What do you use social media for? To chat with friends, share interesting facts, or read the news? Great, but these powered resources offer far more opportunities than just entertainment and casual interactions. These platforms have become essential tools for developing professional pages, expanding businesses, and generating new orders. Having a strong presence is no longer optional for companies—it’s mandatory. Your clients are already online, scrolling through their feeds, searching for solutions, and engaging with brands.

But not every brand succeeds in standing out. Some struggle to attract buyers, some fail to compete effectively, and others simply don’t know how to interact with their subs. While the reasons for failure may vary, one thing is clear: achieving success requires a solid strategy. Whether through creative content, audience connecting, or leveraging services like Viplikes to purchase important interactions such as followers or comments, you can position your eco-business for growth. In this article, we’ll explore one paid and two free methods to make your eco-brand flourish.

Content Optimization (Free)

Creating amazing content is essential, but it’s wasted effort if users don’t see it. That’s where optimization comes in. Hashtags are one of the simplest tools you can use to make your posts discoverable by your target audience. However, using too many hashtags can backfire, making your content look spammy or desperate.

The key is to focus on quality over quantity. Choose 2–3 highly relevant hashtags for each post, ensuring they align with your audience’s interests and your niche. For example, if your company focuses on sustainable packaging, hashtags like #Sustainability, #EcoFriendly, and #GreenLiving can be effective.

To maximize results, conduct research to identify the hashtags that resonate best with your audience. Test different combinations, track their performance, and refine a strategy over time.

Connect with Users (Free)

Sites thrive on interaction. Entrepreneurs that actively engage with potential buyers build stronger relationships, foster trust, and generate loyalty. Start by responding to comments on your posts, thanking users for mentioning your brand, and answering their questions. These small actions show that you value your audience’s input and care about their opinions.

Additionally, take the initiative to engage on other profiles. For example, if someone posts, “Does anyone know a good eco-friendly product brand?” don’t hesitate to join the conversation. Share your expertise, suggest your brand, and connect with clients.

Investing in Your Page (Paid)

The rapid growth of marketing has given rise to various services designed to help succeed online. One of the most working strategies for accelerating your growth is using sites to purchase targeted boosts for the company’s page.

For instance, if you frequently post links to your website or products, buying instant link clicks can significantly increase traffic. Similarly, you can purchase subs, likes, comments, and shares to enhance your profile’s credibility. These metrics make your page look more established and trustworthy, encouraging organic subs to interact with your posts.

In 2025, investing in such services is a cost-effective way to stay ahead of the competition. Even a modest advertising budget can yield substantial results. For eco-businesses, where building trust and showcasing authenticity are crucial, these paid boosts can provide the foundation for long-term success. By using Viplikes, you can focus on creating meaningful content while letting strategic investments handle the initial growth phase.

Brilliant engagement isn’t just about replying to comments—it’s about creating a community around your brand. Encourage your potential clients to share their stories, post testimonials, and participate in challenges or giveaways. This organic interaction not only strengthens your online presence but also amplifies your reach through word-of-mouth marketing.

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Thailand is known for luxury travel, great massages and food, unbeatable weather, lots of smiles and miles of beaches. But as inflation rises and the standard of living increases for Thai people, finding luxury on Phuket in your price range won’t be easy.

For about $200 a night you can get a room in a medium+ star hotel close to the beach, the strip of shops that offer mango shakes, pancakes, pad thai. For much less you can travel to the North and visit hill tribes and villagers in the areas of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, which is really not to be missed. We sent our kids to live with a hill tribe in Chiang Mai. You can too!

But if you can increase your budget for a few days, a trip to Keemala, an eco luxury resort in the jungle, offers a mini vacation inside the regular fun of Thailand. It costs about $900 a night for a luxury pod, with two floors, and a private pool, and for a few days you can dream away to the sound of crickets at night and quiet during the day at the large pool or spa.

Daily yoga lessons in a cave and cultural enriching crafts (like weaving plant fronds) are part of the deal at Keemala, along with the regular fare you can find at any Thai spa: massages, facials, and alternative treatments.

Keemala caught my eye from the sea when we were on a boat trip coming home from a hidden beach. It’s not on the beach in Phucket, but a half hour walk or short taxi drive to a small Muslim village down by the coast, and taxis in Thailand, including Thailand car rental with driver, are affordable and convenient.

The concierge gives you a checklist of what you expect before your arrival, including what kind of pillows you like and how many. You will be given hand-crafted luxury soaps and creams and coffee you can grind in an old fashioned coffee grinder in the mini bar area on the first floor of your pod.

Every evening at sunset, some of the crew put on drums and bells and march around the property in a traditional ceremony the likes you won’t find at any beach bar on a strip in Phuket.

Arriving to Keemala is a chance to feel true Thai hospitality and luxury, started every morning with a delicious, healthy breakfast, made to order and on buffet in the restaurant that looks from up high over the sea.

The only complaints are that the hydroponic farm wasn’t operational when we visited, and the kids activities only happened once. There were a couple of Asian influencers busy taking way too many photos eating breakfast and by the pool, but it was sort of funny as well, especially seeing how bored their kids were by it all.

