Green Travel Guide for Earth-Loving Travelers

GREEN TRAVEL GUIDE FOR EARTH-LOVING TRAVELERS

TRAVEL TIPS ON CHINA, COSTA RICA, AND OMAN

BY CLASS OF 2019 ALUM KIEN NGO

Dear travelers,

As the world is becoming more globalized, it is now com different cultures, open our mindsets, embark on adven as you might notice, the tourism industry can be of a co visited countries. We travelers, as gratitude to the won experiences, need to minimize our environmental impac

This book is a collection of travel tips in China, Oman, a problems in each nation that travelers should avoid, as helpful.

Gratitude to my mentors Chelle, Lindsay, and Thang. M been for your guidance on writing and environmental s ran out of ideas. Shoutout to the recycling center coord interview. Kudos to everyone who gave me their feedba Enjoy your sustainable travel, Kien Ngo

mmon to travel to a different country to explore ntures, and make meaningful connections. However, ontribution to the environmental problems in the nderful country that has offered us remarkable ct in our journey.

and Costa Rica. Here you will find environmental s well as ways to help out. I hope you find this book

My book would have never been completed had it not science, especially with Chelle's encouragement when I dinator in Nosara for having given me your time to ack on the content, design, and traveler's perspective.

How and why travel sustainably?

What are the impacts?

GREEN TRA

SHAN CH

FOR EARTH-LOV

AVEL GUIDE

NGHAI INA

VING TRAVELERS

What to do in the city?

How to enjoy?

(Photo by Canva)

CONT 3

INTRODUCTION TO SHANG 4

Must visit in Shanghai

5

SHANGHAI AND A

6 Air Pollution in Shangha 7 Air Pollution vs the Envi 8 Necessities for your trip 9 Slowing down air pollu

10 WAT

11 Effec 12 Slowi

1

(Photo by Canva)

TENTS

GHAI

AIR

ai

ironment

p

ution

TER POLLUTION IN SHANGHAI

ct of water’s pollution

ing down the water pollution

13 LET’S TALK ABOUT TRASH 14 Trash and its effect 15 What can you do?

16 Recycling in Shanghai

17 - 18 CITATIONS

Shanghai is the largest city in China and eighth largest city in the world. Home to 23 million people,, this 7,037 square km city is recognized as one of the biggest financial hub of the world.

(Photo credit: VCG)

INT

欢迎来到上海

TRODUCTION NI HAO

3

Places to c ORIENTAL PEARL TOWER

The Oriental Pearl Tower of 468m high in the center of Shanghai is a key landmark in this city, and also a hot place for tourists to Shanghai.

Not only can appreciate the panorama of this city, but they can also enjoy a great time in the exciting games and other items.

With many featured restaurants,

Yuyuan Gard

have bee

400 years

Dynas

scenery, the

the tranquil

have made th

the highlig

this tower is a great place to have fun

(Photo credit: China Discovery)

(Photo credit: Hait

check out?

YUYUANÂ GARDEN

den is believed to

en built more than

s ago in the Ming

sty. The beautiful

e artistic style and

lity of the garden

he garden one of

ghts of Shanghai.

tao Zhang)

NANJING ROAD

Want to go shopping? Head to the 5.5-km-long (3.4mile-long) Nanjing Road, a must-see metropolitan destination attracting thousands of fashionseeking shoppers from all over the world.

(Photo credit: China Discovery)

4

SHANGHAI AND AIR If you are a frequent articles reader, you would probably notice a lot of articles saying “China has a lot of pollution” or “People are wearing masks to avoid pollution”. So first thing’s first, what’s the environment problems in China right now, and in particular Shanghai?

(Photo credit: ChinaFotoPress)

5

The cit which found

dust, d

eyes A

are les

AIR POLLUTION IN SHANGHAI

hazard

lungs a

the mo

and po

great p

index i

interna

there h

“unhea

meters

ty is measured to be containing PM 2.5 in the air. is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets in the air, often including visible particles such as

dirt, soot, or smoke or invisible ones to the naked

Although PM2.5 are pretty small particles as they

ss than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, they can be

dous if a large number is inhaled, penetrating your

and bloodstreams. It is also quite dangerous as

ost significant contributors to the particle are cars

ower plants. However, Shanghai has been making

progress in this issue. In 2016, the average quality

is 45 micrograms per cubic meter, which is

ationally recognized as “good�. Nevertheless,

has been occasions when the city falls under

althy� as its level is 205 micrograms per cubic

s.

