Author: admin
Website: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/easyecoblog/~3/WtnehvmylG8/

photo credit: quinn.anya
We are deep in winter and it is very cold in many areas. Having curtains, blinds, or shades on windows can help keep warm air inside.  They will also help keep the hot sunlight out during the summer.
Window blinds and shades are pretty cheap, easy to install, and lead to a short [...]

For more information click the following article source link for the full story:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/easyecoblog/~3/WtnehvmylG8/

Author: TerraCurve
Website: http://www.terracurve.com/2009/02/16/new-discounts-for-volun…

International Volunteer card has launched a new product that offers volunteer tourists with discounts on travel essentials from guide books to insurance, and 24-hour traveler assistance from anywhere in the world.

Voluntourism has surged in popularity among travelers of all ages. Gen Y and retirees alike are attracted such travel for the opportunity it provides to see the world and make a difference in the local communities they visit. According to the Adventure Travel Trade Association, 15 million (4%) of US travelers, have taken a volunteer vacation. In spite of the softening economic climate, this segment is growing three times faster than any other in the travel industry.

Now volunteer travelers can benefit from over 100,000 products and services offering up to 50% discounts with the International Volunteer Card. Sample savings include:

• International Airfare: discounts range across 13 major international airlines

• Domestic Airfare: 5% on all domestic US flights….

(Read the rest of this article at the following article source link for the full story)

For more information click the following article source link for the full story:
http://www.terracurve.com/2009/02/16/new-discounts-for-volun…

Author: TerraCurve
Website: http://www.terracurve.com/2009/02/16/tourism-for-tomorrow-20…

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced the 12 finalists for the 2009 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. Under WTTC’s stewardship since 2003, the prestigious awards recognize best practices in sustainable tourism in four different categories – destination stewardship, conservation, community benefit and global tourism business. A record number of entries were received this year from over 40 countries and six continents.

The 12 finalists were selected by an international team of independent judges in each of the four award categories for having successfully demonstrated sustainable tourism practices, including the protection of natural and cultural heritage, social and economic benefits to local people, and environmentally-friendly operations.

The 2009 Finalists are:

DESTINATION STEWARDSHIP AWARD

Grupo PUNTACANA, Dominican Republic
This group of companies, comprising the Puntacana Resort&Club, the Punta Cana International Airport, and the Puntacana Ecological…

(Read the rest of this article at the following article source link for the full story)

For more information click the following article source link for the full story:
http://www.terracurve.com/2009/02/16/tourism-for-tomorrow-20…

Author: TerraCurve
Website: http://www.terracurve.com/2009/02/16/asias-top-10-adventure-…

Agoda.com, an online travel company specializing in discount hotel bookings in Asia, unveiled its Top 10 “Adventure Resorts” in the Asia/Pacific region. The survey is a response to the emerging trend of “Adventure Tourism” which is becoming increasingly popular. Adventure travel includes physical activity, interacting with local culture, and engaging with nature. The Asian/Pacific region is an amazing place for adventure tourism because it is a vibrant and culturally rich expanse with a wealth of natural beauty.

Mr. Michael Kenny, CEO of Agoda.com remarked, “In the past, adventure tourism was only for a niche group of tourist, focused mainly on the activities themselves and generally not for the faint of heart. Adventure tourism has evolved and become increasingly popular because the activities are tailored to individual needs, including luxury accommodation in remote areas.”

“Present day adventure resorts strike a balance between comfort and luxury with challenging and…

(Read the rest of this article at the following article source link for the full story)

For more information click the following article source link for the full story:
http://www.terracurve.com/2009/02/16/asias-top-10-adventure-…

Author: Jean-Paul
Website: http://www.thechicecologist.com/2009/02/green-reads-eco-livi…

I figured this would be a good time to share with my readers what books I read and refer too. With so much information out there, these are the sources I find to be the most helpful, well designed and put together, all with the eco-minded features I enjoy. These are all easy read, enjoyable [...]

Related posts:

1. Green Building Design or Engineering Problems? Ask Nature
2. Eco Friendly Interior Painting - Green Up Your Redecorating and Remodeling
3. Green Living Walls, Vertical Gardens, Urban Rainforests, oh my!

(Read the rest of this article at the following article source link for the full story)

For more information click the following article source link for the full story:
http://www.thechicecologist.com/2009/02/green-reads-eco-livi…

You’ve established your budget for your new timber home and your architect and builder say it can be built for that amount – but how do you stay true to that magic number? There are several things you can do to help you stay within your budget during the home design process:

1. Divide the total budget by the square footage of your timber frame house, and stay within that dollar amount for each square foot of space. Work with your timber frame architect and builder to stay within allowances.

2. Keep the home design simple. If you have a tight budget, keep the design straightforward and uncomplicated. Dormers and complicated roof systems add significant cost. Minimize the home’s footprint. Instead of a sprawling one story home, reduce the footprint by shrinking the floor plan and adding a second story. This doesn’t mean your timber frame design has to be a box – unless, of course, you want one.

3. Consider a hybrid home by combining building methods; i.e. use timber framing in… (Read the rest of this article at the following article source link for the full story)

For more information click the following article source link for the full story:
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PostAndBeamTimberFrameHomesBl…