Transportation

Derech 531: An Israeli Environmental Activist Plan

For two days this week, at Jerusalem's Conference Centre, the first Jerusalem Environment and Nature Conference took place. You can read a preview post...

Biking Through Green, For Green

Previously famous for harboring a fledgling prophet in her guest bedroom for a weekend (and for cooking amazing, veggie-licious meals), our friend...

Bio-Fuels and the Aviation Industry

Things are really hotting up this week in the great debate about air transport being the big nasty in terms of pollution and climate...

Palestinian Engineer Helps Build Tel Aviv Light Rail Train (And Peace)

Issa Zananiri (left) and his supervisor from the Technion. It might be a bit of a head-scratcher for those who see nothing but the violent...

Hybrid Cab Fleet Taking Over Tel Aviv?

In a bid to cut down on pollution (and greenhouse gases we hope), the Tel Aviv Municipality is conducting a feasibility study on the...

The Electric Car Hype Intensifies

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmOW0z__AMI&rel=1We've been a little skeptical about the electric car project proposed by Shai Agassi. Israel relies still on heavily-polluting coal power plants; and a...

Get on yer bike in Tel Aviv

Hot on the heels (or should that be, ‘wheels’) of the news that bicycle use is on the rise in Tel Aviv, the municipality...

Tel Aviv to Jerusalem Train Offers A Long Journey Through Greenness

Traveling anywhere in Israel from the Holy City isn't going to be easy on the day President Bush arrives, but it is a perfect...

Pedal power

Being such a small place, you'd think Israel would be a simple place to get around on less than four wheels. But, alas, this...

Wanna Be A Rocket Man?

Afraid that this planet is doomed? Before global warming sets in, how about shooting a sample of your DNA into outer space? For a...

Good Energy Initiative Shrinks Carbon Footprint of the Holy Land

There is a lot of talk these days about carbon footprints. And there is much debate over how people can reduce theirs. A carbon footprint...

The True Cost of Free Parking in Tel Aviv

"How long do we spend searching for a space to park? What are the costs of "free" parking? Is it time to start charging drivers a price that reflects the real cost of their parking place?"

