Eco Travel

Fair Trade and What It Means to You

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I had the fortune to be able to attend the 15th International fair Trade Summit in Lima, Peru this past month, along with members of the NYC Fair Trade Coalition, and gained a deeper understanding of the importance of fair trade certified products. Products that are produced with a Fair Trade certification mean that care is taken to ensure workers are paid fairly, working conditions are humane, no child labor is used, and environmental sustainability is factored into production. They are usually “artisanal,” hand-made or in small batches. Some common fair trade products are coffee, chocolate, and sugar, as well as clothing, jewelry, rugs, and handcrafts. Guests brought beautiful examples of all of the above from all around the world! Quite incredible to see.

Several conference workshops focused on climate change and the impacts to farmers producing the materials needed to create Fair Trade products. The Cool Farm Alliance spoke about their Cool Farm Tool – an online greenhouse gas, water, and biodiversity calculator. One workshop I attended had a lively debate on whether all Fair Trade products should be organic, with arguments on both sides—while most people would love to see all products produced using materials that are certified organic, sometimes it is not practical depending on market conditions, and this can sometime be due to the cost of certifying and maintaining farmland organically when it comes to food products, for example. The topic of upcycling (transforming unwanted materials into higher value items) and circular economy (an economic system aimed at eliminating waste) were discussed in terms of ways to reduce waste in production, and also issues of race and class in international trade—who is producing for who? Is the system truly fair?

We visited a Fair Trade Certified pottery shop, a chocolate factory making candy from jungle cacao, and a textile weaving company. All incredible to see. When you see the work, time and detail that goes into making items, and the faces behind that labor, it gives you a much deeper appreciation for the products they produce. The final leg of our journey led us to the magical heights of the lost Incan city of Machu Picchu and many sightings of llamas and alpacas, the fur of which is used to make a plethora of Peruvian textile products. Overall an unforgettable experience that taught me never to take hand-made items in our stores for granted. You can make a difference -- what we buy does matter—so always look for the Fair Trade symbol whenever possible. #FairTradeSummit

Eco-destination Malta: 3 places to help you live a green lifestyle, Maltese-Style

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During my recent visit to Malta I got to visit three places that are helping the Maltese to live a greener lifestyle.

Peppi Gauci
Aquaponic system (fish below)
geodesic dome

 

 

1) Permaculture Research Foundation Malta, run by Peppi Gauci, maintains the Bahrija Oasis. After passing via a small path through a stand of bamboo, one enters a beautiful area transformed from previously unproductive land into a peaceful, lush and self-sustaining green sanctuary. Based on principles of permaculture which embrace nature as its prime example of design, Peppi and his team grow fields of vegetables organically, and grow plants via aquaponics– plants grow over a small man-made pond–as the plant roots feed on the waste of the fish, the fish feed off the nutrients provided by the plants. The Bahrija Oasis site is solar powered, and there is a system of composting toilets also called “humanure” toilets, which do not use any water and produce compost that can be used on ornamental plants. The site features circular geodesic domes which are used for meditation and meetings. The Foundation offers retreats and training courses for those wishing to learn by this inspiring example.

 

Paul Debono

 

 

 

 

 

 

2) Vincent’s EcoFarm is a certified organic farm in Mgarr. I visited while in Malta, and it was a real treat to see the large variety of beautiful plants growing there including numerous vegetables, herbs olives and red Gellewza grapes, which are indigenous to Malta. The farm has a mobile trailer for chickens who naturally fertilize the soil with their droppings, and are not killed– they are left to live out their natural life. People can come to pick up vegetables and preserves on a daily basis. The farm is owned by Gloria Camilleri (who drives an adorable electric vehicle), and is named after her father Vincent. The farm is operating a beautifully decorated, modern yet rustic bed and breakfast, and hosts healthy eating and yoga workshops.

 

 

 

 

 

3) D Street – Dressed by Nature ecofashion store in Sliema features stylish clothing made from eco-friendly, plant-based fabrics including organic cotton, Tencel (from eucalyptus), and bamboo. Owned by a young Italian woman, there are clothes for both men and women, for work or casual, and there are even socks and hemp shoes for sale. Items are made in Italy the US and other countries and are fair-trade conscious.

