WAMA – Sustainable underwear

Sustainable fashion

The fashion industry is the second largest polluter in the world, which has an enormous impact on the environment. A huge impact is felt within the Earths water supply through water pollution, mass water consumption and microfibers entering our oceans. Waste accumulation is another factor, causing chemical waste to penetrate soil systems and air networks. The production of fast fashion has also enhanced greenhouse gas emissions and contributed to rainforest destruction.

As we become more aware of the fashion industries impact on the Earth, more and more companies are making the move towards sustainable alternatives. Sourcing materials locally, employing local people, using less water in the production line and limiting the supply chain. Overall reducing the impact on the Earth. The clothing is also made to be more durable and long lasting. Buying sustainable clothing is another step in the right direction in reducing our carbon footprint. Every step counts, big or small.

WAMA Underwear

I am always on the lookout for sustainable clothing brands and was so happy to learn about WAMA underwear a company whose missions is to

pioneer the hemp underwear industry by making the best hemp undies in the world and constantly improving the fit, function and design.

leading the way to the future of sustainable hemp underwear for both men and women. Not only does WAMA use the worlds most sustainable fabric, they also work with small family run organic farms and ensure that each of their employees is provided with fair wages and good quality working conditions.

WAMA has been approved by PETA- People for the ethical treatment of animals and also by Green America – meeting high standards for social and environmental impacts. This is definitely a company that I can back and support.

Benefits of Hemp

Hemp is the worlds most sustainable fabric. Hemp is very gentle on the Earth, it requires little water for growth and relatively little land for it to cultivate. Hemp plants don’t require the use of pesticides, herbicides or fungicides. The process of the plant being transformed into a material can be done organically without the use of chemicals. Hemp material is extremely breathable and durable and is also anti-bacterial! Hemp can kill off any bacteria fungus or molds. Hemp underwear is a great addition to any sustainable wardrobe.

I have been extremely happy with my underwear from WAMA. The material is soft and breathable. To view the styles and colours from WAMA please click here 🙂

How Humans And Wildlife Can Interact Sustainably

In all honesty, nobody wants to be known as a ‘city slicker’. Someone who isn’t in touch with nature, respect the wildlife and really feels at home in the great outdoors. Those that have grown up in the city, usually love the countryside once they get a bit older. However, so many of us have lost that unique touch with wildlife. We don’t pay attention to what we’re doing to our own countryside and indeed the wider country. Human and animal interactions don’t have to be so one-sided. We can live among wildlife without changing it. The trick is to always keep in mind the sustainability of our interactions. Nature must not be altered as we move through it, and animals should be respected even while you’re hunting.

A respectful hunter

In North America, some animals have to be hunted to keep the numbers down. Keeping deer numbers in check is vital for farmers because they would lose their crops and harvest due to the rampant grazing. However, hunters of all people know that in order to be a sustainable presence in the forest, they must not change the landscape. It may sound odd to some but even snapping twigs and brushing against branches is highly frowned upon. It’s not just about not alerting the prey animal, but not disturbing the nature you’re walking through either. Don’t step on flowers, mushrooms or even moss if you can help it. In order to have our great landscapes remain the same as they are now, hunters must move through the forest as if they were a ghost. Be respectful of the forest and try to leave it in the same way as you entered it.

Maintain population

If you own a lake and you’re unable to fish regularly, then, unfortunately, you’re not managing it correctly. You should have plenty of fish since there is no real way to escape besides underground channels. Call a lake management company that is able to come and see what the problem is for you. It might be due to the water quality, perhaps you’re overfishing, or it could just be that there is a predator nearby that have eaten most of the fish. The company will see if they can repopulate your lake with the correct fish types that were previously swimming around. They have stocked up ponds and lakes with indigenous fish to maintain the population and maintain the same ecosystem.

Avoiding meeting each other

Sometimes the best thing humans and animals can do for each other is just to stay out of each other’s ways. Grizzly bears are brilliant creatures but they are a threat to humans. Human beings must be aware that not seeing or going looking for a bear is a good thing. The fewer interactions brown bears and humans have the better for each other’s survival. That’s why you should follow bear tracks or ghost them to go bear watching.