Amirim 2026: Best Places to Stay in Israel’s Vegetarian Village

Discover Amirim, Israel's vegetarian and vegan village overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Explore wellness retreats, guesthouses, art, nature and sustainable living in 2026.Amirim in 2026: Israel's Vegetarian Village Still Inspires Sustainable Living Long before veganism became mainstream and wellness retreats became a global industry, there was Amirim. Perched 650 meters above sea level in the hills of the Upper Galilee, overlooking the Sea of Galilee, Amirim remains one of Israel's most unusual and enduring communities. Founded in 1958 by Holocaust survivors and immigrants who wanted to create a village based on vegetarian principles, Amirim rejected livestock farming and the meat industry in favor of a lifestyle centered on health, nature, hospitality, and respect for animals. Nearly seven decades later, the village's founding ideals feel more relevant than ever. As concerns about climate change, sustainable food systems, animal welfare, and personal wellbeing continue to grow, Amirim stands as a living example of a community built around many of the values now embraced by younger generations around the world. A Village Built on an Idea Several attempts were made to establish a settlement on the site before Amirim finally took root. Unlike neighboring agricultural communities, however, the founders chose not to raise animals for food. Instead, they built a moshav centered on vegetarianism, organic agriculture, and tourism. Because traditional farming offered limited economic opportunities under these constraints, residents began opening guesthouses to visitors seeking fresh air, quiet surroundings, and a different way of life. What began as a practical solution eventually became the foundation of Amirim's success. Today, the village remains one of Israel's most distinctive tourism destinations. Wellness Before It Was Trendy Long before wellness became a buzzword, Amirim attracted people interested in holistic living. Many residents have long been involved in: Herbal medicine Massage therapy Yoga and meditation Natural nutrition Alternative healing practices Organic gardening The village retains a relaxed atmosphere that feels far removed from Israel's larger cities. Visitors come to slow down, hike forest trails, read on a balcony overlooking the Kinneret, or simply enjoy a few days without noise and traffic. Artists, Musicians and Free Spirits Amirim has always attracted creative people. Studios and workshops throughout the village feature local artists, ceramicists, woodworkers, jewelers, and craftspeople. Open studio events and seasonal gatherings continue to draw visitors interested in art, culture, and community. The village's reputation as a haven for musicians, healers, and alternative thinkers remains part of its charm. Some longtime residents claim that musicians from the beloved multicultural Israeli band Sheva have spent time in the area. Whether fact or local legend, the story captures the village's free-spirited atmosphere perfectly. Nature at Your Doorstep Amirim sits on one of the most beautiful roads in northern Israel, between Karmiel and Safed. From the village, visitors can explore: Forest walking trails Scenic viewpoints overlooking the Sea of Galilee Cycling routes through the Galilee hills Nearby wineries Ancient olive groves Nature reserves and birdwatching sites In spring, the surrounding hills are covered with wildflowers. In winter, mist often drifts across the valleys below, creating dramatic views from the village's hilltop location. Where to Stay in Amirim Amirim continues to offer some of the most charming guest accommodations in northern Israel. Longtime favorites include: Honny Guesthouse – One of the village's classic zimmers, known for warm hospitality, gardens, and peaceful surroundings. Ohn-Bar Guesthouse – A longtime favorite offering panoramic views, spacious suites, and easy access to hiking trails. Michal Guest House – Family-run accommodations with a cozy atmosphere and beautiful Galilee scenery. Newer options have expanded the village's appeal: First Light Cabins – Modern boutique cabins designed for couples seeking quiet, privacy, and forest views. Amirim Atmosphere – A wellness-oriented retreat featuring gardens, spa amenities, and mountain views. Dream Time Villa – Popular with families and groups looking for spacious accommodations and a peaceful setting. Blue House in the Woods – A nature-focused hideaway surrounded by oak trees and walking trails. The Solitary Cabin – A secluded retreat ideal for writers, artists, and anyone seeking complete tranquility. Geodesic Dome Retreats – Unique eco-friendly domes that combine glamping, architecture, and nature. Many accommodations feature private hot tubs, fireplaces, outdoor decks, and spectacular views stretching toward the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. Ahead of Its Time When Amirim's founders chose vegetarianism in the 1950s, many considered the idea unusual. Today, plant-based diets, sustainable tourism, local food systems, and wellness travel have become global trends. What once seemed radical now appears remarkably forward-looking. Nearly seventy years after its founding, Amirim continues to offer visitors something increasingly rare: a community built around simplicity, nature, hospitality, creativity, and a belief that people can live more lightly on the land. In a world moving ever faster, Amirim remains a place where slowing down is part of the experience.

Hot this week

90% of Americans worry about microplastics

Microplastics are showing up everywhere—from dollar store toys and synthetic clothing to bottled water, toothbrushes and even human sperm. A new Ocean Conservancy survey finds that nearly 9 in 10 Americans are concerned about the health impacts of microplastics, while support is growing for tougher regulations. As scientists uncover plastic particles in the heart, placenta and reproductive organs, the question is no longer whether microplastics are affecting our lives, but how much damage they are already doing.

Understanding Food Production: Karl Studer on the Urban-Rural Knowledge Gap

Karl Studer occupies an unusual position in American business. As President of Quanta Services, he oversees electrical infrastructure operations across the United States, Canada, and Australia, managing thousands of employees and multibillion-dollar projects.

Tigris River oil spill highlights Iraq’s environmental oversight and our addiction to oil

A fresh oil spill in the Tigris River, filmed by an Iraqi university student, has reignited concern over Iraq's polluted waterways. From ancient Mesopotamia to modern Basra, the country's dependence on oil has come at a steep environmental and human cost, with activists warning that unchecked contamination is putting ecosystems and public health at risk.

Doctor-Led Direct Hair Transplant: What Surgeon Involvement Means for Outcomes

Hair restoration technology continues to evolve, but the surgeon behind the procedure remains the most important factor. Doctor-led hair transplants emphasize careful diagnosis, conservative donor management, natural hairline design, and long-term planning rather than simply maximizing graft counts. By treating donor hair as a limited resource and tailoring each procedure to the patient's future hair loss, experienced surgeons can reduce the need for corrective surgery while delivering more natural, sustainable results.