6

Air

gro

con

bre Air

AIR POLLUTION VS THE ENVIRONMENT

glo

con

the As

atm Air

atm

fog

che Air

car

con

pro

the

the

pollution has a negative impact on the process of plant

owth by preventing photosynthesis, with serious

nsequences on capacity of the plants to purify the air we

eathe pollution also contributes depletion of ozone layer,

obal warming, the greenhouse effect, etc. Currently, the

ncentration of these gases, which carbon dioxide takes

e majority, in the atmosphere is increasing by 1% annually. a result, heat from the sun is being trapped in the Earth

mosphere, preventing it from returning to space. pollution also contributes to the formation of acid rain,

mospheric precipitation in the form of rain, frost, snow or

g. Acid rain has a direct consequence on the amount of

emicals in soils and freshwater, affecting food chains. pollution can deteriorate our health by causing

rdiovascular problems, allergies, asthma attacks,

njunctivitis, bronchial diseases, lung or skin cancers, vision

oblems, blood. Problems in the mental development of

e child, among others. The most vulnerable are children,

e elderly, pregnant women and the sick patients.

7

NECESSITIES F

These are some recommendations to pr

1. POLLUTION FACE MASKS When choosing a face mask, it is recommended that the mask includes the following features:

- N99 rated: to block 99% of particles that are greater than 0.3 microns in diameters

- Carbon filter: to protect you from SO2 and Ozone

- Fit you: to effectively block pollutants

- Breathable: the mask can help you breathe without difficulty

- Long lasting filters: the mask can withstand pollutants for a long time

FOR YOUR TRIP

rotect yourself from air pollution in Shanghai

II. USE THESE APPS The following apps has been recommended for use:

1/ China Air Quality Index (http://air.freshideas.cc/en/) The app is quite popular one amongst foreigners in Beijing and Shanghai

2/ Shanghai Air Quality (Android only) This app offers charts showing the air quality data from the past 24 hours and the past 7 days

3/ Air Quality China The app provides a history chart of the air quality from the past 30 days.

8

SLOWING DOWN

Small things you c

1/ Conserve energy at your hotel:

Remember to turn off lights, computers, and electric appli

Most power plants burn coal, crude oil or fossil fuels to ge

contribute more carbon dioxin, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur

environment. You can help the environment by reducing e

reduces the amount of fossil fuels burned everyday as less

means less fossil fuels are consumed and power plant emi

Taking public trans about 20% carbon

mile when compared

carry many peo

emissions are r

reduc

N AIR POLLUTION

can do in Shanghai

iances when not in use.

et electricity, which in turn

r dioxide into the

energy consumption, which

s demand for electricity

issions are decreased.

2/ Using public transportation, biking and walking: Â

sportation has more advantages than you think. Buses emit monoxide and 10% of the hydrocarbons per passenger per

d to a single-occupancy vehicle. Because buses and metros

ople compared to that of private vehicles, traffic noise and

reduced. Subsequently, smog and hazardous pollutants are

ced, helping the city to meet the safe air quality standards.

9

WATER POLLUTION IN SHANGHAI According to the authorities, over half of 2500 lakes and rivers are heavily polluted. A result from a census in 2012 pointed out that only 3% of Shanghai surface water was clean enough for fish farms and household uses.

Despite being one of the best water quality places in China, 14 percent of the city’s sewage is discharged without treatment into the river of the main water source in Shanghai.

The current tap water source comes from Qingcaosha reservoir located in Yangte River, which is showing significant improvements. The source replaces much of the previous source Huangpu river. However, in 2013, experts found an exceeding amount of nutrients from runoff of fertilizer and sewage from the land.

(Photo by Hinda Ina Bicaj)

10

WATER POLLUTION AND ITS EFFECT

When wastewater is discharged into the ponds, lakes or rivers, the newly introduced nutrient stimulates plant and algae growth. As a result, oxygen level is reduced, creating a “dead zone.” These “dead zone” is a zone which cannot sustain aquatic life.

Chemicals and heavy metals from industrial and municipal wastewater are biologically accumulated and magnified through food chain and food web. Eventually, animals such as tuna and big fish store a large quantity of these toxins in their body, which could cause harm to humans should these fish ever be consumed.

Contaminated water can also make you ill. Diseases spread by consuming unsafe water include cholera, giardia, and typhoid. Accidental or illegal discharges from sewage treatment facilities, as well as runoff from farms and urban areas, are the main contributor of harmful pathogens to waterways.

Chemical pollutants—from heavy metals such as mercury to pesticides and nitrate fertilizers— are among the most dangerous. If ingested, these toxins can cause a lot of health issues, including cancer to hormone disruption. Children and pregnant women are among the most vulnerable to the disease.

Even swimming can pose a risk. Swimming in a contaminated waterbody can cause skin rashes, pinkeye, respiratory infections.

11

SLOWING DOWN THE

Both at home a

1/ Do not ever flush trash down the to

Tissues, wrappers, dust cloths, napkins and oth

goods should be properly discarded in a wast

Minimize the use of dete

clothes or dishes. If p

E WATER POLLUTION

and in Shanghai

oilet:Â

her paper

tebasket.