Other than that the kids enjoyed our treehouse in the jungle and three nights was perfect for feeling rested so we could enjoy the festival of Songkran or New Year’s Eve.

Love Thailand? Read my reviews on Akyra on Koh Samui and on Zazen for Buddhist sensibilities.

Then there is The Kala – the only true, intentionally-built eco resort I stayed at in Thailand in the 20 years I have been going there on and off. 

The Kala on Samui Sets Eco Bar for Thailand

The post Phuket, Thailand’s eco-luxe Keemala in the jungle appeared first on Green Prophet.

In 1866 a group of 157 men, women and children of the Christian Lovers of Zion left Maine and traveled to Israel. Their mission was to develop the Land of Israel and prepare Israel for the establishment of a Jewish nation in the Promised Land. Christian Zionism is an ideology that, in a Christian context, espouses the return of the Jewish people to the Holy Land.

Read Also: Israeli’s most sustainable hotels 

Today one of their landmark sites in Jaffa is home to a luxury hotel, the Drisco.

The Drisco is situated in the American Colony in Tel Aviv-Jaffa and includes 42 rooms and suites decorated to reflect the magnificent history of the hotel, first opened in 1866. In the hotel there are original murals from the year 1925, a bar, a rooftop facing the beaches of Tel Aviv, a gym, rooms for indulging spa treatments, a nurtured garden etc.

The global organization Relais & Châteaux chose the Drisco to be part of its collection of unique hotels, and 340 Michelin star restaurants around the world.

Relais & Châteaux was founded in 1954, and since its foundation the organization promotes a large number of luxury hospitality properties and culinary traditions, enhancing their prosperity, and acts for the preservation of local heritage and surroundings of each property.

Each year, more than 500 requests to join Relais & Châteaux are submitted, less than 2% of them actually get to join the prestigious organization.

The Drisco includes an elite restaurant the George & John restaurant, led by Chef Tomer Tal, which was graded among the 50 best restaurants in the Middle East, according to “50 BEST” (2022 to 2024).

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HomeExchange, a pioneer in home exchange vacations for over three decades, has recently introduced HomeExchange Collection—an exclusive community catering to like-minded travelers seeking to connect, share, and swap their luxurious homes. As a Certified B Corporation, HomeExchange Collection actively supports sustainable travel initiatives. By promoting the use of existing homes as accommodations, the platform reduces the need for constructing new hotels. Many homes in the collection boast eco-friendly features such as solar power, electric vehicle charging, handcrafted construction with local materials, and even bicycles for exploring local neighborhoods. 

Membership in HomeExchange Collection comes with a host of benefits, including dedicated support from a specialized team, alternative accommodation options, and coverage in case of cancellations or non-compliance. Moreover, members enjoy property damage protection of up to $2,000,000, providing peace of mind during their luxury home exchanges. 

One of the unique luxuries for members is the opportunity to feel at home anywhere in the world, immersed in homes with distinctive character. Host members contribute invaluable pre-arrival advice, offering insights into authentic travel experiences that unveil the rich tapestry of local culture and customs. Noteworthy is the diverse membership, encompassing sustainable fashion designers, international consultants, interior designers, scientists, architects, artists, and engineers—all dedicated to sharing their homes and offering meaningful recommendations in various destinations. 

The emphasis on community sets HomeExchange Collection apart. Members are encouraged to embrace a local lifestyle, supporting small businesses and adhering to recommendations from their hosts. With no financial transactions involved, the platform fosters a sense of hospitality where guests are welcomed as friends or family, promoting responsible tourism that respects the local ecosystem. 

But, HomeExchange Collection goes beyond its immediate operations, annually calculating and working to reduce its carbon footprint. The company actively contributes to global carbon neutrality through partnerships with the GoodPlanet Foundation, investing in impactful social and environmental projects.

Operating from its Paris headquarters, HomeExchange enforces a stringent waste management policy, ensuring the recycling of all workplace materials through collaboration with “Les Joyeux Recycleurs.” Furthermore, the company’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of electricity supplied exclusively by Enercoop, a French utility company harnessing renewable energies.

Here’s a look at some of our favorite properties in the MENA and Mediterranean region that can be exchanged through HomeExchange Collection:

Mountainside Family Villa 

Nestled in a traditional Turkish village, Villa Alara offers peace and proximity to attractions like Kalkan, Fethiye, Kas, and Antalya. The spacious 5-bedroom family retreat overlooks Patara beach. Ideal for a relaxing family holiday, the villa features a private pool area with stunning sea views. Spread across three floors, the ground floor offers an open-plan lounge and a well-equipped kitchen, while the second floor boasts four ensuite bedrooms with access to a large balcony. The third floor provides a rooftop terrace with sunbeds and a BBQ. Outdoors, enjoy a large infinity heated pool, jacuzzi, and various activities like table tennis and basketball. Family-friendly amenities cater to babies and toddlers. 

Charming House in the Cyclades

Serifos offers beautiful beaches, historic sites, and hiking trails, maintaining its authentic character despite tourism development. With 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, this residence sleeps 4, offering a delightful retreat in the village of Hora, a Greek village island paradise. The house is divided into two independent floors, each featuring a terrace with a view. The ground floor includes a small living/dining room, a well-equipped open kitchen, and a bedroom. The south-facing green terrace offers a beautiful view of the village and the sea.