Data centers in Space? Sophia Space and Apex plan on busing them in

Can data centers really be built in space? Pasadena-based Sophia Space is partnering with Apex to test the idea by launching modular AI computing systems into low Earth orbit in 2027. Using radiation-hardened compute TILEs cooled by passive radiative systems and mounted on scalable satellite buses, the companies aim to prove that edge computing can operate reliably in space. While challenges remain, the project represents an important step toward distributed orbital computing networks that could support everything from climate monitoring and pollution tracking to autonomous spacecraft navigation in an increasingly crowded orbital environment.

Topics

90% of Americans worry about microplastics

Microplastics are showing up everywhere—from dollar store toys and synthetic clothing to bottled water, toothbrushes and even human sperm. A new Ocean Conservancy survey finds that nearly 9 in 10 Americans are concerned about the health impacts of microplastics, while support is growing for tougher regulations. As scientists uncover plastic particles in the heart, placenta and reproductive organs, the question is no longer whether microplastics are affecting our lives, but how much damage they are already doing.

Understanding Food Production: Karl Studer on the Urban-Rural Knowledge Gap

Karl Studer occupies an unusual position in American business. As President of Quanta Services, he oversees electrical infrastructure operations across the United States, Canada, and Australia, managing thousands of employees and multibillion-dollar projects.

Tigris River oil spill highlights Iraq’s environmental oversight and our addiction to oil

A fresh oil spill in the Tigris River, filmed by an Iraqi university student, has reignited concern over Iraq's polluted waterways. From ancient Mesopotamia to modern Basra, the country's dependence on oil has come at a steep environmental and human cost, with activists warning that unchecked contamination is putting ecosystems and public health at risk.

Doctor-Led Direct Hair Transplant: What Surgeon Involvement Means for Outcomes

Hair restoration technology continues to evolve, but the surgeon behind the procedure remains the most important factor. Doctor-led hair transplants emphasize careful diagnosis, conservative donor management, natural hairline design, and long-term planning rather than simply maximizing graft counts. By treating donor hair as a limited resource and tailoring each procedure to the patient's future hair loss, experienced surgeons can reduce the need for corrective surgery while delivering more natural, sustainable results.

Data centers in Space? Sophia Space and Apex plan on busing them in

Can data centers really be built in space? Pasadena-based Sophia Space is partnering with Apex to test the idea by launching modular AI computing systems into low Earth orbit in 2027. Using radiation-hardened compute TILEs cooled by passive radiative systems and mounted on scalable satellite buses, the companies aim to prove that edge computing can operate reliably in space. While challenges remain, the project represents an important step toward distributed orbital computing networks that could support everything from climate monitoring and pollution tracking to autonomous spacecraft navigation in an increasingly crowded orbital environment.

Mona Khalil, Orange House Project founder, sea turtle protector killed in Lebanon

Mona Khalil spent decades protecting Lebanon's sea turtles and coastal ecosystems. Her death in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah shines a light on a broader environmental tragedy unfolding across northern Israel and southern Lebanon. From damaged wetlands and disrupted bird migrations to threatened seed banks and endangered wildlife, the region's ecosystems are becoming casualties of a war with no clear end in sight.

6 Ways Landlords Can Improve Cash Flow from Eco Rentals

Want your rental property to pay the mortgage? Build a sustainable home that practically advertises itself. From solar-heated hot tubs and energy-efficient appliances to pet-friendly yards and Nordic-style saunas, eco-conscious upgrades can justify higher rents, attract better tenants, and reduce costly vacancies. This guide explores practical ways landlords can improve cash flow without major renovations, including working with property managers, adjusting rental rates strategically, reducing operating expenses, and uncovering new revenue streams. Whether you're running an Airbnb, a vacation cabin, or a long-term rental, sustainability isn't just good for the planet—it can be good for your bottom line. A greener property often becomes a more profitable one.

Dior’s Summer 2027 show promises sustainability. Do we believe them?

Dior highlights recycled materials, regenerative agriculture, circularity initiatives, and digital traceability, but the luxury fashion business model still depends on constant consumption, global supply chains, fashion shows, and high-carbon production.
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