski train journeys are similar in length to flying. Remember, by train there’s no two-hour check-in time, fewer delays and (on most trains) no long transfers to your resort.
Plus, most independent research says that travelling to the slopes by train produces a relatively small carbon footprint compared to flying or going by car.
It’s worth remembering though that you need to change platforms at Paris before travelling onto the stations at Chambery, Albertville, Moutiers, Aime la Plagne, Landry and Bourg St Maurice.
The Snow Train can also be more convenient if you’re taking your own gear, as there is no charge for carrying your skis or boards in their ski locker. You arrive early Saturday morning and depart last thing the following Saturday, so you get maximum time on the slopes.
Eco-friendly coach travel
Coach travel to the Alps is a long-haul option but it is also great value. National Express’s Eurolines service runs from London Victoria to nine resorts in both France and Switzerland, and there is no charge for skis and snowboards.
The journey takes approximately 18 hours and most coaches leave in the afternoon and arrive early next morning. Reclining seats means you should get a decent night’s sleep and there’s usually a film to watch in the evening.
Greener accommodation
Finding a good value eco-friendly hotel or chalet can feel like an uphill struggle, as they are few and far between. But if you look hard, you can find wood fires, solar panels, and composting heaps among the hot-tubs, spas and gyms.
If it’s composting toilets you’re after you may well be out of luck, but lots of companies are increasingly looking out to protect the environment that their holidaymakers enjoy. Here are some of our favourites…
Whitepod
This unique Swiss eco-camp located above Les Cerniers, a small village at the foot of Dents du Midi, features five wood-fire heated domes around a 19th-century chalet. The igloo-shaped pods are each made from weatherproofed cotton stretched over a storm-proof steel frame, which should keep you snug and warm.
Inside, the pods are lit by petrol lamps and are furnished with recycled or sustainably made furniture. You can only get there on skis or snowshoes and your luggage is delivered via snowmobile, so it’s a good choice if you’re looking to get away from the crowds.
If you don’t want to ski or snowboard you can always go snowshoeing, dog-sledding, relax in the hot tub or try the star-gazing platform with telescope. If you have children, the site also offers an Eco Kids Camp from July to August, which includes wildlife observation, local farm visits, organic picnics and evening games.Winner of the Responsible Tourism Awards 2005 for innovation.
From 325 euros per night including coffee and afternoon tea.
For more information:Whitepod
Whitepod is renovating the camp to cut its footprint and ensure that the level of service remains high. As a result, it will not be open for this coming winter 08/09. However, their mountain refuge, which sleeps up to 60 guests, is open from 1 December 2008.
Green Rides – Challet Montperron
This luxurious 18th century eco-chalet is based just outside Bourg St Maurice. With five large double bedrooms, it includes all the usual chalet amenities such as wi-fi and cable as well an open log fire, spa area and a wood pellet-fired hot tub.
The electricity is sourced from wind and solar farms in northern France. All food waste is composted, the rubbish is recycled and energy efficient light bulbs are used throughout the property. The owners are also planning to install a solar panelled roof and offer a discount to customers who take the Snow Train.A week typically cost from £385 per person.
Green Rides
Karibuni – Lodge Aravis
This 100 year old catered chalet is set in the Aravis Mountains near La Clusaz and sleeps 35 people. It has a gym, sauna and massage room as well as a children’s area and an onsite ski hire shop.France can be hard for veggies but Lodge Aravis has been accredited by the Vegetarian Society, soust ask for their vegetarian menu. All waste is either composted or recycled and they aim to source as much fair trade, local, and free range produce as possible. The chalet also offsets its carbon emissions through Climate Care.
The people behind Lodge Aravis also run a number of other smaller chalets, including Chalet Aravis which can sleep up to 11 people and uses solar panels to heat all of its water.
From £580pp a week (including a lift pass for seven days of skiing).
Location: Aravis Mountain, French Alps. For more information: Karibuni
Green shopping for snow gear
When it comes to being green on the slopes, skis, snowboards and winter gear can pose a problem. Nearly all of them are made of a combination of wood, fibreglass, foam, plastic and steel, which are stuck together by epoxy resin, and are nearly impossible to recycle.
