Being is a celebrity is all about me myself and I, there are exceptions to the pack, but as a general rule, as the Chinese saying goes, “you have a hard time to look when fame and money cover your eyes”. Celebrity events are all about glamour, fashion, beauty and abundance, living the dream and forgetting the nightmare; but that usually spells as a recipe for wasteful, harmful, not environmentally friendly and not sustainable fiasco.
This is why it is so refreshing to see some real movement in the opposite direction. Brad Pitt for example, has just finished to do a lot of real good, sustainable developments in the Mississippi region : The brainchild of actor Brad Pitt, the “Make It Right Foundation” is an organization created to help rebuild the devastated 9th Ward in New Orleans. By focusing on green and sustainable building practices, the members hope to create a sustainable community that residents can be proud of.
The foundation began in 2006 as a group of 13 architecture firms hired by Pitt to design affordable, eco-friendly houses for New Orleans residents. So far, Pitt and the “Make It Right Foundation” have begun building homes on the exact spot where the Industrial Canal levee breached on Aug. 29, 2005. The goal (which it is very close to reaching) is to have 150 homes built by December, 2010. For the residents of New Orleans, the project provides a way to return home. http://bit.ly/aDMnPR
Prince Charles, on the other hand, is supporting a green festival which is celebrating and promoting everything which is green, in his own official residence, for the first time! : Clarence House, the official residence of Prince Charles, will be opened to the public for the first time for the Garden Party to Make a Difference. The 12 day festival will allow the public to inspect the Prince’s own efforts at green living, such as the vegetable patch in the garden and solar panels on the roof.
More than 100 displays and exhibitions will offer advice on building green homes, bee-friendly gardening or saving electricity. There will also be live performances from well-known comedians, musicians and campaigners on the issue of tackling climate change.
Alan Titchmarsh is talking about organic gardening, Kevin McLeod will demonstrate eco-cars and Dame Vivienne Westwood is on hand to talk about recycling clothes...
Visitors will learn how to cook in an environmentally friendly way and how to design and sew bags from recycled materials. There will also be interactive displays detailing the latest green technologies, like the people powered dance floor. http://bit.ly/8XxNd5
It is amazing how much good you can do when you put your mind and resources to it, and it works much better if you have a lot of both. The effect becomes exponentially better when you combine the group effort of a large numbers of people into a unified effort. For example, the Eco-Clothing industry just got an amazing push from a whole battery of celebrities : The power of celebrity endorsement was demonstrated with the much-trumpeted launch of Emma Watson's new collection for the Fair Trade, environmentally friendly brand People Tree. While the firm claims the Harry Potter actress has given sales a lift, it was unable to back this up with figures.
Industry watchers believe that environmentally friendly fashion needs to be more design-led if it is to compete. "As much as I admire eco-shops, it has got to be in mainstream fashion shops," said Hamnett. Her 30-piece denim collection is going to be sold in major upmarket retailers, and will cost between £100 and £150. http://bit.ly/coJTVH
As the main event of celebrity power, there are very few other events that comes close to the Eco-Emmy, which was just finished with surprisingly positive results : Debbie Durkin successfully hosted her 4th Annual Eco-Emmys Celebrity Chateau celebrating the 2010 Emmys while promoting green values and giving back. Honorees enjoyed signature well drinks at the Tierras Tequila Organic margarita bar while hydrating with LifeSource Water served by LifeSource LifeGuards, sampled gourmet grilled foods, discovered eco-luxury lifestyle brands, and were pampered with five-star beauty services in the Eco-Makeover Style Suite, all while taking in the breathtaking views from the Green Greenberg "Green" home nestled in the Hollywood Hills (www.gosvh.com).