The first floor, independent and air-conditioned, hosts a bright bedroom with a private bath. The terrace with a pergola provides a magnificent panoramic view of the Aegean Sea. The village of Hora, considered one of the most beautiful in the Cyclades, is a small fortified medieval settlement with breathtaking views. Guests can enjoy peace and quiet, a short walk to the village center, and proximity to shops, bars, and restaurants. 

Seaside Retreat in Greece

Villa Liba is a luxurious retreat on Meganisi Island, Greece, in the Ionian Sea. This residence accommodates 6 guests across 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, offering contemporary elegance. The villa features a spacious terrace, garden furniture, pergola, infinity swimming pool with a jacuzzi, outdoor kitchen, and a panoramic sea-view rooftop. Inside guests will find well-appointed bedrooms, a living room, and an equipped kitchen. The home is located a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute bike or car ride from Vathy village, known for its authentic fishing port and specialty restaurants.

Stylish Getaway in Dubai 

This luxurious apartment located in Dubai accommodates up to 4 guests. This residence is located in the prestigious Creek Harbour neighborhood with stunning views of the marina and central park. The space features 1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen.

Guests can enjoy an elegant living room, balcony, and world-class amenities like a gym, swimming pool, and 24-hour security in the high-end building, complete with a designated parking spot. Dubai Creek Harbour provides a perfect blend of natural beauty, luxury living, and cultural significance, making it an ideal destination for travelers.

The post Discover Unique Homes and Sustainable Getaways with HomeExchange Collection appeared first on Green Prophet.

They take wide turns in city streets and clog them as you are trying to make a left turn in your car. You think to yourself about how much traffic piles of city buses cause when in fact, you are the traffic. 

Buses can be the bane of your existence if you need to travel to uncertain destinations but if you are commuting regularly or have time to plan a trip taking the bus can be the most safe and sustainable option. But taking the bus is a headache because of inconvenient schedules and reliability. Having an app live Moveit can help you time your local buses and other apps run by private companies that schedule the buses can make the wait for boarding more pleasant. 

Here are 5 other tips for making your bus journey more pleasant:

1. Plan your last mile: taking the train to cities like Jerusalem from Tel Aviv or taking buses from New York to Boston can be a way to relax and avoid all the expensive covid testing procedures that may be required for even short flights or train rides. The bus, when you count the getting to the airport, security screening, waiting times, boarding times and risk of flight cancel, might actually be the faster and cheaper way to get between American and European cities. But consider the last mile. How do you plan to get from the bus stop to your destination? Taking another bus might be too confusing or challenging. Maybe plan to take a taxi or an Uber? Or have a friend or family member lined up to pick you up from the bus. If you paick light, unfold your electric scooter, put your backpack on your back and off you go! Maybe one day soon your bus will be electric or will be powered by Electrode.
2. Avoid diuretic drinks like tea, coffee and alcohol before the bus ride so you won’t be in the uncomfortable position of having to demand an unplanned convenience stop. Do bring bottled water, in your own reusable waters, and some warm herbal tea in the winter. 
3. Plan snacks that are healthy and which keep well without refrigeration. Choose snacks that don’t make crumbs or annoying noises when you eat them. Another mindful consideration when riding the bus, making it more pleasant for you and those who share the space is bringing snacks that have no odor. Some things like boiled eggs or a tuna sandwich can be difficult for people who are sensitive to odors.
4. On that note, also avoid perfume of any kind. Have you been there on a public bus when a woman sits down across from you with perfume so strong it makes you want to vomit? The movement and swaying of the bus can amplify the sensitivities to smells for others. Be mindful so you can expect the same thoughtfulness in return. If an odor near you offends you or makes you feel queasy, because it contains synthetics, try to choose another seat.
5. Bring plenty of activities that don’t require your phone. Staring at a small screen in a closed space will eventually make you feel uncomfortable. Avoid the carsick feeling by bringing larger print materials to read or choose an audio book or podcast in advance that stays close to your ears only. Download backups in case your wireless service changes or becomes unreliable on the journey

The post 5 tips for making the sustainable bus option more practical appeared first on Green Prophet.

Singapore is a fascinating country that was built by passionate people who followed their hopes and desires when they formed it at the nexus of Southeast Asia. Every day, new experiences are produced and individuals from all walks of life come together in this city that serves as a blank canvas for their wildest dreams. 

More than three times the population of Singapore visited Singapore last year because of its constant evolution, reinvention, and imagination. As a result, the time has come to Elevate your life and compile a list of Singapore’s top six most luxurious hotels.

RAFFLES SINGAPORE

Since the all-suite Raffles Singapore opened its doors more than 130 years ago, people from over the world have been singing the city praises. state’s The Raffles Hotel, a hallmark of colonial architecture, has become known for its unmatched service and elegance from bygone eras. The hotel’s 103 comfortable guest rooms feature antique furniture, ceiling fans, and Oriental rugs on teakwood floors.

Twelve “Personality Suites” are furnished with memorabilia from celebrities who have stayed there. Long Bar is where the Singapore Sling was born, while the Lobby Lounge serves English Afternoon Tea, so there’s something for everyone’s taste buds at this hotel.

