Environmrnt 3Rs 10

Today's travellers have a range of responsible holiday choices. Aoife O'Riordain reports.

With the increasing awareness of global warming and the overuse of the Earth's natural resources, it would seem that the travelling public has never been so conscious of the effects and impact that their holidays have, not just on the environment but also on local communities the world over.

That said, Justin Francis, the co-founder of the website Responsible Travel, still feels there is a long way to go so far as the public's awareness of green travel issues is concerned. Francis believes that although some consumers are now actively seeking out these types of holidays, the majority are still not aware of the growing number of choices. "I wish that people were springing out of bed in the mornings thinking that they must select a holiday that does a better job of protecting environments and communities. Sadly it does not happen, and the main factors are still the right experience, the right price and convenient departure schedules," says Francis.

Despite a major airline's recent announcement that it plans to fly jets on fuel made from rubbish to shrink their carbon footprint, most people are aware that air travel is a controversial issue in the environmentally friendly travel debate. While many insist that the only truly green option is not to fly or to stay at home, those who still want to get away have an increasing number of choices available to help them lessen the environmental impact and give more to their host community.

The Green Traveller website promotes holidays that can be reached by land, as well as offering plenty of tips about having a greener holiday wherever you decide to go. Its managing director, Richard Hammond, agrees that interest in this kind of travel has grown. "Very few holidays are 100 per cent green, so it's really about having a greener holiday. The most basic choice is looking at low-pollution forms of transport, or, if you are going somewhere really distant, minimising your impact at the destination," says Hammond.

While many of the properties it features already have certification from a growing range of international and national schemes, Green Traveller's team of writers also personally assess each property and apply their own standards to the selection process, such as how waste is dealt with, to what extent local agricultural products are used, and whether visitors are encouraged to arrive by rail.

Older-established tour operators have also realised that a growing number of clients are beginning to include this new set of factors when making their decision on where to holiday. Last year, First Choice added a Greener Holidays brochure into its programme, and tour operators now often list accommodation-only or activity-only prices so people can choose their own means of transport, such as travelling by rail rather than by air.

Hotels are increasingly keen to talk up their ecological achievements. One of the biggest criticisms of international hotel chains is their overuse of the Earth's resources, and in response many have implemented measures they claim will reduce this. While these are no doubt based on good environmental principles, schemes like planting a tree for every five towels reused, for instance, are unlikely to make much difference overall.

Francis believes that consumers are becoming more aware of such tokenism from hotels and tour operators that may not have the best interests of the community or the planet true to their hearts. "My real hope is that we get much more curious and more questioning, and there are rebellious tourists who see through this and ask increasingly tough questions," he says.

What does Justin Francis say about attitudes to holidays?

Today's travellers have a range of responsible holiday choices. Aoife O'Riordain reports.

With the increasing awareness of global warming and the overuse of the Earth's natural resources, it would seem that the travelling public has never been so conscious of the effects and impact that their holidays have, not just on the environment but also on local communities the world over.

That said, Justin Francis, the co-founder of the website Responsible Travel, still feels there is a long way to go so far as the public's awareness of green travel issues is concerned. Francis believes that although some consumers are now actively seeking out these types of holidays, the majority are still not aware of the growing number of choices. "I wish that people were springing out of bed in the mornings thinking that they must select a holiday that does a better job of protecting environments and communities. Sadly it does not happen, and the main factors are still the right experience, the right price and convenient departure schedules," says Francis.

Despite a major airline's recent announcement that it plans to fly jets on fuel made from rubbish to shrink their carbon footprint, most people are aware that air travel is a controversial issue in the environmentally friendly travel debate. While many insist that the only truly green option is not to fly or to stay at home, those who still want to get away have an increasing number of choices available to help them lessen the environmental impact and give more to their host community.

