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Our online edition of articles from our weekly Intrepid Express newsletter
take up the climate change challenge - an easy tip every week
Climate change is one of the most urgent problems of our time, so making a personal commitment to reduce your 'carbon footprint' is a big step in the right direction to achieving a healthier environment.
Intrepid is aware that as a travel company we create and promote holidays that contribute to global warming - that is why we are passionate about our pledge to become a carbon neutral company by the end of 2009.
For more information on Intrepid's carbon neutral goals and frequently asked questions about climate change and carbon offsetting, please click here!
There are simple lifestyle changes each of us can make to ensure we leave a healthier planet for future generations and our Intrepid Express newsletter brings you a climate change challenge tip every week!...
last 12 tips...
#150 - cycle solution
Want to ride around town but don't have a bike? Try bike hire schemes like Call-a-Bike in Berlin and other German cities, Velib in Paris or OYBike in the UK. These are fantastic ways to travel carbon-light and cheap!
#149 - sun sense
Dark-coloured buildings can absorb up to 90% of the radiant solar energy, so if you live in warm climate paint your home a light shade, or if it's predominantly cold, stick with dark colours.
#148 - planet-friendly party
To celebrate your birthday and your love for our planet at the same time, it's easy to send email invites, make your own cake and decorate with groovy tie-dyed old sheets.
#147 - scared of the dark
Use less electricity by making the most of natural light. Make sure windows are clean and position your appropriate furniture according to where you need light most.
#146 - naturally better veggies
Less consumption of pesticides and fertilizers is a great reason to choose organic vegetables, but the food can be better for you too. For example, organic potatoes have higher vitamins and minerals than non-organic spuds.
#145 - low-carb dinner
Next time you invite friends around, enjoy a low-carbon dinner by sourcing local ingredients and eating seasonal foods. Great for the environment and it shows your mates how delicious it can be eating green!
#144 - cell phone recycle
Your mobile phone has around 30 elements that are a toxic combination in landfill, so look for a local charity that recycles old phones and puts the recovered metals and plastics to good use.
#143 - bright idea
Replace your incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs). A CFL uses about 75% less electricity and lasts up to ten times longer. In fact, if every UK household installed three CFLs enough energy would be saved to power all the country's street lights!
#142 - home savings
Save energy at home and your reduced electricity bills can add up to holiday spending money. Microwave ovens use less energy than convection ovens, only use the dishwasher when it's full, wash your clothes in cold water and defrost the freezer - savings for you and the planet!
#141 - love blossoms
Flowers around the world are flown to florists at great expense to consumers and the environment. So source local blooms or better still, grow your own or give a whole flowering plant!
#140 - blow off steam
When you are cooking, use several steamer levels to make maximum use of the one stove burner.
#139 - low carbon commitment
Why not make your wedding a special day for the environment too? Source local products, rent linen and furniture rather than buy, have a low-carbon gift registry and even carbon offset your wedding!
For more ideas on how you can enjoy a sustainable silly season, visit the Australian Conservation Foundation's website.
To see previous tips click here!
For more information on Intrepid's carbon neutral goals and frequently asked questions about climate change and carbon offsetting, please click here!
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