Guests who book directly with a Cathay Pacific representative will receive complimentary VIP amenities, and they say they will make sure you’re taken care of once you land with their wide selection of hand-picked vacation activities. Every time you book a hotel stay or a trip with them, you’ll earn Asia Miles. As a result, every trip helps you plan and pay for the next one. You may use your miles to book hotels, rent cars, go on excursions, and much more.

CAPELLA SINGAPORE

Sentosa Island’s Capella Singapore is a quiet seaside haven just ten minutes from the city. The resort merges Singapore’s colonial past with contemporary aesthetics, taking inspiration from Tanah Merah’s Malay translation of red dirt.

Interior designer Jaya Ibrahim has designed all 112 of the hotel’s rooms, suites, villas, and manors. Swim in one of the three cascading pools, sunbathe among the lush foliage, enjoy the award-winning Auriga spa, or dine at Cassia for Chinese food or The Knolls for Mediterranean flavors at this resort. A drink at Bob’s Bar while watching the sunset, or an elegant Afternoon Tea at the hotel’s classic Chef’s Table are additional options for guests. The resort shot to stardom when it hosted the Trump-Kim nuclear summit in June of that year.

THE FULLERTON BAY HOTEL

The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore glows in the Marina Bay shoreline with its futuristic glass facade lighted by the sun. From the historic Clifford Pier in 1933, guests visit the hotel, which was designed by Andre Fu and erected entirely over water. Natural colors, rosewood latticed screens, leather, and chrome combine to provide elegant yet comfortable rooms. While eating options include La Brasserie, The Clifford Pier’s heritage-luxe restaurant, and The Landing Point, the hotel’s leisure amenities include an impressive rooftop pool.

THE FULLERTON HOTEL SINGAPORE

When it was completed in 1928, the Fullerton Building was Singapore’s General Post Office as well as Exchange Reference Library and the elite Singapore Club. The Fullerton Hotel Singapore is now a luxurious 400-room heritage hotel in the heart of Singapore’s business district.

The hotel’s dynamic location in the financial and arts areas allows it to give visitors a world-class lodging experience by fusing rich tradition with contemporary flair and customized service. Many of the rooms have views of the sunlight atrium, the river promenade, or the Marina Bay coastline. Next door, the 100-room Fullerton Bay Hotel, Singapore’s top hotel, is built in a new waterfront building and offers an equally exquisite experience. 

SIX SENSES DUXTON & MAXWELL

Six Senses Duxton and Six Senses Maxwell are separated by a short walkway in Singapore’s Six Senses property. Anouska Hempel, a well-known British designer, has renovated a row of commercial cottages on the Six Senses Duxton property.

A rich Asian past permeates the 49 guestrooms and suites, making it impossible for two to be identical. 14 colonial-style buildings were erected on the site before it was transformed into the Six Senses Maxwell. These buildings were eventually brought together to form the resort’s current form. 120 guestrooms, including a spa and boardroom/club area, are available at this facility. Additional amenities include an outdoor lap pool with an adjacent Champagne bar. Guests have access to both buildings’ amenities as well as the vibrant neighborhood surrounding them.

THE RITZ-CARTON, MILLENIA SINGAPORE

As one of Singapore’s most prominent luxury hotels, the 608-room Ritz-Carlton Marina Bay continues to be defined by the legendary Ritz-Carlton hospitality. Gardens by the Bay, the Art Science Museum, the Integrated Resorts, and the Singapore Flyer are all within walking distance, and a covered sky bridge provides access to nearly 2,000 retail and dining establishments.

An exclusive Club Lounge on floor 32 of the hotel offers famous views from the hotel’s spacious guestrooms and suites. There are a variety of activities available for guests of the opulent hotel, including relaxing in the spa, working out in the 24-hour gym, and dining at Colony or the Michelin-starred Summer Pavilion, which serves Cantonese cuisine.

Try visiting the biodome at the end of a week for a relaxing eco experience. 

The post Luxury five-star hotels in Singapore for Vacations and Meetings appeared first on Green Prophet.

One thing you can say about the travel and tourism industry is that it is never static. Yes, there are many evergreen tourism destinations that have stood the test of time, however, the story of modern tourism has been punctuated by change. This is perhaps because newly created attractions have the ability to capture our imagination in unique and interesting ways, a feat that may not be available from older destinations. To see this in action, we’ve turned to the work of Abdulla Al Humaidi. The Kuwaiti European Holding CEO has built a career on creating some of the world’s most exciting new tourist destinations, making his work worthy of further inspection for anyone interested in this ever-changing field.

Abdulla Al Humaidi Background and Expertise

Before we dive into the attractions created by Abdulla Al Humaidi, let’s first look at his background and how that informs his expertise. As head of Kuwaiti European Holding, the business professional is in charge of managing a vast financial portfolio. This has provoked him to build his expertise in a wide range of related areas, including real estate, entertainment, and tourism. This expertise has been developed, at times, due to a need to diversify his company’s assets and ensure that it could weather the natural ups and downs of international financial markets.

