News
Sustainable Travel International unveils new tool for calculating and offsetting travel emissions
Sustainable Travel International has launched a new online carbon footprint calculator that promotes climate-friendly travel by enabling users to measure and offset their travel emissions. This new tool is designed specifically for travel activities including commercial and charter flights, vehicles, cruises, liveaboards, and yachts.
For the past two decades, Sustainable Travel International has fostered environmentally and socially responsible travel, working in more than 100 destinations and engaging governments, companies, and consumers in sustainable practices. Sustainable Travel International is recognized as a leading organization for climate action in tourism, having supported more than 50,000 travelers and businesses in mitigating their carbon footprint and being named the best carbon offset provider for travel by Investopedia, Treehugger, and EcoWatch.
“Travel is fueled by our desire to discover the planet’s natural and cultural wealth. It’s those unparalleled experiences, like snorkeling over a colorful coral reef or sailing between towering ice sheets, that make travel so fulfilling – but climate change puts all of this at risk. If we don’t act now, these destinations and experiences will cease to exist,” said Paloma Zapata, CEO of Sustainable Travel International. “Travel is often viewed as part of the problem, when really it should be part of the solution. We believe that this new calculator has the potential to stimulate climate action by channeling investment to projects that pave the way for a net zero future.”
Over the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic shifted the traveler mindset, with consumers becoming more conscientious about their impacts on destinations and the planet. According to research conducted by Booking.com, more than two-thirds of travelers (69%) are now committed to reducing or offsetting the carbon footprint of their trip.
Sustainable Travel International’s new carbon calculator makes it easy for travelers to do just this. The calculator was completely redesigned and rebuilt to account for nearly all the high emissions aspects of travel, utilizing the latest methodologies for travel footprinting while maintaining a balance between scientific accuracy and ease of use. Users simply enter their travel activities – for instance, a round-trip flight from Chicago to Miami and a 5-day cruise – and the calculator will automatically compute their carbon footprint. The user can then choose to purchase carbon offsets, which typically cost around $5 to $30 for a trip.
The offset dollars help fund carbon reduction projects around the world, such as forest conservation and clean energy initiatives, that are scientifically proven to mitigate climate change. Sustainable Travel International carefully vets all projects to ensure they meet the most rigorous standards for carbon offsetting, such as the Gold Standard and Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), and conducts its own, additional due-diligence on projects to ensure the utmost level of integrity and impact. Sustainable Travel International only supports high-quality projects that contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and deliver benefits beyond climate mitigation by creating local jobs, strengthening indigenous land rights, improving sanitation, protecting endangered species, and more.
Sustainable Travel International also offers business solutions through their Climate Rangers Program, including carbon footprint measurement, climate action planning support, business carbon offset programs, and employee climate education.
The new carbon calculator can be accessed online at https://sustainabletravel.org/carbon-calculator/.
News
Spooktacular Underwater Adventure: Oyster Diving’s First Halloween Scuba Party at Mercers Lake
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
Marine Life & Conservation
Shark Trust launches Oceanic 31 Shark Art Auction
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
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