2/ Avoid detergent and bleach:

 . ergent and/or bleach when you are washing

possible, try using phosphate free soaps and detergent

12

TRASH LET'S TALK ABOUT IT

Let's face it. When we travel, we want to try new foods and snacks, which could be wrapped in plastic. We want to try out new drink in that cup and sip it through that plastic straw. This is probably the issue that always centers traveling.

(Photo by NPR)

13

1/ Soil C

Soil can

release D

in the soi

weight lo

Newspap

when the

SOLID WASTE AND ITS IMPACT

dumped

grounds.

2/ Air po

Trash end

burned w

chemical

conseque

inhale of

3/ Mon

As the r

spend m

the deg

medica

and bud

Contamination

be the victim of trash. Some plastic bottles can

DEHA (diethylhydroxylamine) when they break down

il, which could be a shortcut to liver issues and

oss in human and serious contamination in plants.

per or paper that contains ink can also be toxic

ey break down into the soil. If the garbage is improperly, it will contaminate the surrounding

.Â

ollution

ding up in incinerators will be burned. Trash that is

will contaminate the air, and overtime the hazardous

l would build up in the atmosphere. As a

ence, public health are at risk at the consecutive

f dioxin and methane gas.

netary Cost

risk of pollution and health rise, government has to

millions of dollars to clean up the environment, reverse

gradation, and increase public health care and

al services. Consequently, there would be less financial

dget for other necessary things such as education.

14

WHAT

1/ Rec

2/ Re

3/ Re

4/ Re

5/ Pu

WHAT CAN YOU DO? HOW WILL IT HELP?

- A wa

- A re

- A fe

shopp

HOW

1/ Hea

conta

2/ Le

becau

burne

3/ Be dead

surfac

4/ Inc

gover

T CAN YOU DO?

cycle plastic bottles

euse plastic bags

efrain from using single-use plastics

efrain from littering

urchase the following prior to you trip to Shanghai:

ater bottle for a day full of adventure

eusable straw whenever you spot a nice coffee

ew cloth bags to store stuffs whenever you go

ping”

W DOES IT HELP?

althy soil for plants as there would be no plastic to

aminate soil.

ess risk of respiration and digest health issue

use the less trash is dumped, the less trash is

ed and the less smoke will be produced.

eautiful natural habitats restored as there will be no fish, choked on plastic, floating on the water

ce

crease in the local and country economy as the

rnment has more money to spend on other purposes

15

RECYCLING IN WE Project WE Project is a project that has 20+ locations of collection boxes available throughout Shanghai, including URBN Hotel and Element Fresh. WE Project is where you can recycle the followings: - Small household appliances: Iron, Toaster, Hair Dryer, etc.

- IT equipment: Computers, calculators, phones, etc.

- Media and storage devices: CD, DVD, blueray disc, USB, etc.

- Consumer electronics: Cameras, TV’s, audio systems, etc - Electronic tools: Drills, sewing machines, gardening tools, etc - Monitoring and control instruments: Smoke detectors, thermostats, etc.

N SHANGHAI Re:Form Project

Re:Form project is a project with 5+ locations of collection boxes throughout Shanghai including Community Centre Shanghai and Bonobo Jeans. The project recycles the following:

All types of clothing Bedding, towels, and curtains Footwear -

16

CITAT

"Shanghai Air Pollution: Has the Air Quality in the City Improved?" G

September 03, 2018. https://www.healthandsafetyinshanghai.com

"Shanghai Water Quality: Advice for the Expat Community." Go to S

September 03, 2018. https://www.healthandsafetyinshanghai.com

Kuo, Lily. "Only 3% of Shanghai's River and Lake Water Is Clean Enou

September 03, 2018. https://qz.com/113751/only-3-of-shanghais-ri

"How to Avoid Water Pollution: 15 Effective Solutions (STOP IT NOW

03, 2018. http://all-about-water-filters.com/how-to-prevent-wate

"Ten Things You Can Do To Reduce Water Pollution." Ten Things You

September 03, 2018. https://www.simsbury-ct.gov/water-pollution pollution.

"How Does Saving Energy Help The Environment - Save On Energy B

2018. https://www.saveonenergy.com/learning-center/post/how-

"Cars, Trucks, Buses and Air Pollution." Union of Concerned Scientis

https://www.ucsusa.org/clean-vehicles/vehicles-air-pollution-and

Team, Allergy. "17 Simple Ways to Prevent Air Pollution in Your Home

Accessed September 03, 2018. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/1

TIONS

Go to Shanghai Expat Health and Safety Information. Accessed

m/shanghai-air-pollution.html.

Shanghai Expat Health and Safety Information. Accessed

m/shanghai-water.html.

ugh for Household Use." Quartz. August 09, 2013. Accessed

iver-and-lake-water-is-clean-enough-for-household-use/.