The Green Traveller website promotes holidays that can be reached by land, as well as offering plenty of tips about having a greener holiday wherever you decide to go. Its managing director, Richard Hammond, agrees that interest in this kind of travel has grown. "Very few holidays are 100 per cent green, so it's really about having a greener holiday. The most basic choice is looking at low-pollution forms of transport, or, if you are going somewhere really distant, minimising your impact at the destination," says Hammond.

While many of the properties it features already have certification from a growing range of international and national schemes, Green Traveller's team of writers also personally assess each property and apply their own standards to the selection process, such as how waste is dealt with, to what extent local agricultural products are used, and whether visitors are encouraged to arrive by rail.

Older-established tour operators have also realised that a growing number of clients are beginning to include this new set of factors when making their decision on where to holiday. Last year, First Choice added a Greener Holidays brochure into its programme, and tour operators now often list accommodation-only or activity-only prices so people can choose their own means of transport, such as travelling by rail rather than by air.

Hotels are increasingly keen to talk up their ecological achievements. One of the biggest criticisms of international hotel chains is their overuse of the Earth's resources, and in response many have implemented measures they claim will reduce this. While these are no doubt based on good environmental principles, schemes like planting a tree for every five towels reused, for instance, are unlikely to make much difference overall.

Francis believes that consumers are becoming more aware of such tokenism from hotels and tour operators that may not have the best interests of the community or the planet true to their hearts. "My real hope is that we get much more curious and more questioning, and there are rebellious tourists who see through this and ask increasingly tough questions," he says.

What does Justin Francis say about attitudes to holidays?

Today's travellers have a range of responsible holiday choices. Aoife O'Riordain reports.

With the increasing awareness of global warming and the overuse of the Earth's natural resources, it would seem that the travelling public has never been so conscious of the effects and impact that their holidays have, not just on the environment but also on local communities the world over.

That said, Justin Francis, the co-founder of the website Responsible Travel, still feels there is a long way to go so far as the public's awareness of green travel issues is concerned. Francis believes that although some consumers are now actively seeking out these types of holidays, the majority are still not aware of the growing number of choices. "I wish that people were springing out of bed in the mornings thinking that they must select a holiday that does a better job of protecting environments and communities. Sadly it does not happen, and the main factors are still the right experience, the right price and convenient departure schedules," says Francis.

Despite a major airline's recent announcement that it plans to fly jets on fuel made from rubbish to shrink their carbon footprint, most people are aware that air travel is a controversial issue in the environmentally friendly travel debate. While many insist that the only truly green option is not to fly or to stay at home, those who still want to get away have an increasing number of choices available to help them lessen the environmental impact and give more to their host community.

The Green Traveller website promotes holidays that can be reached by land, as well as offering plenty of tips about having a greener holiday wherever you decide to go. Its managing director, Richard Hammond, agrees that interest in this kind of travel has grown. "Very few holidays are 100 per cent green, so it's really about having a greener holiday. The most basic choice is looking at low-pollution forms of transport, or, if you are going somewhere really distant, minimising your impact at the destination," says Hammond.

While many of the properties it features already have certification from a growing range of international and national schemes, Green Traveller's team of writers also personally assess each property and apply their own standards to the selection process, such as how waste is dealt with, to what extent local agricultural products are used, and whether visitors are encouraged to arrive by rail.

Older-established tour operators have also realised that a growing number of clients are beginning to include this new set of factors when making their decision on where to holiday. Last year, First Choice added a Greener Holidays brochure into its programme, and tour operators now often list accommodation-only or activity-only prices so people can choose their own means of transport, such as travelling by rail rather than by air.

Hotels are increasingly keen to talk up their ecological achievements. One of the biggest criticisms of international hotel chains is their overuse of the Earth's resources, and in response many have implemented measures they claim will reduce this. While these are no doubt based on good environmental principles, schemes like planting a tree for every five towels reused, for instance, are unlikely to make much difference overall.

Francis believes that consumers are becoming more aware of such tokenism from hotels and tour operators that may not have the best interests of the community or the planet true to their hearts. "My real hope is that we get much more curious and more questioning, and there are rebellious tourists who see through this and ask increasingly tough questions," he says.

