Collaborations

Sustainable Travel – How to Inspire Travelers to Be More Sustainable

02.15.19

Today I have a guest post all about sustainable travel. Hope you all enjoy 🙂

backpack, bag, blur

Traveler by Porapak Apichodilok via Pexels.com under CC0 License

How to Inspire Travelers to Be More Sustainable – Sustainable Travel

As one of the world largest and most influential industries, tourism has a range of economic, environmental and social impacts. Tourism that takes full account of these implications is known as ecotourism.

It’s important that tourists are aware of their travel behavior and the effect this has on the environment and local cultures. When tourists make conscious, educated decisions about how they travel, they can make a positive difference in the world.

While the basic practices and principles of ecotourism are beginning to spread, there is still a lot of progress to be made. There are many ways to become a more sustainable traveler. Here are a few eco-friendly travel tips that all tourists should follow.

Supporting the Local Economy

Sustainable tourism is not just about protecting the natural environment, but about improving the well being of the local people. Tourists can do this by providing support to the local economy. In order for local cultures to continue their ways of living, tourists must do their part by supporting locally owned businesses and products. This is one of the most rewarding and meaningful ways to be a more sustainable traveler.

Opting for smaller, locally owned accommodation as opposed to international hotel chains is a great way for travellers to support the local people. Not only does this help out small business owners, but it usually provides a more authentic way to experience the uniqueness of a particular culture.

Art, Crafts, African, Market, Souvenir, Tribal, Travel

Souvenirs by sharonang via Pixabay.com under CC0 Creative Commons

Travelers can also assist the local economy by purchasing locally made crafts and souvenirs. These types of products make unique family gifts and are much more genuine than those made on some assembly line far away.

animal, diving, reptile

Turtle by Tanguy Sauvin via Pexels.com under CC0 License

Responsible Wildlife Tourism

Many of the world’s most beautiful animals are at risk of becoming extinct due to irresponsible human behavior and activities. Some of these animals include incredible marine life like the Hawksbill turtle, one of the ocean’s most admirable creatures. The Hawksbill turtle and other endangered species provide great tourism value and are a valuable source of income for local residents. However, it is crucial that tourists always follow the right practices when viewing animals in their natural habitat.

Responsible wildlife tourism plays an important role in the protection of endangered species. The greatest ecotourism initiatives aim to create a peaceful coexistence between humans and animals. By encouraging tourists to appreciate the natural environment and its animals in the most responsible way, it is possible to conserve the world’s most vulnerable creatures.

It’s important that tourists support eco-friendly tours that make a real effort to protect wildlife. These responsible tour operators have strict rules and regulations in place for viewing animals and can help educate people about the issues involved in its conservation.

Reducing Waste

Tourists no doubt contribute to a large amount of waste on their travels. Tourists must be more conscious of the type of products they pack, use and dispose in order to reduce pollution and protect the environment as much as possible. Things like choosing environmentally friendly skincare and body products can make a huge difference.

There are many easy ways travellers can reduce waste while travelling. Simple practices such as recycling, using reusable bags, and avoiding packaging can make a big difference to the amount of waste generated.

Much of the responsibility falls on the accommodation that hosts tourists. Hotels, motels and campsites have the power to raise awareness about sustainable travel. In fact, many hotels and tour providers are adopting eco-friendly practices such as water-conservation schemes, recycling programs, energy-efficient lighting and safe waste disposal. Travellers should take this into consideration when choosing their accommodation. Staying at accommodation has an interest in protecting the environment is key to responsible travel.

Hope you all enjoyed today’s guest post about sustainable travel. If you’re looking for more travel related posts, check out the Kam Travels section of the blog.

Author’s bio:

Cloe Matheson lives in the lovely South Island city of Dunedin, New Zealand. She enjoys writing about responsible and sustainable living and supports eco-friendly local businesses such as Fuso. Discover more of Cloe’s work here.

Kamfort Food / Kamfy Living

DIY Heart Shaped Ice Cube Tray Chocolates

02.09.19

Hi friends! Happy February, can’t believe January is already over. February is my favorite month of the year, because it’s short, my birthday is this month, and Valentine’s Day means there’s a lot of heart shaped stuff everywhere. So, I bought myself a heart shaped ice cube tray so I can do and share a fun DIY: heart shaped ice cube tray chocolates! This is so fun, easy, quick and makes a fun treat for your friends and family and whoever else you want to share some love with!

DIY Heart Shaped Ice Cube Tray Chocolates
DIY Heart Shaped Ice Cube Tray Chocolates
DIY Heart Shaped Ice Cube Tray Chocolates
DIY Heart Shaped Ice Cube Tray Chocolates
DIY Heart Shaped Ice Cube Tray Chocolates
DIY Heart Shaped Ice Cube Tray Chocolates
DIY Heart Shaped Ice Cube Tray Chocolates
DIY Heart Shaped Ice Cube Tray Chocolates
DIY Heart Shaped Ice Cube Tray Chocolates
DIY Heart Shaped Ice Cube Tray Chocolates

Supplies – heart shaped ice cube tray chocolates

heart shaped ice cube tray

2 cups chocolate wafers

1 tbsp coconut oil

microwavable bowl

spoon

fillings of choice: almonds, pecans, peanut butter, sprinkles, m&ms

Directions – heart shaped ice cube tray chocolates

Add the chocolate wafers along with the coconut oil into a microwavable bowl. Microwave the chocolate and oil for 30 seconds. Then remove and stir with a spoon. Place the chocolate back into the microwave for another 30 seconds. Mix until everything has melted completely.