However, many manufacturers are taking green steps, from carbon offsetting to using sustainable materials, such as bamboo, and even solar-powered factories.
New Zealand company Kingswood Skis won a product sustainability award for their bamboo-core carbon neutral skis. They are also looking into a flax alternative to fibreglass which is used in almost every ski and board made today. And they provide a clear breakdown of all the materials used in their products on their website.
Arbor makes its snowboard’s cores from renewable, fast-growing bamboo, which has come from sustainably managed forests and the bases are made with leftover poly-ethylene. They have pledged to donate a portion of all their revenue to organisations involved in protecting the environment. Also, its factory’s machines are wind-powered.
Don’t forget the eco-benefits of buying secondhand gear or renting ski or snow equipment. Freecycle and Ebay are just a couple of online places you could try.
Take a look at our shop now for the best eco friendly shopping.
Led Emergency Vehicle Lights
Chris Dallman asked:
LED is the acronym for Light Emitting Diodes and these are tiny diodes that emit light. These small diodes are connected in a circuit to produce illumination. In a Light Emitting Diode the electrons flow to a junction and generate light. The LEDs’ are actually semiconductor devices that conduct electricity in a single direction. With the advancement in technology, the working of LEDs’ has been advanced by using various techniques. These days LED is being employed in the emergency vehicle lights and these LED Emergency Vehicle Lights are being appreciated by most of the departments. These LED Emergency Vehicle Lights produce added lumens per watt that results in power saving. The recent studies have proved that LEDs’ can work continuously for thirty to forty years without a breakdown.
What is LED Emergency Vehicle Light?
LED Emergency Vehicle Lights are those lights that are being used as warning devices. These light alerts the people from the arriving rescue personnel, police cars, firefighters and many others. With the help of these LED Emergency Vehicle Lights and sirens people can give them a way easily. This way the oncoming motorists get watchful and make a way for the emergency light vehicle. Moreover, LED Emergency Vehicle Lights make it easy for the people to recognize the vehicle that whether it is a rescue vehicle, police car or any other departmental vehicle.
With the advancing technology, LED Emergency Vehicle Lights are made brighter so that they can help in alerting people. As compared to standard LED Emergency Vehicle Lights, these new lights make use of very less LED bulbs. This is due to the reason that these lights embrace better design, quality testing and finer material while manufacturing. These LED Emergency Vehicle Lights are tested accurately and flash patterns are also customized.
Variety of LED Emergency Vehicle Lights
§ LED Police Lighting and Sirens
§ LED Warning lights and Beacons
§ Specialty LED Emergency lighting
§ Sound based LED warning system
Benefits of LED Emergency Vehicle Lights
§ LED Emergency Vehicle Lights are extremely heat sensitive and conduct electricity without any problem of burning out of filaments.
§ These LED Emergency Vehicle Lights are very power efficient and consume less energy.
§ Light color being the inherent property of the LED Emergency Vehicle Lights, the light bars uses a very thin dome.
§ LED Emergency Vehicle Lights are very cost effective and reliable.
§ The characteristic that makes it the best purchase is that it uses an incredibly less electrical current.
§ In case of jagged handling, these LED Emergency Vehicle Lights will resist vibration and will last long.
Purchasing LED Emergency Vehicle Lights
There are numerous online websites where the advertisements are posted and one can get the LED Emergency Vehicle Lights by simply clicking on the advertisements and links. One can easily select from the various models that are made available by the manufacturers. According to the different Emergency Vehicle Light requirement of the states, departments can purchase these LED Emergency Vehicle Lights.
So, purchase LED Emergency Vehicle Lights and enjoy the excessive power that will work for 100,000 hours.
LED is the acronym for Light Emitting Diodes and these are tiny diodes that emit light. These small diodes are connected in a circuit to produce illumination. In a Light Emitting Diode the electrons flow to a junction and generate light. The LEDs’ are actually semiconductor devices that conduct electricity in a single direction. With the advancement in technology, the working of LEDs’ has been advanced by using various techniques. These days LED is being employed in the emergency vehicle lights and these LED Emergency Vehicle Lights are being appreciated by most of the departments. These LED Emergency Vehicle Lights produce added lumens per watt that results in power saving. The recent studies have proved that LEDs’ can work continuously for thirty to forty years without a breakdown.