More Green Malta tips: There is a Vegetarian Society of Malta and a growing number of healthy eateries, such as The Grassy Hopper and Gugar in Valletta. Health food stores such as Casa Natura in Sliema and Good Earth in St. Julian’s help support a healthy lifestyle. While most local farms may use pesticides, as part of the European Union, Malta does not allow the growing of genetically modified crops, and GMO products are labeled. And, Malta was the first country to ban the use of the chemical Glyphosate (Roundup)!

Malta’s Environment Through the Eyes of The Genista Research Foundation

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The Genista Foundation, run by Mark Causon, PhD and a team of dedicated volunteers is a Maltese nonprofit organization that maintains an area of land which I got to visit during my recent trip to Malta. It is a peaceful oasis of native flora, near Fort Rinella, Kalkara, on the southeast side of Malta’s main island. Genista has carried out numerous educational projects in Malta and abroad, engaging disadvantaged youth and international students from European universities in personal self development while connecting with the land and learning agricultural practices hands-on. The Foundation grows the Maltese National Tree, the Gharghar tree, the rare Genista plant, carob, olives, and also Widnet il-Baħar, a native Maltese bush with purple flowers. The site is 100% solar powered, and has a rain barrel system to capture rain water that is used to irrigate the plants. From Dr. Causon, who has been doing environmental education for years and also helps maintain Malta’s only forest, Buskett Gardens, I learned about environmental issues happening in Malta.

For one, Malta’s total energy use is just under 600MW (this is about 1/10 of Long Island’s usage). Having closed down an old electric plant in Marsa several years ago, the Maltese government recently switched to using natural gas instead of heavier fuel, so the country’s emissions have declined. A gas pipeline is being contemplated, from Italy to Malta. While an overdependence on cars has caused traffic to increase, there are at least electric vehicle (EV) charging stations around Malta put in place by the government. EVs are just starting to become popular there. Unlike the U.S., biodiesel is for sale there right at regular gas station pumps.

Malta is a member of the Paris Climate Agreement, and as a European Union (EU) nation, must participate in achieving the EU’s goal of 20% energy generated from renewable sources by 2020. Malta is well suited for solar and many homes have solar thermal units on their roof to heat water. Solar electric use has been slower to take off, but as of 2016 the government was offering a 50% incentive up to €2300 for the first 7000 homes to switch. A grant of 40% up to €400 is available for solar hot water heaters. Offshore wind had been considered off of St. Paul’s Bay but it was found that the depth of the sea floor and competition with other uses of the sea made it difficult. Codes restrict placement of wind turbines on land, but I have seen a few.

Malta derives its drinking water from desalinization of seawater. There are three sewage treatment plants on the main island of Malta, one in the north and two in the south, that process sewage and then release remaining effluent into the sea. Solid waste used to be deposited into a large unlined dump in Maghtab next to the sea, where methane-fueled flames could sometimes be seen. That has since been closed and there is a modern, properly lined landfill located next to it with technology to capture the methane. A new waste recycling facility had been built by Wastserv in San Antnin, Marsascala several years ago, but it unfortunately caught on fire in May 2017 and has to be rebuilt. In some towns such as Sweiqi, the local council has established a system of organic waste collection. Households put all appropriate food scraps in a black bag for it to be picked up and composted. As of now this is a pilot project, so let’s hope it is successful and becomes the norm in all Maltese Towns.

Rainwater system at Genista Research Foundation, Malta

A major issue of contention in Malta has been bird hunting. Many birds stop in Malta as part of their migration routes between Europe and Africa, and populations of some species have been declining over the past few years due to loss of habitat and other factors. In Malta bird hunting is a popular sport and though there are regulations, some environmental groups say illegal poaching abounds. A referendum held in 2015 to ban the spring hunting season was rejected but the debate continues on. Fish farms have also been a problem, with the oily sludge-like feed sometimes washing up near the shore and ruining a good day of swimming.

