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| Copenhagen Introduces Electric Buses |
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| Written by Administrator | |
| Tuesday, 30 June 2009 17:10 | |
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Line 11 CityCirkel (city circle) buses run all day on electricity from batteries that are charged at night. The electric-driven buses emit less CO2 than cars and ordinary buses, and there is no pollution from exhaust fumes and hazardous particles. CityCirkel buses run during daytime in central Copenhagen. The circular trip takes one hour and passes some of Copenhagen's top tourist attractions, such as City Hall Square, Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Tivoli, the National Museum, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn and the Round Tower. The buses are shorter and narrower than ordinary buses. Therefore, they can run in the narrow streets of the medieval city where other buses cannot. However, the CityCirkel buses still connect with other means of public transport in Copenhagen at City Hall Square, Kongens Nytorv, Copenhagen central train station, Nørreport and Vesterport station as well as with the water buses. The buses stop at the normal bus stops, wherever it is possible. But CityCirkel buses also have their own bus stops, and in some places they can be hailed with a wave, wherever there are green dots on the curb. Tickets and cards used for public transport in Copenhagen are also valid on the CityCirkel line. The plan is to make the buses completely free of charge. (www.citycirkel.dk/en) |
| New MSC Ship Boasts Latest "Green" Technology |
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| Written by Administrator | |
| Tuesday, 30 June 2009 16:39 | |
 Reflecting the high personal standards and love of the sea of its owners, MSC Cruises has incorporated the latest systems for protecting the environment into the new MSC Splendida, which will be christened by godmother Sophia Loren on July 12. Like her sister ship MSC Fantasia, the MSC Splendida effectively utilizes “green” technology to ensure that she preserves the beauty of the sea and the air wherever she travels. Environmentally friendly features onboard include: • A five-stage Advanced Wastewater Treatment (AWT) plant that processes all wastewater produced onboard. Although the effluent produced by this system is so pure that it could be discharged into the ocean without harming the ecosystem, it is stored onboard for later transfer to land-based waste systems in port. • Innovative Stateroom Monitoring System technology in the staterooms and public areas provides nearly a 25 percent reduction in onboard energy use. For example, this system is able to detect an opened stateroom window or balcony doors, adjusting the room temperature setting in the climate control system accordingly. • Special high-efficiency incinerators handle disposal of paper and cardboard waste onboard, while compacting machines and grinders sort and prepare aluminium and glass which is later recycled in port. These environmental safeguards of MSC Splendida match those used on her sister ship, MSC Fantasia, which earned the distinction of being the first passenger ship to receive the prestigious 6 Golden Pearls award from Bureau Veritas in recognition as one of the greenest ships in the world. MSC Splendida is awaiting certification for this classification, which also includes meeting the highest standards for food quality and safety. (www.msccruisesusa.com) |
| British Columbia Eco-Resort Sets Bar High |
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| Written by Administrator | |
| Tuesday, 30 June 2009 16:19 | |
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As the world prepares for what may be the most eco-friendly Olympic Games yet, several British Columbia resorts are already setting new standards for staying green. Among them is Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa in Osoyoos in the South Okanagan Valley. This resort, part of the First Nations-led NK’MIP Resort, is set in Canada’s only desert. As such, it faces a number of unique eco-challenges, from conserving water to protecting the area’s rare and endangered desert wildlife. Their solution? The reduction of water use in the garden by landscaping with indigenous plants already adapted to the desert; when irrigation is needed, natural storm water takes care of it. In addition, any plants disturbed in development are replanted in the area. Plants and guests are also protected from chlorine off-gassing now that the swimming pool has been converted to salt water. Even the stars are protected – or at least our ability to see them. The south Okanagan is famous for its clear night skies and Spirit Ridge is helping to keep those stars visible by minimizing light interference at night. Meanwhile, a new WEMS (Wireless Energy Management System), which detects whether a suite is occupied and manages power accordingly, has helped cut energy use at Spirit Ridge by an estimated 25 to 30 per cent. And the critters? The area is home to a significant number of gopher snakes, rattlesnakes, and two species of endangered bats. Besides monitoring snake activity, raising money for research programs and promoting wildlife education, the folks at the resort destination of NK'MIP have also built a deflection fence and a safe crossing corridor for the snakes as well as a roost for the bats. The staff at Spirit Ridge aims to stock their cellar and fridge as much as possible from local farms and wineries. Though, given where they are – in one of North America’s top wine and food producing regions -- this has to be one of their easiest tasks. (www.spiritridge.ca)
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| Why Use “Our Travel Protector”? |
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| Written by Administrator | |
| Tuesday, 23 June 2009 13:46 | |
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Why should savvy Travel Organizers use Our Travel Protector for their clients’ travel insurance needs? Here’s Reason # 6 in our series of the 10 top reasons.
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 23 June 2009 13:54 ) |
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