Generous door donations benefited charity partners, the American Red Cross and Green Wish. Hybrid Solar Light, the best eco-invention of our time, a flashlight powered by the sun and holds a charge for three years, in promotion of the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org) prepareLA+ disaster preparedness program by launching their worldwide donation campaign. A celebrity-autographed Luna Guitar was also donated to the America Red Cross for auction at their annual fundraising gala. Patie Maloney of Green Wish (www.greenwish.com), representing board members Raphael Sbarge, Ed Begley, Jr., Sharon Lawrence, Rachelle Carson-Begley, and more, was on hand to film their PSAs asking “What is your Green Wish?” of celebrities who share a passion for the planet. http://bit.ly/dywkz6
Maybe hope is not lost, and there is still an option that being a celebrity and being green would one day be a natural fit? If there is one quote that I think summarise there whole concept (at least for me) it is from Shel Horowitz’s book Principled Profit : Horowitz's book demonstrates that honest, ethical, people-centered businesses are far more likely to succeed, especially if they understand how to market their ethical commitment. "Signing the pledge is one way that businesses can demonstrate they care about their customers, about the wider world, and about doing what's right even when it isn't easy. This public commitment can be a powerful marketing aid to any business--and not just at Christmas but all through the year," . Amen
In the new millennium, there has been a concentrated effort by automotive engineers and global automotive manufacturers to design cars that could run on an alternate source of fuel other than fossil fuels. Electric and battery-powered vehicles are the most visible alternative to fuel-powered vehicles. The Toyota Prius, which is a hybrid between an electric and fuel-powered engine, represents the first step taken by a major auto manufacturer to mass-produce an environmental-friendly vehicle that runs on a combination of fuel and electricity-powered engine. There has also been a lot of research and development done to harness the limitless energy of the sun and power our vehicles with it. Solar-powered vehicles have long been a fancy of design engineers. Solar cars, however, have been usually relegated to niche competitions. Unlike electric and battery-powered vehicles, there has been no concrete effort to produce a solar powered car for the public. Another obstacle that the solar cars need to overcome is their hideous design sense. The obtuse body frame of solar-powered vehicles makes one wonder why would anyone ride them in the first place. No matter how beneficial they are to the environment. Designer Paul Wilkins has overcome the design conundrum of sun-powered vehicles by designing a solar car concept that has an exquisite design aesthetic. Paul Wilkins has collaborated with German auto manufacturers, Volkswagen (pronounced Folkswagen), and conceptualized a solar-powered supercar that walks the tightrope between sophisticated beauty and potent functionality. The intelligent design of the car includes integrated photovoltaic cells that line the external body of the vehicle which absorbs the sun’s abundant energy and powers the hydrogen fuel cell stack. If the Volkswagen solar-powered supercar’s eco-friendly engine will impress you, its breathtaking body design will simply blow your mind. The exoskeleton of the solar supercar is a sleek, smooth, aerodynamic design. Green and black color tones paint the car in a racing-stripe inspired design. The car borrows its external design elements from the Volkswagen Scirocco with a dominant front grill, forward-pitching nose, and curved side-features. There are slit panels, which aid down force, located at the rear, behind the cockpit. The Volkswagen solar supercar is currently on display at the 2010 Swansea Metropolitan University Degree Show as a concept design. This concept design will be manufactured as a luxury car and will be assembled in a limited number. It is slated to hit the roads in 2020. Source: http://www.walyou.com/
Tighten your seatbelt and put on your gear as we take you on a awesome journey in to what would be the future of transportation with ‘Green Cars’ that are right out of flicks like Matrix or i-Robot. There are some which show the green creativity of young, modern designers while the others just show how the big boys can play when given a free hand with work. These cars do not just go on land; they fly in the air, go for a dive under the ocean and even make you wonder if they indeed are cars!! This ride just gets better with every step, so hang on to your seats and let the future come alive in front of your eyes… 1. Honda’s future akin to the Matrix! This is the project design that Honda says would be on the street by the end of next five decades. (I might, just might live to see this on the streets) The car is being said to be powered by Solar Hybrid technology & is a vehicle that is four in one. It can launch 4 different modes of vehicles I suppose. Like the Mini-Bike in the batman car maybe! Honda plan to attain this goal by integrating Nanotechnology, Artificial Intelligence, Gyros & molecular engineering. You know all this sounds so mind-boggling in theory itself. Hollywood would look so dull and pale when this indeed does hit the road! Awesomeness!! 2. Flying Saucer-Cars Anyone? The design comes from the CleanEra Project and is aimed at making future air travel green. The final goal however is to reduce the carbon emission by 50%. This is like you future car put in the air and if the company designing this comes out clean then you can pretty much bet that it will put every other car out of business and will have people fighting for air space! 3. Ford Nucleon: Nuclear Powered Ford! The actual concept of the car dates back to as early as 1950’s and it is no real wonder that this still has not taken to road. Cold fusion and even controlled fission are way out of reach of being car fuel. But who know when this might actually work, if indeed ever! Moreover how green is it? You decide. 