What does Richard Hammond suggest to people going a long way for their holiday?

Today's travellers have a range of responsible holiday choices. Aoife O'Riordain reports.

With the increasing awareness of global warming and the overuse of the Earth's natural resources, it would seem that the travelling public has never been so conscious of the effects and impact that their holidays have, not just on the environment but also on local communities the world over.

That said, Justin Francis, the co-founder of the website Responsible Travel, still feels there is a long way to go so far as the public's awareness of green travel issues is concerned. Francis believes that although some consumers are now actively seeking out these types of holidays, the majority are still not aware of the growing number of choices. "I wish that people were springing out of bed in the mornings thinking that they must select a holiday that does a better job of protecting environments and communities. Sadly it does not happen, and the main factors are still the right experience, the right price and convenient departure schedules," says Francis.

Despite a major airline's recent announcement that it plans to fly jets on fuel made from rubbish to shrink their carbon footprint, most people are aware that air travel is a controversial issue in the environmentally friendly travel debate. While many insist that the only truly green option is not to fly or to stay at home, those who still want to get away have an increasing number of choices available to help them lessen the environmental impact and give more to their host community.

The Green Traveller website promotes holidays that can be reached by land, as well as offering plenty of tips about having a greener holiday wherever you decide to go. Its managing director, Richard Hammond, agrees that interest in this kind of travel has grown. "Very few holidays are 100 per cent green, so it's really about having a greener holiday. The most basic choice is looking at low-pollution forms of transport, or, if you are going somewhere really distant, minimising your impact at the destination," says Hammond.

While many of the properties it features already have certification from a growing range of international and national schemes, Green Traveller's team of writers also personally assess each property and apply their own standards to the selection process, such as how waste is dealt with, to what extent local agricultural products are used, and whether visitors are encouraged to arrive by rail.

Older-established tour operators have also realised that a growing number of clients are beginning to include this new set of factors when making their decision on where to holiday. Last year, First Choice added a Greener Holidays brochure into its programme, and tour operators now often list accommodation-only or activity-only prices so people can choose their own means of transport, such as travelling by rail rather than by air.

Hotels are increasingly keen to talk up their ecological achievements. One of the biggest criticisms of international hotel chains is their overuse of the Earth's resources, and in response many have implemented measures they claim will reduce this. While these are no doubt based on good environmental principles, schemes like planting a tree for every five towels reused, for instance, are unlikely to make much difference overall.

Francis believes that consumers are becoming more aware of such tokenism from hotels and tour operators that may not have the best interests of the community or the planet true to their hearts. "My real hope is that we get much more curious and more questioning, and there are rebellious tourists who see through this and ask increasingly tough questions," he says.

What does "it" in the underlined word сombination refer to?

Today's travellers have a range of responsible holiday choices. Aoife O'Riordain reports.

With the increasing awareness of global warming and the overuse of the Earth's natural resources, it would seem that the travelling public has never been so conscious of the effects and impact that their holidays have, not just on the environment but also on local communities the world over.

That said, Justin Francis, the co-founder of the website Responsible Travel, still feels there is a long way to go so far as the public's awareness of green travel issues is concerned. Francis believes that although some consumers are now actively seeking out these types of holidays, the majority are still not aware of the growing number of choices. "I wish that people were springing out of bed in the mornings thinking that they must select a holiday that does a better job of protecting environments and communities. Sadly it does not happen, and the main factors are still the right experience, the right price and convenient departure schedules," says Francis.

Despite a major airline's recent announcement that it plans to fly jets on fuel made from rubbish to shrink their carbon footprint, most people are aware that air travel is a controversial issue in the environmentally friendly travel debate. While many insist that the only truly green option is not to fly or to stay at home, those who still want to get away have an increasing number of choices available to help them lessen the environmental impact and give more to their host community.

