Heidi Fisher MBE, invited Vicky to talk sustainable travel on her Make An Impact podcast.

At the World Travel Market 2019 in London, I listened with fascination to The Galapagos Conservation Trust case study on ‘garbology’ - how they are studying garbage flows in the ocean.

Here, Andy Donnelly describes this logical way to better manage plastic pollution, not just for clean-ups, but to understand for better prevention of plastic pollution in the future.

At Earth Changers, we’re specialists in positive impact tourism: We curate and help you connect to truly ethical, responsible and sustainable trips. With many years expertise in voluntourism, this goes for volunteer tourism too – for which few trips make it through a truly sustainable discerning filter.

Today on Human Rights Day, we consider our local host communities’ Human Rights when we travel abroad with our friend Claire Bennett, co-author of Learning Service: The Essential Guide to Volunteering Abroad. This is great advice for having a positive impact when you travel in all community-based tourism abroad, including volunteering.

UN International Volunteer Day is a chance for volunteers and organisations to celebrate their efforts, to share their values, and to promote their work among their communities, NGOs), government authorities and the private sector. It recognises volunteers worldwide and all they do in making peace and sustainable development a reality, and reducing inequality within and among countries.

But how can you tell what is actually an ethical volunteer placement that ensures benefits to local communities?

The annual NatWest WISE100, published by Pioneers Post, recognises the most inspiring and influential women in social enterprise, impact investment and mission-driven business in the UK.

Vicky was delighted this week to be selected as one of the “Ones to Watch” for 2019.

Food is an integral part of travel. Food draws people together, represents the local culture and has stories to tell. We try different foods, cultural dining experiences, and sometimes watch and learn how our food is prepared and made as part of our travel experience. How we produce food is a reflection of our values and the joy that food can bring.

But the way much of society is currently using food is disrespectful. Reducing our excessive demands on this Earth’s resources is a necessary thing for us to do., and that includes in tourism.

Defra- The UK’s Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has announced its 11 new ambassadors to champion green action, including Earth Changers’ Founder, Vicky.

I’m thrilled to be invited to represent the initiatiive, attended a kick-off reception in Parliament yesterday for its launch, and am looking forward to raising awareness of the importance of connection with our environment and nature!

Here is the Press release from Defra.

Ok, so the title’s a contradiction in terms. Because if tourism is truly responsible and/or sustainable, then it won’t be greenwashing…

What is greenwashing? Why do organisations do it? What problems does it cause? How do you spot it and what different forms does it take? And what can you do about it?

Here’s the answer to these questions and more.

For #ZeroWasteWeek, we thought we’d let you know what practical and cost effective steps hotels are taking to minimise waste, so you can be on the lookout for places that are doing all they can for zerowaste - or arm you with ideas for their feedback forms where you see that they could improve!