4. Rinspeed’s sQuba: Driving and diving with zero-emissions Rinspeed, a Swiss based company is turning to the water for its latest concept; although this time they will be heading below the surface instead of skimming above it. Set to debut at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, the ‘sQuba’ concept is the world’s first diving car with zero emission power, according to the company, and can be submerged up to 10 meters or 33 feet below the surface. Now you can take a drive right in to the Great Barrier Reef!! 5. GM Globetrotter: Design of a young genius! Harsha Ravi (21), who is on a holiday, that his ‘Globetrotter’ was selected out of 17 entries, in view of its “functionality, environmental sustainability, visual and emotional appeal and safety aspects.” The design speaks of a concept car for the future that can do almost everything that you would want it to in a green fashion! The design, style and simplicity of it all make you wonder if it is not possible any sooner than 2017 and beyond! 6. NUS Urban Concept Car: All style Intending to reduce the environmental stress of fuel emissions as well as consumptions, it is jointly developed by the NUS Department of Mechanical Engineering and Design Incubation Centre. Feeding on Gas-to-Liquid fuel, this light weighted car is developed with a low rolling resistance allowing it to freewheel without consuming any fuel upon reaching a certain speed. My personal favorite on the list for simply awesome style and great looks. Nike of the car world!! 7. M-Please-V: Explore off-road and maybe off-planet! Again a vehicle that is awesome on style and substance, this was a green entrant at the Peugeot Design Contest 2007, the M-Please-V is a Multi-Purpose-lightweight-economic-and-simplistic-electric-Vehicle created by designer Sofian Tallal that seeks to redefine transportation and comfortable seating. The simplistic vehicle is designed to expose passengers to their environment and reduce technological distraction via an obvious lack of excessive electronics and accessories. 8. Coquille: Two-Wheeled Green Car! The fact that it is the only futuristic green car that runs on two wheels earns this a direct spot on the list, if nothing else does. Running on two big wheels that seem to house the car structure in between them, the Coquille too fits the category of compact, zero emission and high mobility vehicles. Conceptualized by Emiliano Polsonetti, it manages to balance on the two wheels by a computerized system relying on gyroscopes. Also you can hop in and out of the two wheeled car from the front. Simply rolling ahead! 9. VW Viseo: Classy green concept… all class! The electric car prototype is a unique design developed by Marc Kirsch for his diploma project in collaboration with Volkswagen design in Wolfsburg, Germany. Powered by an electric engine the design of this three seated car is highly influenced by internationally renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Some Spanish flavor and elegant class make it a must on this amazing list. Well done Volks! 10. Zero-Impact Urban Mobility vehicle Here is a concept that intends to be idealistic, defying the bounds of reality and convention. Designed Natalie Bonebrake, the concept provides for clean and possible urban transport for the future. This rounds of our list simple because this looks the most likely of all the concepts to hit the road and will hopefully do very soon! That winds up our awesome top 10 and hopefully you had a marvelous journey along with us and also loved the little preview of the awesome future that waits for us in the next couple of decades. Let us see which one of these and which other concept cars make it to the road in the future and hopefully all of them will lead us towards a green future with zero-emissions and carbon neutral transportation. For future trends and more new concepts check Ecofriend regularly as we try bringing you only the best possible green gadgets and till then… Adios! Source: http://www.lucalodolo.com/









Kerala, the beautiful Indian state situated alongside the azure Arabian Sea in southwestern tip of India, is honeymooners’ paradise. It attracts honeymooners or newly wed couples from all over the world. Honeymooners prefer to celebrate their romantic celebration in this state because of its scenic beauty and truly romantic ambiance crated by beaches, backwaters, wildlife, hill stations, spice plantation, etc. Have a look at some popular destinations for honeymoon celebration in Kerala, better known as the God’s Own Country.
Kovalam: Kovalam is one of the finest beach resorts in the world and a favorite destination of vacationers and honeymooners of course. It is basically a merger of three exotic beaches and offers newly wed couples great tourism opportunity and opportunity to indulge in several exciting beach activities and water sport activities making Kerala honeymoon tours an unforgettable one.
Alleppey: Alleppey is one of the most beautiful towns in Kerala. It is situated on banks of breathtaking beautiful Kerala backwaters. It has been a favorite destination of honeymooners. Honeymooners have a wonderful opportunity to enjoy backwater tourism and enjoy houseboat state to make their honeymoon vacation memorable. Houseboat cruise is a unique lifetime experience adding a new chapter to your honeymoon in Kerala, God’s Own Country.
Munnar: Munnar is a picturesque hill station in the state. It is noted for its lush beauty and refreshing air filled with fragrance of aromatic tea plantations and spice plantations. Due to its exotic nature beauty it is often referred as the Kashmir of South India. It has emerged as a favorite destination of honeymooners and vacationers.
Fort Kochi, Periyar, Kumarakom, Kollam, Varkala, Beypore, Kollam, etc are some other popular destinations most tour operators or honeymoon planners add into Kerala tour packages especially designed for honeymoon tours in Kerala, God’s Own Country. If you truly willing to plan for most exciting honeymoon tours Kerala will fulfill your needs.