Humans and animals need to find ways to interact with each other in sustainable ways. Hunters should respect the forest as they walk through it and anglers should not fish their lakes to emptiness.

4 Reasons Ecuador Should Be Next On Your Bucket List

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador (Source)

I think the hardest thing about traveling is figuring out where to go. We’re blessed with so many incredible travel destinations, yet some places often slip under the radar. For me, Ecuador is one of the most under-appreciated countries in South America – and the whole world. It’s such an exciting and beautiful place to visit, and everyone should add it to their bucket list.

Not convinced? You will be after seeing these reasons to visit Ecuador:

The Galapagos Islands

Ecuador is home to one of the most incredible places on earth; the Galapagos Islands. Here, you will see some unique wildlife enjoying an untouched natural habitat. There are giant turtles, iguanas, seals, and even sharks. If you travel alone, it’s a joyous place to trek around as you take in all the beauty of your surroundings. For groups, there are Galapagos vacations for families that allow you to see all the amazing animals while being led around by a tour guide. You can’t really compare the Galapagos Islands to anything else because it’s utterly unique. It offers an experience like no other; it’s something you should see at least once before you die.

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Banos

Banos is a little town that’s full of wondrous things for tourists to do. It’s not your typical travel destination; you get a real authentic taste of Ecuadorian culture here as it’s not overly commercialized. The beauty of this place is that it provides natural thrills for you to enjoy. There are mountains to climb, flowing waterfalls to jump from, white water rafting, long rope bridges, and even a swing that sends you out over the edge of a mountain. So, if you’re a bit of an adventure traveler that’s looking to get an adrenaline spike on your next holiday, then Banos is the perfect place for you.

Excellent Food

The food in Ecuador is similar to most other areas of South America. As a result, it’s pretty damn delicious! You’ve got a host of sweet and savory treats to try, and plenty of small street food stalls or restaurants that serve the most authentic stuff. If you like fish, then try the ceviche in Ecuador as it’s really incredible. It’s also well worth trying cornbread as this is kind of a specialty in South America due to the diversity – you can have it with fillings for lunch, breakfast, or dinner.

Incredible Weather

Finally, the weather in Ecuador is a good enough reason to pack your bags and head out there. The country is unique in that it sits on the equator. As such, you tend to get a pretty consistent climate all year round. It’s permanently hot and sunny, and you can take advantage of this by heading to some of the stunning beaches dotted around the coast. Speaking of which, you have hundreds of miles of coast to enjoy, and plenty of beautiful places to go swimming, sunbathe or have a little snorkel underwater.

You see, Ecuador throw up lots of intriguing delights that make it a must-visit country. As a bonus, if you live in North America, then you’ll benefit from Ecuador using US dollars as its currency. So, there’s no need to worry about conversion rates when you set off!

Fight Back Against Water Pollution This Year

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We all care for the planet. It is more important than ever now that we take steps to keep our planet safe and ensure that all of the living creatures on it are able to live in a safe environment.

The oceans and waterways are some of the worst affected by our pollution in a number of ways and this is something which can have a knock on effect on the animals who live there. It is important for us to use oil water separators and be more conscious about the plastic we use each day because all of these things will have an effect on the planet as a whole. Today we are going to take a look at some of the things you can do every day to help fight water pollution and keep our oceans clean.

Slow it down

When water flows fast through the land and into the ground below and also the rivers, it can pick up a lot of things on the way which we don’t want. This is why slowing down water flow can be helpful and there are a few ways we can do this. First of all we can have a water butt in the garden which will collect rainwater for us to use at a later stage. We can also plant water living plants in the garden so that they will take in a lot of the water before it moves elsewhere.

Use vegetation

For those of you who live close to the waterside, the more things that stand in the way of your lawn and the water the better. One of the handy things you can do here is to plant some large shrubs and bushes to form a barrier and this will stop water from flowing through too quickly.