The CEO’s focus has also been on creating enduring projects that can be of use to the world at large. While some holding companies seek only to maximize profits, his organization has recognized that the search for stable investments need not have a negative impact on others. In fact, through his access to capital, the business leader has been able to build up a knack for investments that have a positive impact on local communities, the environment, and the economic prospects of global citizens.

We’ll explore this aspect of his work in greater detail below, but in broad strokes, this work has been successful through an understanding that the allocations of funds can be used to create a significant positive impact. This theory has informed the CEO’s work since his early days heading his organization and continues to color the tone and goals of his efforts to the present. As we’ll see, this ultimately has the effect of creating developments that are designed to produce compelling travel destinations that can coexist harmoniously with the world around them.

Aqueous Resort Project

A prime example of the work of Abdulla Al Humaidi has been the Aqueous Resort located on the Red Sea in Egypt. The completion of the resort has been a long-held goal of the CEO and his organization and, with phase one of construction now finished, that goal has now become a reality. The resort itself has been imagined as a way to bring groups together in a location that is both historic and ever-changing. Because of this dynamic nature, the project is a great first example of the ethos of the investment professional when it comes to developing new tourist attractions.

Construction has included an innovative mix of indoor and outdoor spaces that naturally flow into one another. Indoor spaces have been created with a wide range of tasteful modern amenities that can play host to long-term guests or short-term visitors. Throughout the outdoor area of the resort, guests can find numerous spaces to congregate that can handle groups of varying sizes. These spaces are formed through natural and manmade structures that provide alcoves fit for socializing and spending quality time with family and friends. A collection of pools wind through the property allowing for a pleasing diversion for those in attendance and artful lighting allows for the use of the space both day and night.

While the Red Sea has long been considered a place of historical significance, the Aqueous Resort is helping to change how visitors interact with this timeless area. By providing updated access to modern amenities and activities for a wide range of guests, the development exemplifies how the travel industry can change over time. The mix of a historic setting with new development also showcases the norm that many travelers have now come to expect as they seek to access some of the world’s most exciting places while maintaining the convenience of their daily lives.

Abdulla Al Humaidi Sets Focus on Amusement Park

Another exciting example of the way in which Abdulla Al Humaidi is helping to shift world travel norms is through his development of a new themed amusement park in London. The project, which is set to open in 2024, has already been the focus of much anticipation and excitement among international travelers. A good portion of this excitement has focused on the creation of themed lands in the park, drawing comparisons to Disneyland and Universal Studios.

Those themed lands will span a variety of exciting concepts, including a forested land, fantasy land, sci-fi land, and more. Rides will reflect the themes of the lands in which they reside and commercial offerings will also be themed as well. The immersive experience will be further deepened by a number of dramatic offerings, such as shows and other performances, that will tie into the themes present in different areas of the park.

Not only has the park’s adherence to an immersive narrative provoked excitement amongst travelers, but it has also again showcased the manner in which the CEO has sought to move the travel industry forward. The park is already being called one of London’s most anticipated coming attractions and seems ready to become a major landmark in a city already replete with travel destinations. Once again, we see how reliance on innovation and expertise has allowed the business professional to create a sense of dynamic change in an industry famous for innovation.

Building With Positive Intention

As we noted at the beginning of this piece, the mission of the CEO to do good in the world is present in all of his travel developments, and the two explored above are no exception. In the case of the Aqueous Resort, plenty of care has been taken to not only preserve the natural area surrounding the resort but also to improve the economic prospects of local residents. This has manifested through a focus on showcasing local restaurants and vendors and helping to provide easy access for guests to participate in the local economy. In this way, travelers get a chance to experience local cuisines and natural formations, while residents gain a new source of potential income.

In the case of the CEO’s new theme park in London, this idea can again be seen through the efforts made to have a positive environmental impact on the surrounding area. To this end, the business professional has included plans to create protective wildlife refuges that will help to improve biodiversity in the area and maintain the city’s important existing wildlife populations. The development will also incorporate a number of public green spaces to provide access to the area’s natural beauty and allow residents ample opportunities to experience areas of their community that may have otherwise been inaccessible.

While the tourism industry may sometimes feature long-standing destinations, it is also a field that can be marked by change and innovation. This fact can make the sector fascinating for anyone who enjoys travel, development, or the creation of new and interesting business solutions. The efforts of Abdulla Al Humaidi provide a prime example of how this work can be carried out in the real world. Through the creation of resorts, amusement parks, and other developments, the Kuwaiti European Holding CEO is helping to create dynamic change in the field of tourism and allow global citizens to discover the world in new and exciting ways.

The post How Abdulla Al Humaidi Is Influencing Modern Travel Options appeared first on Green Prophet.

GoPro is a very young company, founded in the early 2000s, which in just a few short years has enjoyed incredible and unparalleled success. This new device has quickly become the best friend of adventurers, travellers, photographers and film-makers. The GoPro has completely revolutionized the way people make videos and fulfilled their desire to create memories of their lives. It is also widely used by many youtubers and vloggers, who have contributed to spreading the word about this innovative and cutting-edge new type of camera. In just five years, the name ‘GoPro’ was already on everyone’s mind, and many people decided to buy one for their own personal use. Thanks to numerous model upgrades, the GoPro now allows owners to create truly high-quality content, even when they can’t hold it in their hands. In fact, it is possible to easily retrieve videos on the web of people attaching their GoPro to their helmet, to show the route they take while doing sports, for example. 