The Green Traveller website promotes holidays that can be reached by land, as well as offering plenty of tips about having a greener holiday wherever you decide to go. Its managing director, Richard Hammond, agrees that interest in this kind of travel has grown. "Very few holidays are 100 per cent green, so it's really about having a greener holiday. The most basic choice is looking at low-pollution forms of transport, or, if you are going somewhere really distant, minimising your impact at the destination," says Hammond.

While many of the properties it features already have certification from a growing range of international and national schemes, Green Traveller's team of writers also personally assess each property and apply their own standards to the selection process, such as how waste is dealt with, to what extent local agricultural products are used, and whether visitors are encouraged to arrive by rail.

Older-established tour operators have also realised that a growing number of clients are beginning to include this new set of factors when making their decision on where to holiday. Last year, First Choice added a Greener Holidays brochure into its programme, and tour operators now often list accommodation-only or activity-only prices so people can choose their own means of transport, such as travelling by rail rather than by air.

Hotels are increasingly keen to talk up their ecological achievements. One of the biggest criticisms of international hotel chains is their overuse of the Earth's resources, and in response many have implemented measures they claim will reduce this. While these are no doubt based on good environmental principles, schemes like planting a tree for every five towels reused, for instance, are unlikely to make much difference overall.

Francis believes that consumers are becoming more aware of such tokenism from hotels and tour operators that may not have the best interests of the community or the planet true to their hearts. "My real hope is that we get much more curious and more questioning, and there are rebellious tourists who see through this and ask increasingly tough questions," he says.

Some firms believe that people are now more likely to choose a holiday ....

Today's travellers have a range of responsible holiday choices. Aoife O'Riordain reports.

With the increasing awareness of global warming and the overuse of the Earth's natural resources, it would seem that the travelling public has never been so conscious of the effects and impact that their holidays have, not just on the environment but also on local communities the world over.

That said, Justin Francis, the co-founder of the website Responsible Travel, still feels there is a long way to go so far as the public's awareness of green travel issues is concerned. Francis believes that although some consumers are now actively seeking out these types of holidays, the majority are still not aware of the growing number of choices. "I wish that people were springing out of bed in the mornings thinking that they must select a holiday that does a better job of protecting environments and communities. Sadly it does not happen, and the main factors are still the right experience, the right price and convenient departure schedules," says Francis.

Despite a major airline's recent announcement that it plans to fly jets on fuel made from rubbish to shrink their carbon footprint, most people are aware that air travel is a controversial issue in the environmentally friendly travel debate. While many insist that the only truly green option is not to fly or to stay at home, those who still want to get away have an increasing number of choices available to help them lessen the environmental impact and give more to their host community.

The Green Traveller website promotes holidays that can be reached by land, as well as offering plenty of tips about having a greener holiday wherever you decide to go. Its managing director, Richard Hammond, agrees that interest in this kind of travel has grown. "Very few holidays are 100 per cent green, so it's really about having a greener holiday. The most basic choice is looking at low-pollution forms of transport, or, if you are going somewhere really distant, minimising your impact at the destination," says Hammond.

While many of the properties it features already have certification from a growing range of international and national schemes, Green Traveller's team of writers also personally assess each property and apply their own standards to the selection process, such as how waste is dealt with, to what extent local agricultural products are used, and whether visitors are encouraged to arrive by rail.

Older-established tour operators have also realised that a growing number of clients are beginning to include this new set of factors when making their decision on where to holiday. Last year, First Choice added a Greener Holidays brochure into its programme, and tour operators now often list accommodation-only or activity-only prices so people can choose their own means of transport, such as travelling by rail rather than by air.

Hotels are increasingly keen to talk up their ecological achievements. One of the biggest criticisms of international hotel chains is their overuse of the Earth's resources, and in response many have implemented measures they claim will reduce this. While these are no doubt based on good environmental principles, schemes like planting a tree for every five towels reused, for instance, are unlikely to make much difference overall.