Go biodegradable

The worst thing you can use for your home is cleaning products which contain a lot of harsh chemicals which can end up going down the drain and into the water supply. The best option for you is to find some biodegradable cleaning products which will not have a negative impact on your water supply.

Limit pesticides

If you like to keep a clean and clear garden it stands to reason that you would also want to add pesticides to your garden to stop things such as slugs and snails. However these pesticides are bad for every creature in the garden and they can end up getting in the water supply pretty easily. Make sure that you think about limiting what you use, if at all, and this will make a big difference.

Join a clean up

One of the things you can do to be proactive in cleaning our oceans is to take part in a clean up and make a real difference to the world. There are always clean ups in your area you can join and it will allow you to feel like you are really making a difference.

5 Fun Things To Do In New Jersey

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Thinking of visiting New Jersey? Here are a few fun things to do when exploring this state.

Hit the beaches of Jersey Shore

Jersey Shore’s beaches are renowned worldwide as being the ultimate sunbathing spot. They’re less humid than Florida’s beaches whilst still offering plenty of sunshine to catch a tan. Even if you don’t fancy lazing on a beach, the shore offers plenty of other activities. You can snack out at Dunkin’ Donuts in Ocean City and go shopping along the boardwalk. Meanwhile, those looking to explore some history can head to Cape May, where there is plenty of Victorian architecture to marvel at and a range of museums. And of course, there’s Atlantic City, where you’ll find casinos and world-class spas.

Go tubing on the Delaware river

Many people head to the Delaware river in the summer to paddle in its crystal clear waters. Whilst thrill-seekers can try kayaking or white water rafting, a more leisurely way to explore the river could be to go tubing. You can hire a tube from companies such as Twin Rivers Tubing and drift down the river whilst catching a tan.

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Be dazzled by Sterling Hill Mine

This former iron and zinc mine is a must-visit attraction whilst in the state of New Jersey. The mine’s most famous feature is its multi-coloured fluorescent rocks which make for a magical experience. This is the result of the mine’s lighting which causes the zinc to glow. Visitors at Sterling Hill Mine can also learn about the mine’s past and various mining techniques.

Walk around the Grounds for Sculpture

There are plenty of parks and gardens in The Garden State, but for those looking for an attraction that slightly more unusual The Grounds For Sculpture are well worth a visit. There are over 240 sculptures in this 42-acre park, on top of an array of trees and flowers. It’s the perfect park for nature lovers and art enthusiasts alike.

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See the Statue of Liberty from Liberty State Park

Liberty State Park sits across from New York and offers impressive views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. You can even catch a ferry from here and get to see both attractions up close. Of course, there’s also the option of taking a day trip to the Big Apple (New York’s not in New Jersey, but it’s practically on the border and worth experiencing if you’ve never been before). Liberty State Park is also home to the Empty Sky Memorial and Liberty Science Centre.

How To Plan Your First Visit To Perth

Perth is a great city that captures everything that’s great about Australia but it isn’t always top of people’s bucket list when they’re visiting the country. People tend to go for Sydney or Melbourne, which is a real shame because Perth is a vibrant city that has seen a lot of growth in the last few decades and more and more locals are moving there from the bigger cities on the east coast. While it might not be as big as those cities, the west coast area and Perth, in particular, still have lots of great things to see and do so it’s definitely worth a visit if you haven’t been before. If you’re planning a trip to Perth, here are some great tips to help you make the most of your visit to this incredible city.

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Where To Stay

Perth is an expensive city so if you’re trying to plan a budget trip, you’ll need to look around a bit to find somewhere to stay. That doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to find a cheap place to stay but you’ll have to avoid the hotels, especially those near the city center. If you want somewhere affordable to stay, hostels are your best bet. If you don’t mind staying in basic accommodation, you can get a fairly reasonable hostel and you’ll save yourself quite a bit of money if you look further outside of the city center, however, a private room is still going to cost you around $60 a night.

Airbnb is another option that is going to be cheaper than the hotels. Shared rooms are only around $26 or you can get your own apartment from about $85, which isn’t too expensive if you’re splitting the cost between a few people.

