Tungsten vs Power Saving

By the end of the first day I went to find accommodation for the night. I found a provider I thought was better than they actually are or otherwise I simply found one of their bad hotels. This is not the big issue though. After settling in and as the day grew late, I needed some light. I switched on the light switch and was temporarly blinded by vast amounts of light. After regaining my sight I discovered that each room had one or two sets of triple lights, all with the old styled tungsten bulds or “electrical gas guzzlers”. For a moment I felt like a soccer player in the 2010 SWC or like the night the Cape Town Soccer Stadium did their lights test.

Diya Travel Consultants started a Green Portfolio which is a collection of eco-friendly and sustainable tourism providers. As I am a part of the Green Portfolio and trying to save power by conforming to eco-friendly and sustainable tourism standards, this ill practice I find most disturbing. I feel that grading councils should get involved in eco and sustainable travel and tourism penalising establishments for not at least doing the basics such as using power efficient light bulbs.

For those establishment not in the know as yet, you can increase your profit margin by installing power saving lights. These lights also last much longer again resulting in a power saving. Eitherway this is looked at, it all adds up to money and the enviroment being saved. Keep in mind that Eskom wants to hike the rates quite seriously and your guests are going to have to foot the bill. At the same time your staff need higher salaries too.

For those wishing to make change to your travel and tourism experience, take a look at these websites, http://www.operationcarbon.org/, http://www.thegreenguide.com/ and http://branded-green.com/.

If anyone wishes to know anything more about Diya Travel’s Green Portfolio or would like to contribute in anyway, please contact us by clicking on contact us.

Image complements of http://www.thegreenguide.com/

Elephants march through Mfuwe Lodge

The 18-room Mfuwe Lodge, which overlooks two lagoons that are abundant with wildlife, has a large reception area particularly suited to wandering elephants. They see no reason why they shouldn’t walk straight through, eat their fill and walk out again. They can be seen approaching, so guests and staff move out of the way behind railings and stay still while the herd troops through. Sometimes the elephants stop and investigate the people or sniff things on the desk, but have never threatened anyone. After all lunch is waiting!

Elephants march through Mfuwe Lodge

The herd, led by a matriarch who currently has two calves under a year old, roam the South Luangwa National Park for most of the year, but when the mangos are ripening they can smell it from afar and appear like magic to raid the fruit. They favour the Mfuwe Lodge mango trees, although there are plenty in the South Luangwa.

Elephants march through Mfuwe Lodge

Article by Carrie Hampton - Safari Tart

Cape Town Soccer Stadium Lights Up

V & A Waterfront and Cape Town Soccer Stadium

Cape Town Soccer Stadium from the Suburbs

If anyone had any doubts about the soccer stadium in Green Point, Cape Town, now may just be the time to reconsider. Being a Cape Townian I’m very patriotic. I must say that out of all the soccer stadiums I’ve seen being prepared for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, this is my favorite. Well done Cape Town.

Credits to: http://6000.co.za/2009/10/23/light-up-light-up/