Now take your heart shaped ice cube tray and add 1 tsp of the melted chocolate into each cube. Using either the spoon or your fingers, add some chocolate all around to coat the entire cube.

Now place the ice cube tray inside the fridge for 10 minutes, or until the chocolate has solidified.

Now add in some of your favorite toppings. I did some with almonds, pecans, peanut butter and m&ms, but the world is your oyster. Do whatever you love!

Next top up the cube with more melted chocolate until the toppings are completely hidden. Place the ice cube tray back into the fridge for another 10-15 minutes until it has solidified.

Now carefully, plop out the chocolates and share them with your loved ones, or just eat them all yourself. You gotta love yourself too 😛

If you’re looking for some more DIYs you can do for Valentine’s Day, try these homemade sprinkle chocolate bars or these DIY sprinkle jars or you can even bake some heart shaped vegan sugar cookies!


Collaborations

Improving Your Home This Year

02.09.19

https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/06/24/10/47/architecture-1477041__340.jpg

If you are planning to make some improvements to your home in 2019, this guide has some great tips and pieces of advice on working with a handyman and enhancing your property. We’re going to take a look at some of the different services for various parts of your home, ranging from appliance repair to window repair.

What Is Your Roof Trying To Tell You?

Roofers are often called out on an emergency basis, as homeowners tend to realise that there is something wrong with their roof when it is too late. This is why it is important to look out for any warning signs, and to know what they mean.

So, let’s begin with black stains on the roof. If this is something you are experiencing, it means that there is algae growing on the shingles. The good news is that this will not cause other problems for your roof. However, it doesn’t look good – that is for sure. This is why it is a good idea to call in a professional. If you attempt to deal with it yourself with a power washer, you could end up taking off the granules.

Do you have missing shingles on your roof? This could be one of two things. Firstly, the sealant strip underneath the shingles could have been damaged. Secondly, you may have a problem with an animal getting onto your roof and damaging or loosening the shingles. If you have tree branches that touch the roof, or are close to the roof, this can act as a pathway for animals, so you should trim them back.

Another issue is when shingles are cupping. This means you may need to re-shingle because your loft has not been vented properly. Finally, if the shingles are cracking, you will need to replace them. this is usually because the granules have worn off, so it is best to call a firm in for the job.

The Importance Of Damp Proofing

Damp proofing is a service that every homeowner needs to be concerned about. However, it is something that is often overlooked, and we only really become aware of it after problems have occurred. With that being said, read on to discover more about why damp proofing is important.

For those who are unaware, damp proofing is a long-term solution for the purpose of preventing moisture decay. With regards to foundations and walls, damp proofing stops water and moisture from passing through into spaces inside of the home. It can also stop structure damage and prevent timber decay by preventing moisture from getting to the timbers inside the property.

You will see plenty of improvements to your home if you damp proof it. This will boost the appearance of your home, as it means you won’t be trying to decorate or paint over damp patches. This means the work will last for a long period of time, and it will not degrade, ripple, or crack. Without damp proofing, your home could easily develop an unpleasant smell due to the dank and musty atmosphere. This problem can be alleviated by investing in damp proofing.

This service can boost the value of your home, and it can improve quality of life for those who suffer from breathing difficulties and health issues. If damp is eradicated, it can be of a huge benefit. As you can see, the benefits of damp proofing are extensive.

When Do You Need A Plasterer?

Plastering is a service you may require if you need a ceiling resurfaced or you are planning on building an outside wall, for example.

A plasterer can help to build and restore walls, ceilings, and floors while also creating fixtures for decoration and exterior walls. As plastering is a broad term, it is not uncommon for a handyman to specialise in one area of plastering, and, therefore, it is important to know what type of plasterer you need and to keep this in mind when searching.

Generally, there are two types of plastering, which are as follows: fibrous and solid. The former is the name for ornamental plastering. Work includes creating ceiling roses and ornamental columns. It is a lot more focused on design when compared with solid plastering. Solid plastering is when plaster is applied in order to create a smooth finish on surfaces, including drives, floors, and walls.

So, as you have no doubt gathered, there are a number of different situations that could call for a plasterer’s assistance. This includes the following: having a wall outside pebble dashed, creating decorative finishes, having screed laid on a floor, restoring a wall or ceiling, or applying a new finish to a wall or ceiling. Although these jobs can be carried out as a DIY task, it’s not advisable if you do not have the relevant experience.

Improving Your Home With Block Paving

Block paving is exceptionally popular, and it is not difficult to see why. If you are looking for a way to transform the outside of your home, this is a good option. Below, we take a look at the benefits of block paving in further detail.

There is no denying that a premium quality patio or driveway can add instant visual appeal to your home, resulting in a more inviting and striking outside area. While there are many paving options to choose from, most people prefer block paving. Not only is this because of the stylish look of block paving, but it offers many other benefits too.

Most commonly, concrete and clay are used for this type of paving. You can expect great durability and a long lifespan when going down this route. Block paving is also a low maintenance solution, which is what most people desire when it comes to any type of gardening service. You will not need to repaint the paving in the future, nor will it require top polishing. A simple solution of water and soap will do the trick.

Block paving can also easily withstand the erratic, harsh weather. You also have tons of options to choose from, as there are many styles and colours at your disposal. This ensures you end up with the perfect patio or driveway for your home and your budget.

Check out the Kamfy Living section of the blog for more great content.