You’ll save money by staying further out of the city but if you’re doing that, it’s a good idea to hire a car so you can get around easily. You can book your Perth airport car hire today and get a good price, which means you don’t have to worry about an airport transfer and you’ll have a car while you’re there. It also gives you a bit more freedom to explore the surrounding area.

What To Eat

Food is expensive as well and you can easily pay $15 a meal at a normal restaurant, the fancy ones will be even pricier. Fast food places aren’t that cheap either and can sometimes be as expensive as the normal restaurants. However, you can get some great quality food at a reasonable price if you avoid the local cuisine and eat at the ethnic restaurants instead.

What To Do

There are plenty of things to suit every taste while you’re in Perth. If you’re looking for culture, you should head over to the cultural center where you’ll find lots of art galleries and museums or visit the Art Gallery of Western Australia, which is completely free to get into.

In the evenings, you’ll find plenty of great nightlife in the Northbridge area which is packed full of great restaurants and bars.

If you want to experience the beautiful landscapes, you can hike along the Bibbulmun track. You could do a single day or even a week if you feel like it and there are cabins along the way to stay in.

These are just a few of the amazing things that you’ll find in Perth. If you follow these simple tips, your first trip to the city will be a success.

3 Eco-Friendly Alternatives To Products You Use Every Day

Trying to live a green lifestyle is so hard because so many of the things that we buy and use on a daily basis are made in an irresponsible way. A lot of the time, things that you wouldn’t even think about are causing damage to the environment. The good news is, increased demand for eco-friendly alternatives means that there are more green products on the market than ever, so you can move towards living sustainably if you make a few simple changes. These are some of the best eco-friendly alternatives to things that you buy regularly.

Meat And Fish Alternatives

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Veganism has really taken off in the last couple of years and that’s largely down to the environmental impact. Producing meat and dairy takes a big toll on the environment so a lot of people are choosing not to consume them at all so they can reduce their carbon footprint. Even if you don’t want to go completely vegan, you can still swap out some of the meat that you eat for meat free alternatives. There are so many great ones available now and they’re not as expensive as they used to be.

Fish is one that people don’t consider as much, but it’s doing a lot of damage. Things like sushi have become very popular in recent years which means that fish consumption has gone up, but it’s actually very bad for the environment. Overfishing means that some species of fish are in real danger of being wiped out, so it’s vital that we limit our intake. There are a few new fish alternatives in the shops right now so you should give them a try.

Clothes

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People don’t often think that much about their clothes when they’re trying to be more green, but you should. First off, you need to consider how they’re being made. A lot of cheap clothes are made using very unsustainable methods that produce a lot of greenhouse gasses. You also need to think about the materials themselves because if you’re wearing clothes that are made with nylon, for example, you’re adding to the plastics problem. The good news is, there are alternatives; Lyocell is a material made from wood cellulose and it’s great for making clothes. You can get some great clothes that are comfortable and look great, but they’re not damaging to the environment.

Food Storage

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When you’re storing food in the fridge or putting it in the microwave and you need to cover it with something, a lot of people reach straight for the clingfilm. But that’s so bad for the environment because you’re just putting huge amounts of plastic into landfill and it’s ending up in the oceans. The good news is, there are some great alternatives out there. The Beeswax Wrap company sell a reusable covering that is made from eco-friendly materials. They’re easy to clean and you won’t need to use cling film or foil at all anymore.

Even if you’re making an effort to live an eco-friendly lifestyle, you could be doing more if you make these simple swaps.

Five Offbeat Ways to Have a Memorable Holiday

Holidays should be a time of celebration, fun and excitement. They should be filled with wonderful moments, they should uplift our spirits and they need to create unforgettable memories that stick with us forever. Sadly, remembering a holiday can be quite difficult unless you have an absolutely amazing time that is worth talking about for weeks once you return home.