As it is such a valuable tool, however, it is impossible not to acknowledge how expensive it can actually be. Especially for the enthusiasts, who certainly prefer the latest models, buying a GoPro can be very expensive. What many people don’t know, however, is that there are a few little techniques that can be implemented which help GoPro customers save money on their purchases. Keep reading to find out what they are!

1. DON’T STOP AT THE FIRST WEBSITE YOU COME ACROSS

This paragraph focuses particularly on buying a GoPro online, which is actually the best way for users to save money, and here’s how. Many people make the mistake of looking for the best deal on the first website they visit. This is a bad first step that should not be made! Even if it’s the official GoPro website, do not limit yourself to a single offer you quickly find. Instead, the best thing you can do is to compare several websites, to see which one offers the best price for the model you are interested in. For example, you might happen to discover that the type of GoPro you are looking for is on offer in a certain shop, while in another one you would have to pay full price for it. Also, to make sure that you have checked everything, you can search for your GoPro on one of those sites that already allow users to compare different prices at the same time, such as Amazon for example. In order to make the right choice when buying your GoPro, you need to do some real research and not settle for the first proposal you find on the web.

2. MAKE GOOD USE OF DISCOUNT CODES

Many people forget about GoPro discount codes when they are shopping online. However, they are easy to find on the web, as GoPro has partnered with websites to offer their customers discount percentages, which can often be very high. As a matter of fact, there are some websites that offer the service of providing discount codes and coupons to customers, which can be helpful when making an online purchase. Moreover, discount codes are always a winning asset when it comes to price savings.

3.NEVER FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE

If you are a true GoPro fan, you really should register on the official website. Once you become a member of the GoPro club, you will receive all the updates about the brand by email, but not just that. The company offers its loyal customers exclusive discounts and offers that normal customers cannot access. So, what are you waiting for? Sign up immediately!

4. THE LUCK OF THOSE WHO SEARCH THROUGH THE SECOND-HAND PRODUCTS

GoPro cameras are very often used by people who work in the video business, or who use the camera to document their business in the best possible way. Therefore, it is very common that they decide to discard an old model as soon as a new one comes out, because it is really important for them to be able to display their content in the best possible way. So, if you are a private consumer and don’t need to buy the latest version of the GoPro, always look for second-hand products. Indeed, you will find plenty of people who decide to sell their GoPro, even if it is fully functional and in excellent condition. You might be really lucky and find a great deal!

The post 4 Simple Ways to Save Money on Your GoPro appeared first on Green Prophet.

Some countries like Iceland and Costa Rica are made for eco adventurers because nature is simply a prominent part of the nation’s being. Countries like America, which brought us super-size me and McMansions –– and Dubai’s towering skyscrapers –– less so. To keep our eyes on the prize, which is full nature immersion left, right and center, let’s look at 5 of the wildest places to visit for an immersive ecological and natural experience without having to look hard for an “official” eco-resort. Because by default nature and natural getaways should be a complete experience everywhere you turn, not a special package.

Retreats in North Iceland will pull you right into the heart of nature. Northern lights, endless fjords, volcanoes and natural hot springs with geothermal energy that produces vodka. There’s no better place than Iceland for your first eco-journey after Covid isolation. Activities include hiking in the wild, fishing, whale watching and singing like Bjork out in the wild. Being a part of the wild Icelandic landscape helps you find a bit more of the wild in yourself.

The midnight sun and warm temperatures make summer the best season of the year to visit Iceland. Hikers might think that July and August are the best months to visit Iceland –– but it’s actually February, March, September and October –– when you will have the best chance to see the spectacular Northern Lights. 

The Northern Lights are by far nature’s most spectacular event and light show, also known as the Aurora Borealis. Don’t worry about missing them on your trip: they can be seen from purpose-built resorts from glass igloos to luxury suites. Or from the window of your tent. They appear 200 nights a year in northern Iceland.

Nipissing, Ontario, Canada is not a known eco-destination, except for but a few dozen people that moved there to escape the Vietnam War –– and then stayed. Some of the earlier settlers that started ecological communes in the area include Americans from Berkeley. It is a quiet understated place, full of raw water and natural springs, deep, dark forests and the occasional gnome sighting. Highly recommended. If you do get there, don’t tell anyone though. Let’s keep it a secret between us. 

Costa Rica might be devoid of any exciting nightlife and its ancient cultural roots are all but erased, but it’s a place you can feel prana. Somehow standing in the sun in Guanacaste radiates your inner being like no sun I have felt on earth. Lush green follows you everywhere and around every turn there is some fascinating natural wonder and animals galore. Carpenter ants, howler monkeys and sloths are my personal favorites.

Finland is far from Costa Rica in many ways but similar in others. Finland’s forests are vast and wide and everyone and their cousin owns a sauna somewhere in nature. The big idea is to sweat out all your anxieties and then dash into freezing cold water in the lake a few yards away. Plenty of wild game will fill your table if you are an adventurous eater. Try reindeer or stick to your vegan palette. Those options are available too. If you visit in the summer you will never have to sleep as it’s about 23 hours of light – with the sun barely setting. More time for adventures! 

