No travel necessary. You must see this amazing movie! On it's face, the blockbuster movie "Avatar" would seem to be good for the renewable energy/sustainability camp. For the few remaining earthlings who haven't yet seen "Avatar," here's a quick recap ...

The story takes place in a future where, it's implied, Earth has been leached of it's last remaining resources, forcing humans to mine other planets for precious materials. One such planet, Pandora, is rich in a substance jokingly called "unobtanium," which is supposedly valuable as a fuel source, or something. The only problem is that Pandora's most advanced native species--lithe, blue-skinned humanoids known as the Navi--happen to live right on top of the planet's largest deposit of the valuable material. In stark, simplistic contrast to the greedy, individualistic, profit-driven humans, the Navi are peaceful and live in harmony with nature. They're even able to communicate with animals and plants via writhing tendrils streaming from their long, dark hair braids.

To convince the Navi to relocate and lay their land open to bulldozers and drills, a human-run mining company deploys avatars--synthetic Navi-like creates controlled, or 'driven" by humans lying in coffin-like devices at the company's home base. When Jake, an ex-marine without use of his legs, is sent out as an avatar, he predictably falls in love with the native's way of life and ends up leading them in an all-out battle against the humans. In the end, the vanquished humans slink back to Earth while the triumphant Navi sway in unison, celebrating their symbiotic relationship with the planet.

As you've probably heard or seen for yourself, "Avatar" is amazing to look at. The animation and special effects are truly spectacular. And while the story is hardly Shakesperean, it's certainly on the progressive side of the energy/sustainability discussion. Humanity's unquenchable thirst for fossil fuels at any cost is demonized, while the Navi's simple, sustainable way of life is celebrated as a superior alternative. 

I'd argue, though, that "Avatar" does the renewable energy/sustainability position a disservice. Because the story it tells, however sincere, is pure eco-fantasy, an overly simplistic, black and white take on a complex issue.

I'm aware, of course, that Hollywood blockbusters are not known for their subtle, nuanced examinations of worldly topics. The whole point of a blockbuster is to keep things simple, blow stuff up, and sell popcorn. And that's OK. But because so many millions of people around the world see these movies, they have the power to sway public opinion in ways that matter. And I think "Avatar" has the potential to influence public perception of renewable energy, conservation, and sustainability in ways that are not helpful.

Global warming skeptics and "drill baby drill" cheerleaders--comprising a significant swath of the American public--already tend to stereotype renewable energy advocates as pie-in-the-sky, anti-American, anti-capitalist, sandal-wearing liberals who'd rather save the whales and build wind farms than grow the American economy and strengthen national security. And "Avatar," however unwittingly, strengthens that caricature. 

We're all aware that the unchecked burning of fossil fuels has harmed the planet in myriad ways, from air and water pollution to changing the chemical composition of the atmosphere. And it's a given that fossil fuels will eventually run out, forcing us (or our descendants) to switch to other, hopefully less environmentally corrosive sources of energy. But there's no quick and easy solution, no magical scenario where people and nature live in perfect, harmonious balance, as imagined in "Avatar." 

Eco Jobs at The Eden Project, Cornwall
I’m always on the look out for eco-orientated jobs that I think will appeal to Ecotourism Logue readers, especially those on the move. This one for Den Challenge Team at The Eden Project in Cornwall, UK, will suit creative types keen to get involved in something a little more daring than the usual 9 to [Read more]

Green Wedding Ideas
The amount spent on weddings is spiralling out of control and the extravagance involved sometimes borders on the ridiculous so many brides- and bridegrooms-to-be who are concerned about the waste accrued are looking for more responsible and ethical options. This doesn’t only include where they decide to have the ceremony and reception but also how [Read more]

What is Greenwashing?
Since ecotourism has become such a hot potato there is frequent talk of greenwashing within the travel industry yet it’s not always entirely clear what that means. Definition of Greenwashing To whitewash over something is to cover the cracks so when people talk about whitewashing over the issues they mean that the real issues aren’t being dealt [Read more]

Carbon Neutral Vacations and Tours
With the jury being out on whether offsetting carbon emissions actually works, a carbon neutral break seems only to be likely if you choose to cycle to an eco lodge in your own country, but not so, according to new Costa Rican tour operator on the block, Nature Vacations. They claim to be offering “the [Read more]

How to Find a Reputable Eco Travel Company
When it comes to planning a holiday, some people like nothing more than to sit scouring the internet for hours, maybe sometimes days or weeks, in an attempt to find the perfect holiday. Others find it a right pain in the neck. And when you’re desperately trying to be responsible and uphold your eco-friendly beliefs, [Read more]

How Green a Traveller Are You?
Everybody loves a quiz; well most people do. They’re perfect for those lovely lazy days that seem to be so infrequent, for when you’re procrastinating about starting work/study/home-reno or for people with obsessive-compulsive-online-quiz-disorder; so here’s a quick eco travel quiz I found on the Guardian’s Travel pages for you. I was scouring for news, honest. Quiz: [Read more]