Kerala, the beautiful Indian state situated alongside the azure Arabian Sea in southwestern tip of India, is honeymooners’ paradise. It attracts honeymooners or newly wed couples from all over the world. Honeymooners prefer to celebrate their romantic celebration in this state because of its scenic beauty and truly romantic ambiance crated by beaches, backwaters, wildlife, hill stations, spice plantation, etc. Have a look at some popular destinations for honeymoon celebration in Kerala, better known as the God’s Own Country.
Kovalam: Kovalam is one of the finest beach resorts in the world and a favorite destination of vacationers and honeymooners of course. It is basically a merger of three exotic beaches and offers newly wed couples great tourism opportunity and opportunity to indulge in several exciting beach activities and water sport activities making Kerala honeymoon tours an unforgettable one.
Alleppey: Alleppey is one of the most beautiful towns in Kerala. It is situated on banks of breathtaking beautiful Kerala backwaters. It has been a favorite destination of honeymooners. Honeymooners have a wonderful opportunity to enjoy backwater tourism and enjoy houseboat state to make their honeymoon vacation memorable. Houseboat cruise is a unique lifetime experience adding a new chapter to your honeymoon in Kerala, God’s Own Country.
Munnar: Munnar is a picturesque hill station in the state. It is noted for its lush beauty and refreshing air filled with fragrance of aromatic tea plantations and spice plantations. Due to its exotic nature beauty it is often referred as the Kashmir of South India. It has emerged as a favorite destination of honeymooners and vacationers.
Fort Kochi, Periyar, Kumarakom, Kollam, Varkala, Beypore, Kollam, etc are some other popular destinations most tour operators or honeymoon planners add into Kerala tour packages especially designed for honeymoon tours in Kerala, God’s Own Country. If you truly willing to plan for most exciting honeymoon tours Kerala will fulfill your needs.
Are you getting bored with your everyday routine life? Then pack your bag and go for some vacations. Nothing can be better that golden triangle tour. Golden triangle will let you visit top destinations of North India. Getting breathtaking view of wondrous Taj Mahal, breezy Hawa Mahal and paying tribute to great soldiers at India Gate is choice of all Indians. And all these destinations are covered in this grand tour circuit. You can visit these destinations in very comfortable and convenient manner as these places are connected with all air route, rail route and road route. But car rental can be best for you. There are many car rental companies in Agra. You can easily rent a car to make your travel convenient.
Golden triangle tour is one of the most fascinating and exclusive tour options in India. Its popularity is increasing day by day. It is not only popular and preferred tour option among Indian but also among foreigners. Millions of foreign tourists visit India and undertake golden triangle tours. It basically includes Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. You will be taken to all hot and historical sites of these three cities. These cities contain most of the tourist attractions of North India.
Most of the tourists start their journey from Delhi. Actually, most of the tourists land in Delhi as it is major international airport. Also it is well connected to all cities of India. So, tourists visit Delhi first to embark on the tour. They take a city tour of Delhi. They visit all historical sites like Red Fort, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, Old Fort, Tughlaqabad Fort, Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple, etc. They also love to spend evening in the amusement parks of Delhi and cherish the charming memory. After exploring this historical city, tourists step up toward Taj Mahal tour. They ask the driver to take turn to Agra. Agra is very famous tourist destination in India. It is famous due to terrific Taj Mahal. It is one among the Seven Wonders of Medieval World. It is therefore, one of the most visited heritages of India. It is very beautiful mausoleum. It has wonderful interior decoration. There are many other tourist attractions in Agra. As you have already hired an Agra car rental you can easily visit all attractions of nearby places. Hiring an Agra based car rental company is best as they have good idea about the tourist destinations of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. They will let you visit all such destinations. Also they offer services at very competitive rates.
Jaipur is the end point of golden triangle. It is the capital city of Rajasthan. It is very charming and lovely city. It is known for its royalty. It is still said to reflect the eternal cultural values of India. It has many forts and palaces. Some of the popular attractions are Jaigarh Fort, Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, City Palace, Birla Temple, etc. You can easily visit all these destinations with car rental Agra.
Sarita Mishra is an eminent analyst and writer in India Travel & Tourism related topics. She has authored many books on tour guide for Golden triangle tour and Agra car rental.
Trekking is one of the most popular tourism activities in Nepal. There are a number of spectacular, exciting and breathtaking trekking trails and routes in the country. The country is globally famous as trekkers’ paradise. Trekking in Nepal is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty, diverse cultural heritages and varied geographical regions of this country. This country attracts a large number of trekkers and adventure enthusiasts from all over the world and provides them a wonderful opportunity to capture the scenic vista and explore the sprit of adventure.