The Atlas Mountains in Morocco. When you get out of your rusty, rattling local taxi cab from Marrakech and find yourself in the Atlas Mountains you will witness a people that has been living in tune with nature for hundreds of years. Simple hotels and resorts without any special vision can be found all over the place, but if you want more “class” then try the Kasbah Du Toubkal.

Run by a British family to oversee local philanthropy and sustainable eco-management of the region, the Kasbah is a refreshing way that eco-resorts and getaways interact with and connect with the locals. All the staff and meals are local and the building was constructed to embrace the natural sun and airflow from the Atlas Mountains above. 

When I was there I took a donkey ride up a steep path that led up to the resort. That in itself is an experience I will never forget. Or the homemade yoghurt. Or learning about argan oil. 

Rethink your backyard? Consider also that even if your city backyard is a transport hub like Atlanta. And your family comes to visit you can help them find the best hotels in Atlanta. It is known that the most ecological destination to travel to is your own backyard or hubs where many flights converge in one place. With no carbon emissions from flights or fewer emissions –– and no need to be part of the endless packaging waste cycle of meals on flights, staying home –– a staycation –– is widely regarded as the best kind of travel.

Consider also carpooling your friends and visit a nearby hotel and explore your local areas to invigorate local travel near you.

Then post-Covid – we will get there one day – you can share the joys of the wonders of your “place” with those you will meet on your next travels somewhere new. 

The post The 5 Best Eco-Friendly Destinations to Visit Around the World appeared first on Green Prophet.

If you have ever spent Spring Break at a beach in Panama City you would be shocked. Get up at the crack of dawn and you find plastic cups and bottles as far as the eye can see littering the beach. When I was there some years ago with my parents we were also disheartened  to learn that the bottles that don’t get swept into the sea, just get thrown into the municipal trash. Because while recycling efforts may take the sting or guilt from our hearts, most plastics we use today don’t get recycled at all. 

With Covid times and one-time use more in demand, Americans consume 70 billion plastic water bottles each year on planes, at offices, at resorts, at school, at home –– only 8% of the U.S.’s plastic waste is recycled. Boxed Water is Better, a company that proposes an interim solution is better for the planet. After all, plastic waste simply cannot continue to build at this rate.. er!”

The brand gets the single-use rub. Their official motto is “Boxed Water is Better, Refill is best,” which is why they are focused on distribution channels where packaged water is unavoidable, e.g. airlines, hotels, restaurants, take-out, entertainment venues, sports, venues. And with our current annual rate of plastic water bottle consumption (again 70 billion!), it’s unrealistic to expect a network of purified refill stations to appear overnight in the immediate future. 

Boxed Water sources 92 percent of its packaging from plants, the highest rate for any water product. Every carton is fitted with a plant-based cap that won’t take forever to break down in the environment. 

“Recycling efforts can no longer keep up with the world’s plastic production, and the shift toward plant-based products is critical for our planet’s wellbeing,” Daryn Kuipers, the CEO of Boxed Water tells Green Prophet. “Our product is almost entirely plant-based, and we are proud to have the highest sustainable content in the water category, at about 92%.”

Caps made from FSC-certified wood waste

The plant-based cap is made from FSC-certified sustainably grown trees used for pulp and bioenergy and has lower CO2 emissions than petroleum and sugarcane. 

Every Boxed Water carton offers a similar plant-based design, created out of paper sourced from trees in well managed forests. “We needed to create a better plant-based cap than what was currently being offered,” Kuipers adds, “by avoiding sugar cane, we are using substantially fewer natural resources and generating a lower environmental footprint.”  

Boxed Water remains committed to their promise to always deliver 100% recyclable and BPA free packaging. Compared to aluminum (which is mined from Bauxite), Boxed Water is 50% lower impact on ozone depletion and smog emissions from smelting, and has a 33% lower impact on acidification due to deforestation. 

• U.S. consumes more plastic than any other country in the world. Our plastic recycling rates are at 8%
• U.S. plastic waste inputs to the coastal environment were among the highest in the world: 51- 1.45 million metric tons
• U.S. purchases 70 billion plastic water bottles per year. 
• #1 ocean bound plastic: beverage bottles. #2: bottle caps

Measuring a box footprint

These days everyone in the consumer and service industry is measuring their carbon footprint and just buying offsets or ESG investments won’t do. It’s easy to buy your way out of offsetting, hearder to do it in-house. But here is an easy way to slash the carbon footprint for hotels, events producers, and airlines. When we fully emerge from Covid, be ready: Compared to plastic, Boxed Water has a 64% lower carbon footprint (lower contributor to global warming), 43% less fossil fuel use, and 1,084% lower in impact on the ozone. Also, only 25% of plastic is recycled.

Currently available in multiple sizes, Boxed Water can be purchased in a 250mL, 330mL, 500mL and 1 liter box, and is packed in 6-pack, 12-pack and 24-pack configurations. 

Boxed Water say they address the front-end of the problem too –– and that the environmental impact of oil drilling and blow molding needed for food grade plastic… and the strip mining and smelting required for aluminum is extremely damaging to the planet as well.