Fortunately, there are also a couple of rather offbeat ways to have a memorable holiday. Of course, you could always do something elaborate and record yourself or take hundreds of pictures, but we’ve decided to list a couple of unique ways that you can have a memorable holiday. So if you’re ready for a little surprise during your next vacation trip, here are a few unique ideas.

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Do something you’d do at home

Sounds boring, doesn’t it? Funnily enough, doing something that you would do at home, but on holiday, makes it a lot more memorable and potentially even enjoyable. For instance, if you’d normally like to relax in bed and read a book on a Saturday morning, then why not do the same thing but up on a mountain in the Himalayas or while lounging in a hammock in Bali?

Here are a couple of other interesting activities you could try:

Pick a spot to have a picnic in a unique location
Walk around your accommodation area and try to fit in with the locals
Get a bit of work done if you have the ability to
If you have a kitchen, go out to buy some groceries and cook a local meal

Hire a travel photographer

Taking holiday pictures is usually something we can do ourselves, but a dedicated holiday photographer does come with many advantages. For instance, they’ll know the layout of the city you’re in, they’ll know the best places to go for romantic shots with your partner, and they might even be able to introduce you to some spectacular sightseeing opportunities that you can revisit later after your photo session.

They can be extremely specific too. For example, you can find Amalfi Coast photographers that know the local fishing villages and have access to wonderful villas where you can take beautiful photographs. It’s worth doing a bit of research and looking around for travel photographers that can fit your needs.

Stay somewhere local

Instead of staying in a tall building that overlooks the city you’re staying in, get on the ground and look for local places such as a bed and breakfast, a hostel or even a capsule hotel location. There are several reasons to give this a try:

You’ll be more in-tune with the locals
You won’t be treated like a tourist all the time
You get to experience life as a local
You have more opportunities to meet people naturally and make friends
It’s much cheaper than booking a hotel

Staying somewhere local can seem daunting especially if you don’t understand the language. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to communicate if you’ve got a phrase book handy. This is an excellent opportunity to see your holiday destination from the eyes of a local and will help you appreciate the culture, language and even food.

Make a friend

Even if you’re a particularly shy person, making a friend overseas when you’re on holiday is a fantastic way to create a memorable holiday. This is because you have the opportunity to stay in touch even after you leave, meaning you can always chat with them, ask how they’re doing and even arrange a follow-up trip to go see them.

Whenever you speak to the friends you make, you’ll start to remember the holiday you had, the places you visited and the sights and sounds that you got to experience.

Pack less

Backpacking is one of the most popular ways to travel nowadays. It allows you to see more of the world, it forces you into situations that help you learn a new language and it’s a flexible type of holiday with no real direction. This means you can visit the country without any major expectations and just go with the flow, meeting new people, experiencing new things and trying out new foods.

In other words; the less you pack, the more immersed in the country you’ll be.

As you can see, it doesn’t take much to really have a memorable holiday. You don’t need to go partying every night, you don’t need to visit every single tourist attraction and you don’t even need to spend much money. Hopefully, this advice has given you a few ideas on how you can have a memorable holiday in the near future!

Top Philidephia Must Do’s

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Look anywhere on the web, and you’ll find that Philadelphia is one of the most impressive places to visit, but if you’re going there are some things you absolutely must do, make sure you do not leave until you have…

Had a photo in front of the Liberty Bell

It doesn’t make a sound, but The Liberty Bell is free to visit year-round with no tickets required. It draws people from everywhere in to get their perfect a photo in front of the soaring glass walls overlooking Independence Hall.

Posed with the Rocky Statue and ran up the “Rocky Steps.”

There are two of the most famous tourist attractions in Philadelphia and have now become an international destination. Travellers come from all over to embark on their own run up the stairs, pumping their fists in the air while taking in the spectacular view of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the city’s skyline. To finish off the experience, you should head to the bottom of the stairs and snap a photo with the bronze statue of Rocky, initially created for Rocky III.

Eaten best Philly cheesesteak

The Philly cheesesteak is the city’s most famous food. These excellent sandwiches consist of chopped (or thinly sliced) steak and a choice of cheeses and fried onions on a hoagie roll. Mmmmm!