In positive news, Malta was the first country to ban the use of the pesticide glyphosate in 2016 after the World Health Organization declared it to be a carcinogen. Dr. Causon played a role in developing the policy. In addition to the Genista Foundation, Malta also has a strong showing of environmental organizations that keep moving the conversation forward—such as Nature Trust, Friends of the Earth Malta, Birdlife Malta, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Gaia Foundation, Permaculture Malta, Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar (Together for a Better Environment). Many of these groups work to preserve remaining open spaces and avert excessive development which is a consistent pressure in the small island of Malta.

To learn more and support these organizations follow the links above.
–Beth Fiteni, MSEL

Electric Vehicles in Malta

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My dad’s family came from the small mediterranean island of Malta. In my recent visit, I was happy to see the progress being made on introducing public electric vehicle infrastructure to the Island. In several locations I found a charging station you pay for with an RFID (radio frequency ID) card, and an accompanying dedicated parking spot, sponsored by several agencies including the Ministry for Transport and Infrastructure. One was in the hip town of Sliema, one was near the Gozo ferry terminal, and one was next to the old church of Mellieha, a nice combination of old and new. I know several Long Island towns are waiting for funding to make similar installations here.
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In both Italy and Malta, I saw small, economical car models made by companies including Chevrolet and Toyota that they do not offer for sale in the U.S. Hmm. I wonder why?…. I recently read that SUV sales went up in the U.S. due to short term low oil prices. I hope the U.S. market eventually catches on that oil prices are on a general trend upward. Electric, though currently produced mostly with fossil fuels, is also being produced by renewables feeding into the grid and directly at carports which will help save money and the environment in the long run.

Circewwa, Malta, with beautiful Ta' Cenc cliffs in background
Circewwa, Malta, with beautiful Ta’ Cenc cliffs in background

The Perfect Eco-Vacation: Tulum, Mexico

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A recent trip to Tulum, Mexico convinced me that there is indeed Heaven on Earth. Aside from the gorgeous beaches lined with palm trees, Tulum also possesses significant green credentials. The main road in Tulum features a string of eclectic cabana-style hotels, restaurants and yoga centers (such as Maya Tulum) along the main road, some of which are powered by small wind turbines and solar panels. My own rustic-style hotel, La Posada del Sol, was one of these, and offered organic body care products in its guest rooms. Out of several vegetarian-friendly restaurants I found, one that blew me away was Restauraure, a vegan restaurant nestled among the palm trees, where the food was made with such fresh, local ingredients you could taste the love in it. The young owners used local materials for the tables and chairs, renewable energy, and are hoping to help start an organic market next door. The connection to nature is apparent in Tulum and is reflected in the remarkable ruins and artwork of the Mayans. An incredibly beautiful, inspiring place, full of friendly people, Tulum is perfect for a rejuvenating retreat.

The Green side of the Golden Gate City

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Clary Sage Organics
Earthsake
Muir Woods

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In my recent trip to San Francisco, I visited some shining examples of the area’s trademark eco-friendliness. At Earthsake (www.earthsake.com) in Berkeley, I was able to order a great quality organic cotton mattress, that does not contain toxic fire retardants. They offer natural latex mattresses, bedroom furniture, and organic cotton linens for both adult bedrooms and kids’ rooms.

After dining at the vegan restaurant Greens in Fort Mason (www.greensrestaurant.com), with a lovely view of the famed red bridge, I headed to Clary Sage Organics (www.clarysageorganics.com). There I encountered a full array of unique organic cotton and sustainably made clothing, some bearing the store’s own label. The owner, Patti, has been highly committed to promoting sustainable clothing for years, and the store also features wellness formulas and body care products, for natural beauty inside and out.

San Fran city has also made efforts to help dry cleaners to switch to less toxic cleaning methods, and has committed to providing 100% of the city’s energy needs with renewables by 2020. Of course not forgetting the magnificent Muir Woods nearby with its stand of gigantic sequoia trees, the City by the Bay is a treehugger’s dream.