We don’t always get to drive the vehicle of our choice, like being able to purchase a more environmentally-minded, efficient model. There are simple ways to improve how you drive the one that you do have in order to save fuel. In addition to some of the basics, like keeping tires at proper inflation levels, not carrying around excess weight, making sure the gas cap is tight and using the correct gas and oil for your vehicle type, other not so prevalent tips may help, too. For instance, don’t overfill the gas tank at the station. Leaving room in the tank… read more

In 2005, driving to and from destinations was at its peak in the United States. Regardless of just how far that destination was from home, we’d hop in our Ford Explorer’s and Chevy Impala’s and chug away down the street. However, that lifestyle is fading, and we can all breath a sigh of relief. This is good news. In fact, it’s great news. Less driving in cars means more walking, biking, mass transit, you name it. Reducing our planet’s carbon levels is (or should be) priority number one for most countries, especially the worst offending ones (I’m looking at you,… read more

The concept of sharing is instilled in young minds through interaction and reinforcement. While learning to share seems like a childhood endeavor, it has resurfaced in the adult world in a far-reaching way. The sharing economy has been evolving, and it is now more possible than ever to share nearly anything. As people decide that it is beneficial to them and the environment, more individuals and start-ups are springing forward to foster the new sharing model. As reported by Forbes, a growth of more than 25% is expected this year across the sharing boards. Though this notion of anti-retail consumerism… read more

Whether you are lucky enough to book a global adventure or content to hike through a local terrain, responsible traveling is a model to take along. You might not think about your need to explore having much of an environmental effect, but when thinking in terms of the numbers of transnational travelers each year, it helps to watch your own steps. According to the World Tourism Organization, international travel was up 5% in 2012, which was around a 22 million person increase since the previous year. That’s a lot of worldwide trekking. And while there is no way to put… read more

One international travel series stands out for its longevity and quality. Known as Globe Trekker in the U.S. or Pilot Guides in other areas such as Australia and Canada, the series by Pilot Productions focuses on global travel and exploration. Globe Trekker has been airing for around 20 years, and currently goes out to more than 30 million interested viewers. It is broadcast in more than 40 different countries, and the show has won over 50 international awards for its educational entertainment value. Each episode the narrator takes viewers on an expedition, explaining the customs and providing educational facts about the featured… read more

Travel enriches our lives, broadens our minds, and enlightens us to the reality of other nations. By exposing the customs of one nation to an other, travel introduces the likelihood for change. This can lead to the improved welfare of humans, gender equality, the implementation of environmentally sound practices, and the protection and conservation of animals and other wildlife. One of the largest factors in influencing such change is how we travel. If done right, strong foreign bonds can be made. Before you travel, make sure you prepare and pack appropriately. Suitcases don’t need to be stuffed with shoes and gadgets, just filled to a comfortable amount with… read more

Since the invention of the automobile, many have fantasized taking to the open road on a cross country trip through America.Traveling on the “Mother Road” of Route 66 or any other artery paved with legends and intrigue. It is true, the United States are vast, and can hardly be explored justly by airplane and its borders only traced by ship. But cars are not superior chariots of travel and transportation. As rail travel still reigns, long from the days of steam engines, in the sleek and efficient form of Amtrak trains. Amtrak is currently the only inter city railway system… read more

Travel as education is a time-honoured tradition. In some cultures, it has even assumed the status of initiation into adulthood. Right now, it’s holiday season and that means – whether through a rite of passage or a holiday vacation – people all over the world are traveling near and far. Whether you’re beaching it on Queensland’s Gold Coast or off for a weekend in Lake Tahoe, Paris or Istanbul – whenever we travel, we participate in tourism, one of the world’s largest industries. We also have the opportunity to participate in learning and action that can help save the world! But… read more

Humans have always been fascinated by flight. This, in combination with a desire to construct a greener technology to do so, culminated in the first ever aeronautical adventure of its kind. An aircraft called Solar Impulse, created and navigated by two men from Switzerland, has managed to fly around the world on shear solar power. It is the brainchild of André Borschberg and Bertrand Piccard, and is true ingenuity in motion. Though there have been other solar inventions capable of flight, this is the first solely sun-powered airplane that can also be flown at night. This is due to the… read more

Traditional medicine is still used in many African communities in the present day. The blending of numerous herbs is usually a science not recorded in text books, but passed on from one traditional healer to another through either apprenticeships or informal training. Although western medicine is available in most communities, there are still people who prefer to use traditional medicine for many reasons including religious beliefs and economic circumstances. As mentioned above, traditional healers generally do not have any form of formal training. However the process of blending the medicine they use is quite complex in that it involves a… read more