Visited the Independence Hall

This is the actual place where the Declaration of Independence was signed and where the U.S. Constitution was created. Today, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is the centrepiece of Independence National Historical Park, and you can go on guided tours all year-round for free. You have to get timed tickets which can be picked up at the Independence Visitor Center but plan ahead because tours fill up fast!

Gorged on food from dozens of vendors at Reading Terminal Market

This is America’s oldest farmers’ market, and a foodie’s paradise. The 125-year-old Reading Terminal Market serves as both one of the top tourist destinations as well as a source for fresh produce, seafood, meats and cheese for the locals. You can also enjoy meals from dozens of restaurants as well as browsing retailers stalls selling housewares, jewellery, linens and more.

Visited the impressive museums on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway

The Benjamin Franklin Parkway was modelled after the Champs Elysees in Paris and is sometimes called Philadelphia’s most artistic mile. Here, you’ll find some of the city’s most important cultural institutions, including the Barnes Foundation, The Franklin Institute, The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, the Rodin Museum and the crowning Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Taken in an epic view of City Hall — then toured the massive building

The City Hall has been the home to Philadelphia city government for over a century. Once the tallest building in America, the 14.5-acre masonry structure remains the country’s largest municipal building. You can enjoy an interior tour that explores the building’s history, art and architecture or a 15-minute tower tour. Both options include a view from the observation deck, located below the 37-foot-tall, 27-ton bronze statue of William Penn atop the clock tower.

Something For Everyone: Make The Most Of A North Carolina Adventure

Boasting everything from beautiful beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, to the breathtaking Appalacian Mountains; North Carolina really does have a varied landscape, and offers its visitors an array of things to do. The southeastern U.S state provides travelers with the bustle of city life, along with the tranquility of incredible terrain and attractive country views. With so much to do and see, it’s no wonder that many are popping the state onto their travel itinerary. And, if it’s somewhere you’re planning to take an adventure, you’ll not be disappointed, or stuck for something to satiate your senses.

With so much to do and see in North Carolina; you’ll want to ensure that you’ve ticked as much as you can off your list of plans. Therefore, you’ll need to put some thought and effort into your list itself, and preapre as much as possible before you arrive. Grab your notebook, and start looking into the various areas of the state, and what they have to offer, You can then narrow-down, and prioritize what you want to enjoy and experience. The following are some ideas, inspiration, and advice, for those about to embark on their first travel adventure in North Carolina.

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Great Smoky Mountains

The Smokies (as locals call them) are a beautiful mountain range, largely protected by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The clue’s in the name; however, you’ll find all the beautiful mountain terrain and nature, you could possibly want here. If you’re after plenty of fresh air, outdoor activities, and incredible photo opportunities; it’s worth heading to the mountain range when you arrive in North Carolina. It’s worth checking out some of the organized tours available so that you can make the msot of the rich forests and black bear habitats.

Asheville

For something totally different, Asheville can offer its visitors a plethora of museaums, galleries, and theaters. With a vibrant cultural and art scene, coupled with plenty of historical charm and architectecture, you can’t get much farther from the bears you’ll see in the Smokies. City-savvy travelers will already know about the new restaurants in Asheville, and those trendy bars that keep popping-up; book your tables and booths before you arrive so that you can fuel your cultural adventure.

Charlotte

Another major city, but with a commercial vibe, is Charlotte. Here you’ll discover museums that celebrate the states sporting and auto-racing history. You’ll also find places to learn about the Civil War, modern science, and there’s no shortage of interactive exhibitions to enjoy. For some respite and downtime, you can make the most of one of the many fashionable cafes in Charlotte, before heading to enjoy some of the modern art on display in the east of the vibrant city.

Outer Banks

When you feel like it’s time for some fresh, salty. ocean air, it’s worth heading to the beach; the Outer Banks are barrier islands that surround the coast of North Carolina. You’ll find open sea beaches and diving sites, making them ideal for either relaxation, or adventure, depending on how you’re feeling.