On Nepal trekking tours tourists have a wonderful opportunity to explore the natural and cultural riches of the country. Trekkers have a golden opportunity to pass through beautiful hamlets and villages inhabited by ethnic group of people. You will have chance to mingle with local people and know about their lifestyle and culture. With a right Trekking Agency Nepal you can enjoy best of Nepal trek. Have a look at some famous trekking trails in this country.
Major trekking trails in this country are Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trekking, EBC Chola Base Trekking, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Langtang Region Trekking, Annapurna Trekking Nepal, Vilage Trek, Dhaulagiri Trek, Mustang Trek, Makalu Region, Arun Valley Region, Ganesh Himal Region, Dolpo Region Trek, Kanchenjunga Region Trek, etc. So choose one of trekking routes of Nepal and start to treasure thrilling, exciting and cheerful experiences. You will certainly love trekking in Nepal Himalayas on your trekking tours in this country.
I had the pleasure of attending a National Press Club luncheon today that featured Ashley Judd speaking about the sad, horrible, and grim realities of mountaintop removal coal mining.
If you're not familiar with the destructive practice of mountaintop removal coal mining, you should be. It's when mining companies blow the tops off mountains to reach a thin seam of coal and then, to minimize waste disposal costs, dump millions of tons of waste rock into the valleys below, causing permanent damage to the ecosystem and landscape.
Mountaintop removal coal mining, has damaged or destroyed nearly 2,000 miles of streams and threatens to destroy 1.4 million acres of land by 2020. The mining poisons drinking water, lays waste to wildlife habitat, increases the risk of flooding and wipes out entire communities.
Let me tell you, I never thought Ashley Judd would be a slouch on this topic, but she still really surprised me and just nailed her speech. She clearly knows the topic extensively - everything from the history of the destructive process, to what actions must be taken right now to help stop it, and much more. Judd also brought it home because the topic is very personal to her: She grew up in eastern Kentucky, an area home to many mountaintop removal coal mining sites.
Judd started off her speech by stating that she's very proud of her Kentucky heritage, even exclaiming, "I'm proud to be a hillbilly!" and then choking up when talking about family memories from growing up.
"There is no better home than Kentucky," she said. Really, that's what helped make it very powerful to me, her descriptions of the effects of the endless destruction mountaintop removal has on Appalachian families and the environment were fairly breath-taking and frequently caused her to tear up.
Judd pushed clean energy as an alternative, and admitted that while she does not have all the answers, she does know that mountaintop removal coal mining is wrong and unjust, and she would be more than happy to sit down with coal supporters to have a conversation with dignity and respect about the future of it, why it must end, and why clean energy will help Appalachia.
The Sierra Club even got a shout-out during her speech. Not only was Sierra Club Conservation Director Sarah Hodgdon invited to sit at the head table with Judd (she is seated at the right in photo at the top of this post, and below you'll see her smiling next to Ashley Judd), but Judd also recommended to the audience, "If you want to know more about how bad coal is, then read the 'Dirty Truth About Coal' report from the Sierra Club." Not bad!
Judd also had two good quips when asked about the coal industry. When asked her thoughts on "clean coal," she responded with, "Oxymoron." And then asked about what role carbon capture and sequestration played in making coal clean, she responded, "CCS exists, it's called a tree."
I got a lucky seat out in the audience - I was at the same table as Mari-Lynn Evans and Phyllis Geller (pictured L and R in the above photo), the amazing filmmakers behind the phenomenal documentary "Coal Country." They are fascinating women, and Mari-Lynn had one great quote when our table was chatting before the speech started: "After making that film, I don't ever turn on the lights without thinking of mountaintop removal coal mining anymore."
Finally, Judd closed her speech with something really amazing. She read from a letter one of her aunts wrote to another in 1975. The excerpt was about the aunt's fear of a local coal company taking over their land for strip-mining, and the aunt said she wished someone would stip strip-mining before the whole area was gone. Very poignant.
So if you ever get a chance to hear Ashley Judd speak, go for it. We can at least offer you a small example here in this 2009 video of her speaking at a rally about coal in Kentucky.
Source : http://sierraclub.typepad.com
Kerala is a beautiful Indian state located in the southern part of India. It is a very popular and preferred destination for honeymoon tours in India. It attracts newly wed couples with its superb nature beauty and charming & serene ambiance. Beautiful beaches, breathtaking backwaters, luxuriant jade green hill stations, deluxe houseboat, lush spice plantations, historical places, etc all are to make honeymoon vacations in Kerala memorable. Have a look at some popular destinations for honeymooning vacations in Kerala, God’s Own Country.
