Ningaloo Reef retreat - we’re there!

Are you listening eco-retreat owners? - We are always searching for and reviewing remote, stunning, wild eco-retreats.

Short-listed candidates in The 2006 Australian’s Travel & Tourism Awards include:

CATEGORY: BEST ECO/WILDERNESS ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE

(Last year’s winner was Cradle Mountain Huts & Bay of Fire Walks )

NINGALOO REEF RETREAT

Western Australia

Set among dunes on the cusp of the astonishingly beautiful Ningaloo Reef in the dramatic Cape Range National Park, this low-impact eco-camp takes travellers back to basics. Tents are simple but comfortable with queen-sized beds, composting loos, solar showers and hammocks strung to make the most of the stunning reef views. Provisions are delivered daily from Exmouth and guests pitch in to cook dinner from The Retreat Recipe book (BYO alcohol) before dining by candlelight. Sunny days are whiled away snorkelling with turtles from deserted beaches (the coral reef is only metres offshore), sea kayaking or swimming, with expert guides on hand to provide advice.

* www.ningalooreefretreat.com (more…)

Penney Poyzer: eco-dominatrix on BBC2

Newbie TV presenter Penney Poyzer is to Ecology what Jamie Oliver is to Cooking - the personality who will popularise living off the grid, and make it accessible to all.

Penney will be on the nation’s screens in June when BBC2 launch “There’s No Waste like Home,” a series about how to green your home. Penney takes families through the steps needed to save money and save the world - reducing energy consumption, recycling, detoxing the kitchen and bathroom. By the time she’s finished, the whole country will be talking eco-friendly.

The TV show is about becoming what Penney calls “conscious consumers.”

“Its not just a programme to me,” she told us during a break in her shooting schedule. “Its making sure it really changes the lives of the families I meet. That’s what I’m after.”

“I go and observe them for 2-3 days — look at their utility and shopping bills, see how much waste they are producing. I tip out all their waste. One family had 17 black bin bags per week, which was all being sent to landfill. They got it down to one bag being sent to landfill, and the rest being separated and recycled into the various local council schemes. (more…)

Exponent Flex 5

Coleman�s Exponent Flex 5 solar energy pack � recharge your mobile phone and other small items on the move - at a better price than you will find anywhere else.

We have done a deal to get our readers the best possible price on a great little powerpack that will convert solar energy into trickle charge electricity�.

The Exponent Flex 5 is a foldable solar charger, the size of a paperback book. It�ll charge your MP3 player, digital camera or GPS in a few hours, wherever you are. Ideal for outdoor lovers, campers and backpackers, it is practical, resistant and waterproof.

Normally retailing for �80, we are offering the Exponent Flex 5 for �65.75 INC post and packing within the UK. Please add �3.50 outside the UK.

Know (or running?) a sustainable energy scheme that deserves recognition? Act fast; the Ashden Awards closing dates are looming.
The Ashden Awards celebrate the achievements of local energy solutions, which, by encouraging these schemes can radically transform the lives of those faced with challenges such as poverty, resource shortages and climate change.
(more…)

�In the most literal sense of the world. The Energy Efficiency Foundation course is a free day workshops throughout November and December at various venues around the United Kingdom and Ireland, for anyone with a professional interest in understanding and implementing energy efficiency measures.
(more…)

Is a major conference on the latest developments in sustainable construction and design, held on Wednesday 15th December 2004 at the Somerset College of Arts &
Technology, Taunton. (more…)

It’s hard for even the most devout anti-consumer to avoid the pressure of the festive season; but you can give in a much more interesting and meaningful way. (more…)

Gaining access to off grid and green energy ideas couldn�t get any easier; the Green Energy Machine (GEM), from the National Energy Foundation will come to you. Designed to raise awareness through schools, fairs and exhibitions, it carries information and demonstrations on key renewable energy concepts. As well as carrying on board a wind turbine, wood burning stove, solar devices including solar bike and fountain, you can get free impartial advice on renewable energy sources. If you think you have an event, know a school that could benefit from a visit or just want to see it action call +44 (0)1908 665555 or visit www.nef.org.uk

World Bioenergy 2006, Conference & Exhibition for Energy, J?nk?ping, Sweden
30 May - 1 June 2006

Those looking for a green solution to the fossil fuel crisis should turn their attention to the rapidly growing field of Biomanss. Biomass includes all renewable vegetable and animal matters that can be used for industrial (fibre, chemicals) or energy production (heat, electricity, fuel) and is the focus of the World Bioenergy conference to be held in Sweden in 2006.
(more…)