W)." ALL ABOUT WATER FILTERS. May 07, 2018. Accessed September

er-pollution-effective-solutions/.

u Can Do To Reduce Water Pollution | Simsbury CT. Accessed

n-control/pages/ten-things-you-can-do-to-reduce-water-

Blog." How to Save Energy at School. Accessed September 03,

-does-saving-energy-help-the-environment/.

sts. Accessed September 03, 2018.

d-human-health/cars-trucks-air-pollution#.W2yYNZMzb-a.

e." Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic. April 30, 2018.

17-simple-ways-prevent-air-pollution-home/.

17

CITAT

"10 Ways to Prevent Air Pollution." Greentumble. April 11, 2018. Acce to-prevent-air-pollution/.

Rabin, Roni Caryn. "Ask Well: Should You Filter Your Water?" The N

2018. https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/12/31/ask-well-should

Transit, National Express. "National Express Transit Blog." Why Is Pu

September 03, 2018. https://www.nationalexpresstransit.com/blo

"Recycling in Shanghai." Go to Shanghai Expat Health and Safety

https://www.healthandsafetyinshanghai.com/recycling-in-shangh

"How Our Trash Affects the Whole Planet." Green Living Ideas. Mar

https://greenlivingideas.com/2015/04/24/how-our-trash-affects

Labs Https://www.ecubelabs.com/, Ecube. "Overflowing Garbag

Prevent." Ecube Labs. August 07, 2018. Accessed September 03, 2 impacts-on-health-and-environment-and-how-to-prevent/.

Juan. "Littering: Its Affects on the Environment." The Pleated Piper.

https://www.airfilters.com/blog/how-does-littering-affect-the-en

"Littering: Why It's so Bad to Throw Trash on the Ground." It's Easy B

https://zambiagoesgreen.wordpress.com/2013/02/28/littering/.

Irving, Catherine. "The Effects of Littering on the Environment & An

https://sciencing.com/effects-littering-environment-animals-8634

IONS

essed September 03, 2018. https://greentumble.com/10-ways-

New York Times. December 31, 2015. Accessed September 03,

d-you-filter-your-water/.

ublic Transportation Good for the Environment? Accessed

og/why-is-public-transportation-good-for-environment

Information. Accessed September 03, 2018.

hai.html .

rch 24, 2016. Accessed September 03, 2018.

s-the-whole-planet/.

ge Bins: 5 Impacts on Health and Environment, and How to

2018. https://www.ecubelabs.com/overflowing-garbage-bins-5-

. September 09, 2015. Accessed September 03, 2018.

nvironment/.

Being Green. March 04, 2013. Accessed September 03, 2018.

.

nimals." Sciencing. April 17, 2018. Accessed September 03, 2018.

4413.html.

18

How and why travel sustainably?

What are the impacts?

GREEN TR

NOS

COST

FOR EARTH-LO

AVEL GUIDE

SARA

TA RICA

OVING TRAVELERS

(Photo by canva)

What to do in the city?

Where to eat?

How to enjoy?

CONT 3

INTRODUCTION TO NOSA 4 5 6

MUST DO IN NOSARA MOVING AROUND MUST-TRY FOOD AND CAFES

7

12

8 9 10 11

ORGANIC FARM 13 14

EFFECTS OF ORGANIC FARM COOL PLACE TO CHECK OUT

15

16 17 R (Photo by Canva)

18 . C

ENTS

ARA

DROUGHT IN COSTA RICA

8 BIG DROUGHT OF 2014 9 DROUGHT VS THE ENVIRONMENT 0 SLOW DOWN THE DROUGHT 1 HOW YOUR CHOICE HELP?

LET'S TALK ABOUT TRASH HOW TO BE SUSTAINABLE WITH STRAWS?

REDUCE AND REUSE

CITATIONS

BIENVENIDO A NO

INTRODUC PURA VIDA

Nosara is a surf town on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. The town is home to one of the world's five blue zones, where people live longer and healthier than anywhere else on earth, as well as home to a diversity of wildlife.

(Photo by Canva)

OSARA

TION

3

Must do i

Surf every morning Nosara is known for its sweet wave. Here you might find surfers waiting outfit to catch some waves. Don’t worry if you are a newbie to this sport as there are many places offering surfing course here. I suggest going for Safari Surf.

From my personal experience, this place offers a flexible schedule and an affordable fee for a session ($40)

in Nosara?

Chill by the sunset During the daytime, Nosara can get very hot and humid; however, the temperature cools down when sunset occurs. It is time to chill by the beach and enjoy the sunset. This is time when the beach of Nosara becomes most alive with locals and residents. You can also try to catch some final last waves of the day. Bring some snacks to this beautiful scene.