Alleppey – Alleppey is a beautiful town in the state. It is much known among newly wed couples with opportunity to houseboat stay. Beaches, backwaters and houseboats make Alleppey a preferred destination for honeymooners. Alleppey is the most visited destination for starting houseboat cruise over the serene and scenic backwaters of Kerala, God’s Own Country. A well-organized houseboat cruise from Alleppey takes honeymooners to the unique world of wonderments with great opportunity to relish excellent ecotourism. Coupes have a truly romantic experience enjoying cruising through the backwaters. The accommodation facility available at houseboat is excellent like luxury or deluxe hotels. Hence, Alleppey can be a very deserving destination of honeymoon tour Kerala, India.
Kovalam – Kovalam is an international famous beach town located in the beautiful Indian state of Kerala, God’s Own Country. It is globally famous among vacationers and beach lovers. And for honeymooners is a very fascinating, romantic and fun-filled destination. Fantastic nature, rejuvenating Ayurveda, excellent accommodation, and water sport activities, are attractions of honeymooning vacation in Kovalam. Sunset watching, sunbathing, swimming, etc are activities to cherish on Kovalam tours. Couples also have a wonderful opportunity to explore nearby attractions and places like Trivandrum, Poovar, Varkala, Thiruvallam, etc. You will enjoy a lot your romantic vacation in Kovalam beach. Hence, Kovalam tour can be a nice ideal for your honeymoon tours in Kerala, India.
Munnar – Munnar is a beautiful station in the state. It is one of the most picturesque hill stations in South India. It is known for fantastic nature beauty and rejuvenating & romantic ambiance filled with aromatic aroma of spice plantations and tea plantations. It often described as the Kashmir of the South. Honeymoon in Munnar provides couples a wonderful opportunity to relish their honeymooning vacations in the lap of nature enjoying serene and scenic ambiance created by picturesque spots like mountain lakes, scenic landscapes, etc; and serene ambiance filled with aroma of romance and love. In my point of view, Munnar can be a very dashing and romantic destination for Kerala honeymoon travel and tours.
Know more about honeymoon Kerala package and beautiful honeymoon tours Kerala destinations.
All images via Rafaa
With its burgeoning economy and bold commitments to reducing carbon emissions and deforestation, Brazil is poised to be an important player in the years and decades to come. So for many Brazilian, having their beloved city of Rio de Janeiro selected to host the 2016 Olympic Games presents an opportunity to introduce their nation, on the forefront of the environmental movement, to an international audience. In hopes of creating an icon for Rio's Olympics that's as forward-thinking as the country itself, one firm has designed a structure that symbolizes Brazil's natural beauty and its commitment to a sustainable future.
Designed by the Swiss firm RAFAA for the International Architecture Competition for the Olympic Games 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, the proposed structure is both beautiful and green. Named the Solar City Tower, the building is adorned with solar panels that can be used to help make Rio's Olympics the first ever zero-carbon games.
Excess energy gathered by the solar panels will be used to pump seawater high into the tower to power turbines, producing energy during the night. For some occasions, the tower can transform into an urban waterfall the designer calls "a symbol for the forces of nature."

The proposal situates the Solar City Tower on one of the island in Guanabara Bay that make up Rio's dramatic natural skyline. Just as the city's iconic Christ the Redeemer statue has come to symbolize Brazil's strong Catholic tradition throughout the last century, the Solar City Tower could represent the nation's role as a green leader in the 21st century--all while contributing to it with its sustainable features.
According to RAFAA:
The aim of this project is to ask how the classic concept of a landmark can be reconsidered. It is less about an expressive, iconic architectural form; rather, it is a return to content and actual, real challenges for the imminent post-oil-era. This project represents a message of a society facing the future; thus, it is the representation of an inner attitude. Our project, standing in the tradition of "a building/city as a machine", shall provide energy both to the city of Rio de Janeiro and its citizens while using natural resources.

In addition the being a machine that produces clean energy, the structure will boast an amphitheater, auditorium, cafeteria and shops in the ground level. Several observation decks will offer visitors yet another view of a city known for its breathtaking vantage points. The proposal even includes a deck for bungee-jumping.
Just as the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio will surely help reinforce Brazil's position as a nation on the rise, both in terms of economic power and as a spearhead of the global green movement--the Solar City Tower may help redefine sustainable urban design.