What is LED Emergency Vehicle Light?
LED Emergency Vehicle Lights are those lights that are being used as warning devices. These light alerts the people from the arriving rescue personnel, police cars, firefighters and many others. With the help of these LED Emergency Vehicle Lights and sirens people can give them a way easily. This way the oncoming motorists get watchful and make a way for the emergency light vehicle. Moreover, LED Emergency Vehicle Lights make it easy for the people to recognize the vehicle that whether it is a rescue vehicle, police car or any other departmental vehicle.
With the advancing technology, LED Emergency Vehicle Lights are made brighter so that they can help in alerting people. As compared to standard LED Emergency Vehicle Lights, these new lights make use of very less LED bulbs. This is due to the reason that these lights embrace better design, quality testing and finer material while manufacturing. These LED Emergency Vehicle Lights are tested accurately and flash patterns are also customized.
Variety of LED Emergency Vehicle Lights
§ LED Police Lighting and Sirens
§ LED Warning lights and Beacons
§ Specialty LED Emergency lighting
§ Sound based LED warning system
Benefits of LED Emergency Vehicle Lights
§ LED Emergency Vehicle Lights are extremely heat sensitive and conduct electricity without any problem of burning out of filaments.
§ These LED Emergency Vehicle Lights are very power efficient and consume less energy.
§ Light color being the inherent property of the LED Emergency Vehicle Lights, the light bars uses a very thin dome.
§ LED Emergency Vehicle Lights are very cost effective and reliable.
§ The characteristic that makes it the best purchase is that it uses an incredibly less electrical current.
§ In case of jagged handling, these LED Emergency Vehicle Lights will resist vibration and will last long.
Purchasing LED Emergency Vehicle Lights
There are numerous online websites where the advertisements are posted and one can get the LED Emergency Vehicle Lights by simply clicking on the advertisements and links. One can easily select from the various models that are made available by the manufacturers. According to the different Emergency Vehicle Light requirement of the states, departments can purchase these LED Emergency Vehicle Lights.
So, purchase LED Emergency Vehicle Lights and enjoy the excessive power that will work for 100,000 hours.
Contemporary Lighting
Kimberly Quang asked:
Contemporary lighting is growing in popularity. The sophisticated lines and clean designs found in contemporary lighting are becoming more prevalent in today’s homes, as individuals embrace modern styles. This look is especially popular in urban areas, where dwellings are typically smaller. Contemporary lighting is the perfect solution for homes with a limited amount of space. However, contemporary lighting works well within large areas, as well.
Because of the recent surge in popularity, contemporary lighting has moved far beyond the recessed lights of the 1980′s. Although recessed fixtures are still available, there size is considerably smaller than the original bulky devices, which left large holes in the ceiling. More importantly, a vast array of contemporary lighting is now offered with styles ranging from table lamps to pendants. New technologies have emerged that give a whole new meaning to modern design.
Even chandeliers have been given a modern twist. This allows homeowners to create an extremely formal look without sacrificing urban sophistication. Unlike their highly adorned cousins, contemporary chandeliers are simple lighting fixtures that accentuate clean metal lines rather than mountains of dangling baubles. These devices use striking metal frames with geometric angles and incorporate simple clear or frosted shades for a dramatic touch. Other examples have long flowing arms with halogen lights dangling from the tips.
With the addition of light emitting diodes (LED) to the industry, a whole new world of possibilities has evolved. These low voltage lights can be used in areas that would be hazardous with traditional fixtures. LED lights come in a multitude of sizes and shapes. These versatile devices are available in ropes, shaped lamps, and even tiles. From faux candles to glowing eggs, LED lights will pack tons of fun into a contemporary lighting scheme.
Sconces are a rather new item to join contemporary lighting. These fixtures are typically scene in very traditional styles. However, sconces have received a modern look by taking the best of Art Deco styles and giving them a twist. Cylinder and teardrop shaped globes with metal bases containing simple accents are a prime example of combining these two genres for a great modern look. Homeowner’s can now have the convenience of a swing-armed sconce without sacrificing style in the process.