4

Moving

Ride like a loca

TUK-TUK

the town. The p

5000 colones (

with you to blo are dirt road.

If you want to have the freedom to roam arou

Nosara on your own, you can consider renting an A

or a golf cart. This can be beneficial because the

are many places where tuk-tuk won’t be likely to ta

you. Remember, the road is pretty dusty, so make s

you bring a mask with y

Around

al! Many people here take the tuk-tuk to get around

price in the inner city often revolves between 1000-

(2-8USD). However, you should bring a face mask

ock the dust, sand and dirt as most of Nosara’s road

und

ARV

ere

ake

sure

you.

ARV GOLF CART 5

MUST TRY FOO EL JARDIN CAFE

Sip some coffee in this cafe in the bu

Choco latte is strongly recommende

MINDFUL BITES VEGGIE CART Falefel wrap with coconut water. This is perfect for vegetarians and vegans

OD IN NOSARA

us.

ed

ROSI Gallo pinto is something many locals have for breakfast. Don’t miss it out

DROUGHT IN COSTA RICA

Costa Rica wastes about half of its wate

leaks, damaged and outdated infrastruct

illegal conn

er due to

ture and

nections

(Photo by the Tico Times)

6

According to the National Meteorological Institute (IMN), between January and August of 2014, Guanacaste province experienced a rainfall deficit of 40% compared to the historical average, causing losses of

â‚Ą10.5

billion ($19.3 million)

BIG DROU OF 20

(Photo by Costa Rica Star)

(Photo by QCosta Rica)

G UGHT 014 The drought has caused a significant reduction in pasture growth capabilities (75 percent). Losses in local production include some 5.8 million liters of milk, 2.5 million kilos of meat and 2,400 kilos of honey

8

Im

w

g

h

W

fo

DROUGHT VS ENVIRONMENT

is

c

sh

H

m

-

e

magine yourself living all alone without

water for 2 days. Horrible right? The same

goes for plants and animals when they don't

have water.

When a drought occurs, not only the animals'

ood and water supply but also their habitats

s damaged. Depending on the

circumstances, the drought can last for as

hort as a few days to forever.

Here is some consequences worth

mentioning of drought:

Loss of wildlife habitat Loss of food and water for animals Increase in disease in wild animals Increased stress on endangered species or

even extinction

9

SLOW DOWN T At this point you might ask yourself "How can I help Nosara?". Well, the answer is quite simple:

water co

water means there will be more extra water in th

community (and yourself) some water to drink an

AT HOME When you are at your hotel/airbnb/hostel, it is best to: - Check faucet for leaks - Take five-minute showers instead of 10-minute and save 12.5-25 gallons - Do FULL loads of laundry

(Photo by Canva)

THE DROUGHT slow down the drought at home and when I visit

onservation! And why you may ask? Conserving

he reservoirs, which can somewhat provide the

nd to water the plants. So how do you do it?

IN NOSARA When you are exploring Nosara, it is advisable if you do the following tips: - Do not flush garbage, insect as many places in Nosara have septic systems, meaning they won't get along with the extra stuffs you flush.

- Reuse all possible water, water the garden if feasible

10

Let's say that

stop your trav

that you are h sipping some

world and wh other places.

1/

HOW YOUR CHOICES HELP?

Reduce ris

water, costs o

global, and no

may occure p the water

2/ Conserve

required to pr

the amount of

change and g

3/ Safety for emergencies

water for ope

to the safety o

fire, especiall

you did check for leaks, do full loads of laundry or

vel buddy from flushing the toilet paper. You feel good

helping Nosara to conserve some water, but as you are pina colada, you start to wonder what about the

hat kind of impact does conserving water have on Well here are a few things for you:

sing costs and political conflict: Without adequate

of water may rise up. In long terms, this rise will be

ot just Costa Rica. As the water runs out, countries

political conflicts internally and externally on who owns

energy: Reducing water means that less energy is

rocess and deliver the water home. This helps reduce

f gas emission, which eventually reduce air . climate

global warming

r the community: Firefighters, rescue and services are all dependent on a large amount of

eration. By conserving more water, you are contributing

of the community during cases of disasters such as

ly fire forest

11

DID YOU KNOW? Oragnic Farm

In Costa Rica, organic farming techniques a

popular and very important to the life of Co

Ricans. This is one of the things that deserve some compliments for Costa Rica on their sustainable techniques.