By: Stephen Messenger | May 02, 2010
Original Source: treehugger.com
The thought of honeymoon holiday in Kerala (God’s Own Country) is a very exciting prospect. It is one of the most beautiful states in India located alongside the Arabian Sea on the southern point of country. I is a land with sheer romantic and serene ambiance. The popularity of Kerala honeymoon packages getting their popularity rapidly among honeymooners from different parts of the world. Kerala has emerged as one of the most popular honeymoon destination with its beautiful beaches, lovely lakes, breathtaking backwaters, lush green hill stations, rich flora & fauna, historical sites, etc. If you ask people about a perfect honeymoon destination in India majority of people will suggest you Kerala as your mesmerizing honeymooning destination.
There are many picturesque locations and destinations in the state of Kerala where you will love to celebrate your honeymoon vacations. In this article I am describing about four most popular destinations which you will love to include in your Kerala honeymoon package.
Kovalam – Kovalam is one of the most popular beaches not only in Kerala but also in India. In fact, it is an internationally famous beach town located in the state. It is considered to be as one of the finest beach resorts in the world. It is situated at the very short distance from Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. The honeymoon vacation in Kerala always mesmerizes newlyweds with its unique charm, great tourism opportunity, action packed holiday experience and excellent accommodation facilities at various beach resorts and hotels. The beach has golden sand fringed by swaying palm coconut trees. You can make a visit to Varkala Beach resort which is situated at very short distance from Kovalam. You can indulge in water sport activities. You can relax at Ayurvedic resorts and enjoy Ayurvedic body massages. All in all, Kovalam presents a very fascinating location for romantic and peaceful honeymoon in Kerala, India.
Thekkady – Thekkady enthralls honeymooners with its diverse & rich flora and fauna. The famous Periyar Tiger Reserve is situated in Thekkady. Honeymooning couples love to explore the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The region is also noted for spice plantations. Couples can enjoy boat ride of Periyar Lake and enjoy wildlife attractions at the Periyar Sanctuary. They can enjoy spice plantation tours. Nature has endowed Thekkady beautifully. In fact, Thekkady can be a very deserving destination of your honeymoon tours Keralain India.
Kumarakom – Kumarakom is a beautiful backwater town known for backwater tourism, bird sanctuary and houseboat cruise. It is a very suitable destination for Kerala honeymoon. A sunset boat cruise on the picturesque Vembanad Lake is a unique & cheerful experience. Couples can enjoy houseboat cruise, water sports, birding, and Ayurvedic refreshments.
Munnar – Munnar is a beautiful hill station in Kerala. Often referred to as the Kashmir of South India, it is one of the most popular destinations of Kerala honeymoon tours. It attracts couples with its superb nature beauty, aromatic fragrance, tea plantations, picturesque spots, panoramic sights, refreshing air and truly romantic & amiable ambiance. These four honeymoon destinations of Kerala are surely going to give you unique lifetime experience of your honeymoon vacation in India.
About Author ::
This article is written by Michael Hussy a renowed writer of travel and tourism related topic. If you want to know about honeymoon tours Kerala its ramantic beaches, picturesque backwater and many more visit to http://www.kerala-honeymoon-packages.com/
Going on honeymoon tour to Kerala (God’s Own Country) in India? Good! You have chosen just a right place for your honeymoon holidays in India. Surely, Kerala will mesmerize you and your beloved darling. You will enjoy a lot this place with breathtaking beaches, serene backwaters, verdant hill stations, historical sites, luxury houseboats, Ayurvedic resorts, fun & sport activities, beautiful lakes, etc. Though there are a number of destinations in Kerala but Munnar is one of the destinations which can give you best of your honeymooning vacation. Munnar is one of the most beautiful and popular hill stations in God’s Own Country often referred to as the Kashmir of South India due to extraordinary nature beauty and peaceful & refreshing ambiance. Definitely a honeymooning vacation in Munnar will enthrall you, charm you and captivate you.
While in Munnar as a part of your Kerala honeymoon holidays, you will enjoy fantastic nature beauty with refreshing air and aromatic air coming from lush tea and spice plantations. Besides nature beauty and peaceful ambiance you will also have opportunity to some of the other attractions of Munnar as well. Here are some of the most popular attractions of this picturesque hill town you will love to visit, explore and enjoy on your honeymooning vacation in Kerala, God’s Own Country.
Echo Point – The Echo Point is situated at the short distance of 15 km from the town of Munnar. It consists of a small hill sited among many beautiful undulating hills. When you will make a loud call amidst these rolling hills, you call will be returned many times due to the undulating hills in the surrounding area. So take your beloved darling to the Echo Point and experience its magic. Say I love you to your spouse and get a return sound of I Love You. Surely I would be a very romantic experience. Many packages for honeymoon to Kerala include Echo Point of Munnar in their itineraries. The Echo Point is very popular among honeymooners and young tourists.