Pendants are an excellent way to add contemporary lighting into a home. There are a variety of colors, shapes and styles offered. Sizes can range from extremely large devices, which are perfect for a grand entryway or dining room to very small options that work well over kitchen bars and bathrooms. Some pendants use halogen lamps, while others take traditional bulbs. The fixtures are extremely versatile. Homeowners can hang them from tracks or individually depending on the desired appearance.
Contemporary fixtures are offered in more styles, shapes, sizes, and materials than ever before. Individuals have the opportunity to find the right look and incorporate it within their home without sacrificing proper illumination. This style provides a clean look that can help make a space appear larger. In addition, many of the fixtures on the market require very little room. In fact, contemporary items, such as LED rope lights can illuminate a home without crowding out the occupants.
The lighting professionals are available to assist homeowners with their questions concerning design and installation. They offer a large selection of products from only quality manufacturers. The forum allows consumers to ask questions regarding their specific needs. An expert in that field will provide a practical solution and direct the individual to appropriate products to achieve the desired result.
Contemporary lighting is growing in popularity. The sophisticated lines and clean designs found in contemporary lighting are becoming more prevalent in today’s homes, as individuals embrace modern styles. This look is especially popular in urban areas, where dwellings are typically smaller. Contemporary lighting is the perfect solution for homes with a limited amount of space. However, contemporary lighting works well within large areas, as well.
Because of the recent surge in popularity, contemporary lighting has moved far beyond the recessed lights of the 1980′s. Although recessed fixtures are still available, there size is considerably smaller than the original bulky devices, which left large holes in the ceiling. More importantly, a vast array of contemporary lighting is now offered with styles ranging from table lamps to pendants. New technologies have emerged that give a whole new meaning to modern design.
Even chandeliers have been given a modern twist. This allows homeowners to create an extremely formal look without sacrificing urban sophistication. Unlike their highly adorned cousins, contemporary chandeliers are simple lighting fixtures that accentuate clean metal lines rather than mountains of dangling baubles. These devices use striking metal frames with geometric angles and incorporate simple clear or frosted shades for a dramatic touch. Other examples have long flowing arms with halogen lights dangling from the tips.
With the addition of light emitting diodes (LED) to the industry, a whole new world of possibilities has evolved. These low voltage lights can be used in areas that would be hazardous with traditional fixtures. LED lights come in a multitude of sizes and shapes. These versatile devices are available in ropes, shaped lamps, and even tiles. From faux candles to glowing eggs, LED lights will pack tons of fun into a contemporary lighting scheme.
Sconces are a rather new item to join contemporary lighting. These fixtures are typically scene in very traditional styles. However, sconces have received a modern look by taking the best of Art Deco styles and giving them a twist. Cylinder and teardrop shaped globes with metal bases containing simple accents are a prime example of combining these two genres for a great modern look. Homeowner’s can now have the convenience of a swing-armed sconce without sacrificing style in the process.
Pendants are an excellent way to add contemporary lighting into a home. There are a variety of colors, shapes and styles offered. Sizes can range from extremely large devices, which are perfect for a grand entryway or dining room to very small options that work well over kitchen bars and bathrooms. Some pendants use halogen lamps, while others take traditional bulbs. The fixtures are extremely versatile. Homeowners can hang them from tracks or individually depending on the desired appearance.
Contemporary fixtures are offered in more styles, shapes, sizes, and materials than ever before. Individuals have the opportunity to find the right look and incorporate it within their home without sacrificing proper illumination. This style provides a clean look that can help make a space appear larger. In addition, many of the fixtures on the market require very little room. In fact, contemporary items, such as LED rope lights can illuminate a home without crowding out the occupants.
The lighting professionals are available to assist homeowners with their questions concerning design and installation. They offer a large selection of products from only quality manufacturers. The forum allows consumers to ask questions regarding their specific needs. An expert in that field will provide a practical solution and direct the individual to appropriate products to achieve the desired result.