If you are in Nosara, I suggest taking an earl

morning and visit some organic farms and le about their sustainable techniques. Some recommendations can be found in the next

pages. But first, let's take a look at why orga farms are beneficial.

are

osta

e

ly

earn

anic

(Photo by Canva)

12

SOIL

WAT

Organic farming improves

Organic fert

soil formation and

greater biod

structure, which in turn

which contri

creates more stable

directly to g

systems. Additionally,

structure enh

nutrient and energy cycling

and water in

is increased as well as the

This reduces

ability to retain nutrients

groundwate

and water. Furthermore,

By having or

organic farm can help

farms, Nosar

control soil erosion,

somewhat re

increase soil biodiversity,

risk of furthe

decrease nutrient loss,

contaminati

which help enhance soil productivity

TER

tilizers use

diversity,

ibutes

greater soil

hancement

nfiltration.

s the risk of

er pollution.

rganic

ra has

educes the

er water

AIR While traditional agriculture requires high quantities of fossil fuel to sustain, which releases a lot of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, organic farm returns a large number of carbon to the soil, thus lowering the contribution to climate change.

ion.

13

Cool place to check

T

o

s

j

w

t

s

a

f

k out

This place offers a sustainable tour

of the farm, some raw tomatoes as

snacks on the route. In addition to

juicy mini-tomatoes, their

watermelon juice is a must try! And

take the chance as the friendly

staffs there might give you a briefing

and/or elaboration about organic

farm.

14

TRASH L E T ' S

T A L K

A B O U T

I T

Let's face it. When we travel, we want to try new foods and snacks, which could be wrapped in plastic. We want to try out new drink in that cup and sip it through that plastic straw. This is probably the issue that always centers traveling. Thus, it is imperative to know how to handle your trash. In the next few pages, I am gonna give you some background knowledge and advices on trash handling in this surf town.

(Photo by Canva)

15

Most ca

straws s

contribu

Howeve

meanin people

tricky to

used, a

STRAWS How

to

be

sustainable?

trash ca

version.

contribu

consum

decomp

waste a

transpo

straws w

option a

cafe to

It is a o

bag eve

world. R

afes, restaurants and bars in Nosara use bamboo

so chances are that you won’t have to worry about

uting to the single use plastic straws problem.

er, plastic straws are manufactured products,

ng it is taking energy to produce. Furthermore, many consider bamboo straws not reusable as it can be

o clean the interior of the straw once it has been

and as a result the straw can later be found in the

an, making it a single use straw just like its plastic

. Thus, people start to buy more bamboo straws,

uting to the aforementioned cycle of energy

mption. Bamboo straws are completely

posable. Nevertheless, given the fact that it can

an adequate amount of energy from producing to

orting, it is worth considering another option: metal

with a cleaning brush. Metal straw is a perfect

as it only takes 2 minutes in the bathroom of the

o clean up after a drink.

one time investment. Put that metal straw into your

ery time you wonder this town and anywhere in the

Refuse any single use plastic and bamboo straws.

16

reduce reuse

During my time in Nosara, I went on a volunteer day

sorting out different categories of waste. As I was t learned from one of the center’s employee a great

In Nosara, Monday are usually the day when the cen

also venture out on Wednesday to collect trash at th

that day, so make sure you get your trash sorted wh

over 12,000 tons of trash. One important thing to be

above an aquifer and next to a river. In the rain sea

flow of the river, which eventually flows into the oce

future visit to Nosara, so if you really care about the to surf, there are some steps you can take:

- Reduce your waste production, which could be do

- Follow the instructions given to you by your hotel o paper or put your trash in the right bin)

y in the recycling center of Nosara, where I helped

throwing the waste to its corresponding bag, I deal about recycling in this town.Â

nter collects waste from hotels. Additionally, they

he furthest places where they could travel to on

hen. Currently, Nosara recycling center is handling

e aware is the fact that this center is located

ason, there is a risk that the trash would get into the

ean and harm the marine life and potential your

e aquatic life or if you want to have a clean beach

one by reusing any single-use stuffs

or Airbnb (for example: do not flush your toilet

17

CITAT

“How Much Water Does Guanacaste Have? Nobody K

www.vozdeguanacaste.com/static/agua-guanacast

“Costa Rica: Drought Threatens Guanacaste.” Centra

www.centralamericadata.com/en/article/home/Co

“HOW DOES DROUGHT AFFECT OUR LIVES?” Nationa

drought.unl.edu/Education/DroughtforKids/DroughtE

Ditoro, Lori. “Ways to Minimize the 4 Types of Drought

www.watertechonline.com/ways-to-minimize-the-4-

Hugh, Hugh. “The Environmental Impact of Plastic Stra

Now, 11 Feb. 2019, get-green-now.com/environmenta

“Food and Agriculture Organizations of the United Na

Environmental Benefits of Organic Agriculture?, www

IONS

Knows.” La Voz De Guanacaste,

te/adicional-en.html.

alAmericaData, 13 Sept. 2018,

osta_Rica_Drought_Threatens_Guanacaste.

al Drought Mitigation Center,

Effects.aspx.

t.” Water Technology, 1 May 2016,

-types-of-drought/.

aws – Facts, Statistics, and Infographic.” Get Green

al-impact-plastic-straws/.

ations.” Organic Agriculture: What Are the

w.fao.org/organicag/oa-faq/oa-faq6/en/.