 

Blue Marvel

Blue Marvel brings nature to your screen in a unique way. The pace is calming and peaceful inspiring environmental sustainability. BlueMarvel videos are done with natural sound and no narration. It's different. And many people tell us it's refreshing and mesmerizing. We invite you to experience nature as captured by our lense. Take a few moments to pause, reflect, and connect with the natural world. View free video downloads and preview a Blu-ray disc at www.bluemarvel.com

Google Maps

Google Maps add Bike Routes0 Menlo Park (Global Adventures): Cyclists in 150 cities in the US can now use Google maps to plane their routes. The new feature introduced by Google gives step-by-step directions. Bike-friendly roads, trails and bike lanes show up as a new layer and are outlined directly on the map. Users can simply enter a starting point, choose a destination, and then select “Bicycling” from the drop-down menu. Google says that the new feature has been the most requested addition to Google maps. An organization called Google Maps Bike There collected more than 50,000 signatures to endorse the addition of bicycle routes. “This new tool will open people’s eyes to the possibility and practicality of hopping on a bike and riding,” says Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists. “We know people want to ride more, we know it’s good for people and communities when they do ride more – this makes it possible. It is a game-changer, especially for those short trips that are the most polluting.” Much of the data comes from the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Cyclist will appreciate that Google developed an algorithm that estimates travel times and factors in changes in elevation and even fatigue. In standard mode, the planner avoids steep climbs. Another useful feature allows cyclist to find locations where they can take a break or find repair shops along the route. “Streets are not just for cars,” said Jim Lecinski, managing director for Google in the U.S. “This is the next move in what we think mapmaking should be.” While the bike-trip-planner will not immediately be available on cell phones and other wireless devices, Google says it is working on mobile applications. Other applications that allow cyclist to plan their routes include mapmyride.com and ridethecity.com.

Powder Nation

PowderNation makes applications for people with a passion for action,traveling, and the outdoors. Their applications act as your guide and planner on snow trips and winter adventures. They believe that "Less Time Planning = More Time Having Fun" and this is the idea that guides PowderNation. PowderNation's products are made for boarders, skiiers and vacationers, allowing them ease and convenience in making their winter plans. Check it out!

Code Green

Great resource for earth friendly travel. You can purchase Code Green from our Amazon link. listed under Green House. Teaching eco friendly travel, environmentally sustainable practices for the good of our planet. Travel to exotic places world wide and help our eco system by learning how to leave no trace!

Post Ranch Inn

Post Ranch Inn Big Sur, California Reservations: (800) 527-2200 www.postranchinn.com 5 Star Resort in Big Sur, California Nestled on the cliffs of Big Sur, California the Post Ranch Inn offers the ultimate romantic getaway perfect for small weddings, honeymoons and anniversaries. Award winning Sierra Mar restaurant offers an awe-inspiring view overlooking the California coast. Enjoy the World-class cuisine and wine cellar. Relax by the pools - awaken your senses with a massage, spa treatment or daily yoga class. Luxury 5 star resort Post Ranch Inn has received many awards including: #1 Top 20 U.S. Resort Hideaway Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report September 2008 Special Edition 2009 Award for Excellence Most Romantic Hideaway Condé Nast Johansens, 2009 Traveler's Choice Awards Best for Romance - United States TripAdvisor, 2009 Cavallo Point - The Lodge at the Golden Gate Sausalito, California Reservations: (888) 651-2003 www.cavallopoint.com Cavallo Point offers 142 guest suites in both contemporary and historic lodging. The rooms — most with views of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge — provide guests a soothing space to unwind with the highest quality beds and linens, cozy reading chairs and gas fireplaces. Without compromising comfort or luxury, Cavallo Point is committed to the highest standards of historic preservation and sustainability — in keeping with the mission of the national park site. Must See Green American Landmarks Sea Ranch Lodge The Sea Ranch, California Reservations: (800) 732-7262 www.searanchlodge.com Resting gently on the pristine bluffs of Northern California's rugged Sonoma-Mendocino coast, the Sea Ranch Lodge offers guests a true definition of serenity and understated comfort. Just a two hour drive north from San Francisco, the Lodge is surrounded by a dramatic landscape of redwood groves and grassy bluffs where wildlife abounds, and stress falls away with the setting sun.

Sustainable Slopes

Sustainable Slopes goal is to educate the public and resort guests about the dependence of winter sports on natural ecosystems and the potential impacts of climate change on the winter recreation experience; educate guests on how they can help reduce GHG emissions. Raise policy maker awareness of the dependence of winter sports on natural ecosystems and the potential impacts of climate change on the winter recreation experience. Advocate the national reduction of GHG emissions through legislative, regulatory or voluntary measures. Support sound, science-based solutions to climate change, including the use of renewable energy technologies. Partner with appropriate organizations and agencies to assess opportunities to reduce resort emissions and increase energy efficiency; invest in new, more efficient products, practices and technologies; and measure our emission reductions.