Green Options

Some of Australia’s most popular white sand beaches were declared a disaster zone today after an 11,000 gallon fuel oil spill from the cargo ship Pacific Adventurer.

The oil blackened miles of pristine beaches and has led to the detainment of the ship by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

“This could … be the worst environmental disaster we have faced.” - Anna Bligh, Queensland Premier

The US Environmental Protection Agency has imposed a record fine on a toxic ship dealer for attempting to export a ship containing deadly polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to the infamous shipbreaking beaches of South Asia.

With all the cold, overcast weather we’ve had here in Atlanta, I have to say we’ve time our vacation perfectly. Okay, so we actually had no choice in the matter thanks to my husband job, but still, heading to the beach in the dead of winter sounds practically perfect to me. So, in exactly one week (oh yes, I’m counting), I’ll be packing up my family of five and shoving off to a warm beach destination, which in the past has meant one gigantic eco nightmare.

Granted, it is vacation and so it’s going to be hard to keep things as green minded as I usually try to be, but thanks to so many exciting new products, it’s not that hard to go green on vacation.

Whether you’re flying off to an island resort, or just taking a long drive South for the winter, here are some great products that will help lessen your carbon footprint and still enjoy the sun and sand.

Most of the time here at Cleantechnica, we report on important technical advances and breakthroughs that help mankind to reduce its harmful impact on the environment. Once in a while though, a tech story emerges that highlights how willfully unconcerned some people are with the green issues that worry the rest of us.

The latest news from Dubai falls squarely into the latter category. It seems that planners in the Arab state have stumbled on the great idea of creating a fully refrigerated beach so that tourists don’t burn their feet. From late next year, guests at the exclusive Palazzo Versace hotel will enjoy private access to the beach, situated next to the main building.

Above left to right~

1. The first look shown is an affordable, Aaron Chang suit, with class and style. “A classy, full-coverage one-piece with gold accent straps. Adjustable tie straps criss-cross the back. It has a nice stretch, and will stay put during water sports.”
2. The Mikaela Swimsuits by Jungle Gurl, are great. These are cool one-of-a kind bikinis, created from vintage fabrics from all over the world.

Shown above from left to right~

1. Kelly B has created by far the most sophisticated eco swimsuit seen yet! Front ring gathers the top, under bust stitching provides shaping and lined in front for full coverage. “Halter ties remove so you can wear it strapless if you prefer. 3 fabric strips on each side give this 1-piece back interest. They tie together for a perfect fit around the bodice.”
   
2. For less coverage try this triangle bikini by Anna Cohen (a Portland based designer on a mission to marry cutting edge fashion with sustainability) which has flattering low rise, side tie bottoms with a neck and back tie triangle top. The beautiful teal color is fade resistant and will dry fast. “Created using surplus fabric leftover from making Olympic speed skater uniforms”
3. Named the Blissful bikini by Nikster.

One of my favorite things about summer, hands down, is the beach. I grew up very close by so my summers were always very beach filled. I’ve also been very lucky that throughout my adult life, I’ve had the same privilege. I might not be as close as when I was in school, but through a little bit of coaxing I can usually get a friend with a car to take the drive to the shore.

The beach is such a wonderful place. The waves, the sand, the sun, the wind and the veritable treasures that the ocean provides is a wonderful sensory smorgasbord! I love tide pools and the small vignettes of life found within. I love picking up and looking over beautiful pebbles, shells and sea glass.

I usually don’t take any of the small treasures that I find, often admiring them then giving them back to the waves. But one time, I found this amazing piece of sea glass. It is small and rounded and it is tinted this great soft green. I’ve kept hold of it for a good long time in my jewelry box thinking that one day I’ll do something with it.

With the Memorial Day holiday weekend fast approaching, Heal the Bay has perfect timing for all of you beach-goers: they have just released their 18th Annual Beach Report Card, which grades the water quality at California’s beaches. And, as expected, there’s good news and bad news.

Do you want the good news first, or the bad news? Good news it is! California achieved its best “dry-weather” beach water quality since recording began. During last year’s summer season, 93% of beaches received an A or B grade, based on daily and weekly bacteria measurements taken from April, 2007 to March, 2008. That figure is up 8% from the prior year.

That is good news, at least until you learn that last year’s drought in SoCal contributed to this improvement. With less rainfall, the amount of urban runoff traveling through our storm drains and out into the ocean was reduced. Urban runoff consists of everything that hits the ground, from cigarette butts to plastic bottles to dog doo. Because of this disgusting stew, “wet-weather” results are not good, with 26% of beaches receiving F grades.