Francis believes that consumers are becoming more aware of such tokenism from hotels and tour operators that may not have the best interests of the community or the planet true to their hearts. "My real hope is that we get much more curious and more questioning, and there are rebellious tourists who see through this and ask increasingly tough questions," he says.

What is meant by "tokenism" in the last paragraph?

Montreal Botanical Garden and Biodome

The main attraction for people seeking indoor nature in Canada’s metropolis is the Biodome, an indoor garden with animals and plants from all over the Americas. The Biodome is especially popular in the wintertime. The botanical garden has a number of greenhouses. Orchid gardens and a tropical rainforest greenhouse can be found on the grounds, while other 10 garden’s exhibition greenhouses alter every season. This place … .

А) is an oasis in the middle of a public transport centre

B) replicates a cold ecosystem in warm surroundings

C offers classes to visitors in breeding useful insects

D) is known for the futuristic architecture

E) is maintained by advanced technical equipment

F) is officially recognized as an economical energy consumer

G) is located on a former city rubbish dump

H) changes its plant displays throughout the year

Eden Project, England

Located in Cornwall, in Southern England, this unique collection of gardens is not a typical conservatory. The domes look like they came from the set of a science fiction film. These odd-looking structures are home to self-contained biosystems with plant life from tropical and Mediterranean climates. A number of outdoor gardens are also part of the complex. 

This place … .

А) is an oasis in the middle of a public transport centre

B) replicates a cold ecosystem in warm surroundings

C offers classes to visitors in breeding useful insects

D) is known for the futuristic architecture

E) is maintained by advanced technical equipment

F) is officially recognized as an economical energy consumer

G) is located on a former city rubbish dump

H) changes its plant displays throughout the year

Atocha Station, Madrid

Not every indoor garden is housed in a purpose-built greenhouse. Madrid’s Atocha Train Station is a perfect example of such a place. It does get very busy, but a massive garden boasting more than 7,000 plants representing 260 species gives it a quiet atmosphere, even at rush hour. There is also a pond that serves as a turtle sanctuary, in addition to housing a number of fish. 

This place … .

А) is an oasis in the middle of a public transport centre

B) replicates a cold ecosystem in warm surroundings

C offers classes to visitors in breeding useful insects

D) is known for the futuristic architecture

E) is maintained by advanced technical equipment

F) is officially recognized as an economical energy consumer

G) is located on a former city rubbish dump

H) changes its plant displays throughout the year

Phipps Conservatory, Pittsburgh

Arguably the greenest venue on our list, the Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh has recently built a Tropical Forest Conservatory. The new greenhouse uses modern ventilation, earth tubes, radiant heating, and computer controlled shading and fogging to create a tropical environment with the absolute minimum consumption of energy. Phipps also offers tours of its research-oriented Centre for Sustainable Landscapes and its energy-efficient production greenhouse. 

This place … .

А) is an oasis in the middle of a public transport centre

B) replicates a cold ecosystem in warm surroundings

C offers classes to visitors in breeding useful insects

D) is known for the futuristic architecture

E) is maintained by advanced technical equipment

F) is officially recognized as an economical energy consumer

G) is located on a former city rubbish dump

H) changes its plant displays throughout the year

Yumenoshima Tropical Greenhouse Dome, Tokyo

This large greenhouse complex in Tokyo was originally built on land reclaimed from a site used for waste depositing. There are actually three domes and an additional exhibit space where rare species of carnivorous plants are housed. Highlights include a fern forest, an indoor waterfall, orchid gardens from the sub-tropical Ogasawara Islands.

This place … .

А) is an oasis in the middle of a public transport centre

B) replicates a cold ecosystem in warm surroundings

C offers classes to visitors in breeding useful insects

D) is known for the futuristic architecture

E) is maintained by advanced technical equipment

F) is officially recognized as an economical energy consumer

G) is located on a former city rubbish dump

H) changes its plant displays throughout the year