If you want to dive into the boxed water story, watch this recorded Zoom session:

An outside company, Anthesis Group, looked at Boxed Water and reported Boxed Water has a 36% lower carbon footprint  global warming), 43% less fossil fuel use, and 95% lower impact on our ozone.

We spoke with CRO Robert Koenen, asking him some additional questions:

If your packaging could be 100% biodegradable and plant-derived, how would that look? Imagine 10 years down the line. Where would the materials come from? (Want to encourage chemists to start thinking how)

It’s a great question and we’re always trying to make our product more sustainable.  We’re proud that our package is already 92% plant-derived, the highest in the industry. I think what so many people miss in the sustainability discussion is the importance of how you source materials. We know that plastic and aluminum are actually not sustainable because they come from finite resources that deplete the planet. Our paper-based carton is the only water that is made from a renewable resource- trees. Even some plant-based plastics, like sugarcane, are grown and harvested solely for the production of plastic. That’s why our Boxed Water’s plant-based cap comes from Nordic pine tree oil, which is leftover from the paper-making process. Our plant-based cap was a new innovation we announced in 2020, and our entire product’s history has been centered around new approaches to packaging.  

In order for our carton to be 100% biodegradable, we would need to remove some barrier between the paperboard and the water to keep the water fresh and the box intact. We know that even with a sustainability mission, you still need to offer customers an exceptional product, so if any of your chemist readers want to work on a material to safely and sustainably protect the package and water, we’d love it. We are currently looking at ways to remove those layers ourselves, while still keeping the water pure.  We’re still a small company trying to make a big impact, so the more that sustainability becomes “mainstream” the bigger impact we can make. 

What are the most polluting industries for plastic bottles, in order with stats… hotels, travel, home? Schools? 

The bottled water industry is the largest polluter–with Coke, Pepsi and Nestle leading the pack. Bottles, caps and ties make up the overwhelming majority of pollution that is found in the ocean.  Hotels, travel, schools are all places you find bottles—we are blind to the amount of plastic that is around us.  I challenge your readers to stop the next time they are in a grocery store to stop in the water aisle and just look at the tons of plastic–in just one store. 

I will speak to the industries that we see making changes in a meaningful way.  The high carbon footprint of the travel industry is well-documented. It makes such an impact when you have people from around the world coming and going for short amounts of time. While it would be wonderful to solely use reusable bottles, the travel industry is one of the more challenging situations when you look at it practically, and in the age of COVID, shared water pitchers or drinking fountains aren’t always a safe option.

While the travel industry generates a lot of plastic bottles, they also have an enormous opportunity for impact and we’ve seen them be some of our most-receptive customers. Much of the travel and hospitality industry is based upon the experience you provide customers, and customers take note when you offer a Boxed Water instead of a plastic bottle. We’ve even had hotel customers share that they make more sales because customers are happier and more likely to purchase a Boxed Water than a plastic bottled water.

We’ve seen a growing area of interest from schools as well because young people are so passionate about environmental change – it’s their future we’re talking about. While schools often encourage and have reusable water bottles more easily accessible, we’ve seen calls from the student-level demanding their schools shift from plastic water bottles. 

Retail stores that provide water, specifically in the fashion industry, have made the switch to cartons.  Handing a bottle of water to a consumer is like handing them a pack of cigarettes.

Of course, we think that small changes end up making the biggest impact. We continue to work with the industries that go through billions of single-use plastic bottles every year, the average American uses 167 single-use plastic bottles a year. If you made a change for yourself and your family, you could stop hundreds of plastic bottles from polluting the planet. We’re here to empower every person to make a change, by making the sustainable choice simple and convenient. 

How do big box stores with low cost water contribute to the plastic problem? You can buy 24 bottles for .99 in some Costcos sometimes

There is a reason that plastic bottles are so prevalent: they are inexpensive to produce. These low costs lead to huge margins, and it’s a big profit generator for these stores.  It’s literally a financial addiction.  Unfortunately, these low cost items come at an astronomical price for our planet. While most importantly everyone should have access to clean water, we want to make the sustainable choice a simple and convenient one for consumers. We hope that you think twice about purchasing single-use plastic bottles and if you don’t see an alternative, ask for one. Only consumer demand can change this addiction for the big boxes. 

How does plastic residue affect the water? Even if it’s food safe, I somehow don’t trust it. Explain what you think.

I trust it.  We test our water constantly during the day to make sure it’s super pure and pH balanced.  We are BPA free, and also remove impurities.  Due to our package construction, we don’t need to use BPA plastic so it doesn’t affect your health or the taste.  In fact, we’ve won awards for the fresh taste of our water. Plastic has infiltrated not just our lifestyle, but our food chain.

There are the negative effects of BPA in plastic impacting our health, and so thankfully with this awareness, there has been a push to ensure many products are free of BPA (like our Boxed Water!). However, the pollution of plastic in our oceans is breaking down into micro-plastics and being eaten by fish and other sea creatures. People consume a credit card’s worth of plastic every week. Again, there isn’t any doubt that for the health of our planet and ourselves, we need to be seeking alternatives to single-use plastic. ….I’d be more worried about residue in the plastic bottles.

Thank you for the interview! For more information see Boxed Water is Better

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