18

How and why travel sustainably?

What are the impacts?

GREEN TRA

MUS

OM

FOR EARTH-LOV

(Photo by Canva)

AVEL GUIDE

SCAT

MAN

VING TRAVELERS

What to do in the city?

How to enjoy?

CONT 3

Introduction 4 Must do in Oman?

5 Places to check out

6

Muscat and heat 7 8 9

10

Global warming

Global warming vs Environme Reduce global warming

Oman and the Ocean 11 12 13

Plastic vs the Ocean Let’s refuse plastic Cool place to check out

TENTS

ent

n

(Photo by Canva)

‫ﻣﺮﺣﺒﺎ ﺑﻜﻢ ﻓﻲ ﻣﺴﻘﻂ‬

INTRODUCTIO

SALAM WA LAYKUM

(Photo by worldarchitecture.org)

‫ﻣ‬

ON

M

Muscat is the capital and the largest city in the Sultanate of Oman. Muscat is a mixture of antiquity and modernism.

3

Must do

Aquatic activities Oman is home to many beautiful beaches and island. Furthermore, sailing has been the country most popular outdoor activities. Take a sailing course, or explore the significance of the the ocean through a diving course.

(Photo credit: Oman Sail)

in Oman?

Explore the desert A real Arabian beauty. Oman is home to many beautiful deserts. No trip to Oman can be completed without an afternoon trip to a desert, sipping some tea in a tent, riding a camel and enjoying some sand sliding.

(Photo credit: Wild Frontiers)

4

Places to Nizwa Fort

Located two hours drive from Muscat, Nizwa is famous for its traditional beauty.

Here you can wander around the Nizawa Fort, the most visited Omani national momentum.

The mai

Oman. H

you c

magnifi

architecture

mosqu

20,000 bo

of the best h

architectur

check out Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Wadi Shab

in mosque of

Located two hours

Here is where

drive south of Muscat,

can dive into

Wadi Shab is one of

icent Islamic

the representatives of

e. This unique

Oman’s beautiful

ue is home to

nature. Challenge

ooks and one

your inner courage for

handcrafted

some dare-devil safe

ral details of

“cliff” diving

the world.

5

Oman is hot, eve

from 27°C/81 °F

can be dazzling i

problems such as

cause heart attac

from non-commu

cardiovascular di

MUSCAT AND HEAT

protect yourself f problems.

Wear loose, light

clothes won't allo

Avoid sunburn. S

it is crucial that y

sunglasses and us

sunscreen genero

— or more often if

Drink plenty of wa

and help maintai

Take it easy durin

exercise or physic

morning or evenin down.

en in its “winter” time. The temperature can range

in December to 40°C/104°F in June. The sun

in the daytime and can lead to serious health

s cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which could

ck. According to the WHO, 49 per cent of deaths

unicable diseases in Oman are due to

iseases. Thus it is important to know how to

from the heat as it might cause serious health

tweight clothing: Wearing excess clothing or tight

ow your body to cool properly.

Sunburn affects your body's ability to cool itself, so

you protect yourself outdoors with a hat and

se a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Apply

ously, and don’t forget to reapply every two hours

f you're swimming or sweating.

ater: Staying hydrated will help your body sweat

in a normal body temperature.

ng the hottest parts of the day: Try to schedule

cal labor for cooler parts of the day, such as early

ng, when the weather in Muscat starts to cool

6

GLOBAL WARMING

You must be asking yourself why is global warmin

here? Well, further global warming means that th

temperature in Oman will increase even more, makin

travelers and Omanis more susceptible t

cardiovascular diseases. You might think that touris

might stop coming to Oman, but what about th

Omani people? Thus, it might a good idea to discus

about global warming when talking about th

temperature in Oma

ng

he

ng

to

sts

he

ss

he

an

(Photo by Canva)

7

Ice melti

poles. Th

covering

Much of

Annually

GLOBAL WARMING vs ENVIRONMENT

and the

Wildlife a wildlife.

penguin

west sid

global w

North, w

Precipita

experien

phenom

their roo

some reg

water sh

Dangero thriving. disease

these sp

ing: Ice is melting globally, especially at the Earth’s

he melting includes mountain glaciers, ice sheets

g West Antarctica and Greenland, and Arctic sea ice.

f this melting ice contributes to the rising of sea level.

y, sea level are rising 0.13 inches (3.2 millimeters) a year, rate is said to be faster every year.

and their habitats: Global warming harms many Melting ice is a great challenge to the Adélie

n in Antarctica, where some populations residing on the

de have collapsed by 90 percent or more. Additionally,

warming is forcing many species to migrate to further

where the temperature is cooler.

ation: Global warming is causing some area to

nce more rain and snowfall on average. This

menon could lead to water-logging in which trees die as

ots cannot handle the big amount of water. However,

gions are facing severe drought, wildfires and drinking

hortage.

ous insects: Mosquitoes, ticks and crop pests are The rise of these species could be a major cause for and further mankind’s health degrading. Furthermore,

pecies could pose a threat to agriculture and forestry.