The Anamudi Peak – It is the highest peak south of the Himalayas. It rests head and shoulders above the popular Eravikulam National Park of Munnar. Honeymooners love to trek to the top of this beautiful peak.
Eravikulam National Park - It is one of the most popular and must visit attractions of Munnar visit. On your honeymoon tour to Kerala you will too love to visit this famous national park in Munnar. The park is better known as the Rajamalai National Park. It is a 45 minute drive from Munnar. Besides wildlife attractions in the park, you will also have opportunity to enjoy treks amidst the Rajamalai hills and the Anamudi Peak.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Mattupetty Dam, Kundala Lake, Tata Tea Museum, Tea Plantations, Spice Plantations, etc are some other attractions of Munnar, the Kashmir of South.
Well, choose a right Kerala honeymoon package that covers Munnar and do not leave a single one of the above mentioned attractions of Munnar on your Munnar holiday.
If you want to know about Kerala honeymoon holidays location its ramantic beaches, picturesque backwater and many more visit to http://www.kerala-honeymoon-packages.com/
Situated on the southern tip of India and sandwiched between Malabar Coasts (coast of Arabian Sea) and South Western Ghats, Kerala is one of the charming and beautiful states of India. It is fondly known as the God’s Own Country. With exquisiteness, lush greenery and romantic ambiance, the beautiful state of Kerala has been a globally famous tourism destination and a very preferred destination for romantic honeymooning vacations in India. This beautiful state is known for its unique geographical features and colorful & vibrant cultural features. Thanks to its scenic landscapes, pleasant climate and agreeable & sheer romantic ambiance; it is also a preferred destination for honeymooners. It is often described as the honeymooner’s paradise. Honeymooners and newly wed couples from all over the world prefer to spend their honeymooning vacations in Kerala, God’s Own Country.
For honeymooning tours & vacations, the exotic land of Kerala offers perfect setting and sheer romantic ambiance. Beautiful beaches, breathtaking backwaters, luxury houseboats, verdant hill stations, exotic wildlife sanctuaries & national parks, historical sites and traditional villages here are to enhance the charm of honeymooning vacation in India. Many of newly wed couples prefer to spend their honeymoon tours in Kerala (God’s Own Country) by enjoying mind-blowing charm of its pristine & palm-fringed beaches. Serenity of beautiful beaches of the state steals the hearts of couples. Couples find truly romantic settings & ambiance on breathtakingly beautiful palm-fringed beaches of the God’s Own Country.
There are many beautiful beaches in the state where newly wed couples can plan their honeymooning vacations. Some of popular beach destinations in the state are Kovalam, Varkala, Fort Kochi, Alleppey, Bekal Fort, Mararikulam, Cheari, Beypore, Poovar, etc. Kovalam, Varkala and Fort Kochi are very poplar among romantic couples with their exquisiteness and superb natural beauty. Located at the very short distance of Trivandrum, Kovalam is considered as one of the finest beach resorts in the world. Swaying palm coconut trees, lush green landscapes, golden sands, silvery sands, chatty waves, romantic sports, fabulous resorts, spa centres, Ayurvedic resorts, etc all are to enhance the charm of beaches of Kerala, India.
Honeymooners have lots of activities to enjoy on exquisite beaches of God’s Own Country – like swimming, bathing, angling, fishing, sightseeing, sunset watching, nature walk, water sports and many other recreational activities. Couples can also enjoy body massage therapy at various Ayurvedic resorts and spa centers located on the beaches on their Kerala honeymoon tours and travels. Rightly, beaches here are very ideal for mesmerizing beach honeymoon vacations in India.
Like beaches, backwaters here are also enthralling honeymooning couples on their honeymooning vacations. Backwaters here are perfect example of excellent ecosystem or environmental tourism. Couples have brilliant opportunity to explore & enjoy the charm & serene & scenic backwaters on their honeymoon Kerala vacations. Alleppey, Kumarakom, Fort Kochi, Kollam, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Thiruvallam, Kuttanad, etc are some poplar backwaters destinations in the state. Adding more charm to your honeymoon in Kerala, the state has also some beautiful hill stations. Popular hill stations are Munnar, Wayanad, Echo Point, Rajamalai, Ponmudi, etc. On the whole, Kerala is just a right place in India to spend romantic honeymooning vacation.
About Author ::
Michael Hussy is a renowned travelogue and has been dealing with travel guides since longtime. If you want to know about honeymoon tours Kerala, its romantic beaches, picturesque backwaters, picture perfect hill stations and many more visit to http://www.kerala-honeymoon-packages.com/