Sustainable Journal

Green Adventures Across Finland

‘Everybody is connected to nature in Finland because everything is,’ Antti Harkonen, founder of a kayaking and adventure travel outfit says as he shows me where some of Scandinavia’s finest city kayaking routes kick off at Tampere’s Soutukeskus Venesatama (Rowing Centre). While the view north is towards the tree-flanked skyline of the country’s second city even, the panorama west pans out to Pyhäjärvi – one of the two vast snaking lakes bounding Tampere and a scene of island-flecked cobalt waters, conifer-clad shores and emptiness that seems to be Finland’s de facto late-summer vista whichever way you venture.

Mar No Comments

Do Labels Matter in Sustainability?

Call it what you will – green, eco, responsible or sustainable travel – we want to know that everything we’re doing, where we’re staying and what we’re eating is not having a detrimental impact on the beautiful places we’re visiting. We also want to know that our time spent in the destination will contribute directly to the local economy and benefit its communities.

Jan No Comments

The Cherry on Top: Eating Local in Spain’s Extremadura

“My boyfriend Noel is the farmer. He went and picked these cherries this morning, so they’re very fresh,” says the young lady as I eye up a box of glossy looking fruit. Almost an inch round, and ruby red, they appear irresistible. “Would you like to try one?” she says. By appearance alone, I already plan to purchase the cherries grown within sight of the shop, but I try one anyway. The taste explosion as I bite into the plump, fruity flesh – sweet but with pleasant acidity – is intense.

Jun No Comments