8

REDUCING GLO 1. Drive Less or biking or sharing:

The major pollutants in the atmosphere are rel

less, you are saving fuel and cutting down on c

2. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:Â

Most waste will end up in landfills, which contr

gas emissions. Reducing your need to buy new

mean less waste will be generated, thus reduc

degradable, and avoid throwing trash as much

3. Buy local products:

Food miles is a term to describe the energy use

product, you are not only encouraging local bu

(Photo by Canva)

OBAL WARMING

leased by oil and gasoline burning. By driving

carbon oxide and nitrogen oxide.

ributes significantly to methane and greenhouse

w products and reusing containers or bottles

cing the carbon footprint. If you can, purchase

h as you can.

ed for transporting food. By purchasing local

usiness but also are reducing the food miles.

9

(Phtoto by: Getty)

OMAN AND THE OCEAN Oman, with a huge coastline of 3,165 km (1,967 miles), is home to many beautiful aquatic life. We, as tourists and travelers, should help the Omani people to preserve their magnificent ocean. A threat that needs to be discussed to Oman’s ocean, as well as any ocean in the world, is the rise of flowing plastic waste.

10

Plastic

it brea

plastic

such a

eventu

PLASTIC PROBLEMS IN THE OCEAN

aquati

increa

specie suffer Given

polluti

and tra

8 millio

into th

Curren

making

ocean

100,00

birds a

c material does not biodegrade over time. Instead,

aks down into further tiny particle called micro

c. Micro plastic can contain hazardous chemicals

as pesticides or heavy metals. Pieces of plastic may

ually make their way into the stomach of the

ic animals. The bioaccumulation, which is the

ase of these toxins in the organ of the aquatic

es, begins, and eventually human will be the one to from these toxins when they consume the fish. that fishing is a big industry in Oman, plastic

ion can cause a serious harm to the Omani people

avelers.

on pieces of plastic pollution are being discharged

he ocean every day.

ntly, 5.25 trillion macro and micro plastic pieces,

g up to 269,000 tons, are floating freely on the

n

00 marine mammals and turtles and 1 million sea

are killed by marine plastic pollution every year

11

The be

plastic

LET'S REFUSE PLASTIC

bags,

remem

alterna

sustain items, would

restau

a good

This is applicable worldwide! The

An eff

less trash there is in any ocean, the

how yo

safer and cleaner the ocean of the

plastic

world (and Oman) will be

items w

bringin

reusab

becom are in

est way to do this is by refusing any single-use

cs that you do not need like straws, plastic takeout utensils, takeout containers, and

mber to inform the business you would like some

ative, which would help them to transfer to

nable items. when you refuse single-use plastic help businesses by letting them know that you like them to offer alternatives. Most cafes and

urants in Oman still use single-use plastic, so it's

d idea to start bringing your own.

fective way to refuse plastic is to take note of

ou use daily products such as grocery bags,

c wrap, straws and coffee lids. Most of these

were only used one and then dumped. Start

ng your own grocery bag, silverware and

ble water bottle, and then eventually it will

me a habit. This is applicable to both when you Oman and when you are at home.

12

Cool place to check

Oman sail offer

want to experie

many Omani, th

does not discha

sport without ha

k out

rs starter to medium level of sailing. If you

ence this spectacular sport that is enjoyed by

his is a great opportunity. Besides, sailing

arge oil to the ocean, so you can enjoy the

aving to worry about oil spill from your boat.

13

CITAT

Macdonald, Sarah. “Oman Weather: High Tempera

Experts.” Times of Oman, 8 Aug. 2015, timesofoma

“MARINE PLASTIC POLLUTION.” Ocean Unite, www

Lsmith. “The Effects Of Climate Change.” WWF, 18 www.wwf.org.uk/effectsofclimatechange.

Rinkesh. “35 Easy and Simple Ways To Stop Globa

www.conserve-energy-future.com/stopglobalwar

Calo, Kanesha, and Allen Gao. “Let's Refuse Single

Mar. 2019, multiplyingequality.com/plastic-waste/

TIONS

ature, Humidity Pose Great Health Risks, Warn

an.com/article/65116.

w.oceanunite.org/issues/marine-plastic-pollution/.

8 May 2017,

al Warming.� Conserve Energy Future, 14 Apr. 2019,

rming.php.

e-Use.� Multiplying Equality, Multiplying Equality, 5

/2019/3/5/bm8l9pqz4vllysfx441qq6o3tyf6vy.

14