Surprisingly, stereotyping still occurs in our daily lives- the workplace, personal interactions and our internal reactions to stories and events.I'm not talking about the traditional stereotyping that we've tried so hard to leave in our past. Rather, it's form of modern day misunderstanding.Though stereotyping is…
There's a measurement for intelligence (IQ), a measurement for emotional capacity (EQ), so why isn't there a measurement for cultural understanding? I would call it your CQ- cultural quotient.The world is increasing in its need for cultural understanding. Our country has become so diverse in…
Have you ever fancied yourself an amateur archaeologist? Is there a little Indiana Jones deep down inside of you? Interested in the rich cultural history of North America? Want an excuse to get out into the forests and spend time in nature? Here's an amazing…
Mercy Corps"Be the change" is the motto of this joint US-European agency aspiring to "alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities" worldwide. World Corps tackles critical areas by empowering individuals and communities to help themselves, providing education, funding…
Each year, several major cities worldwide vie for the not-so-esteemed title of "Most Polluted City in the World". Mexico City frequently does well. But Cairo is a close contender, and while I lived there we were rumored to take top honors. It's not the city…
So here's a huge pet peeve of mine- being inundated by paper advertisements that I haven't solicited. Whether they are in my mailbox at the end of the day, or hanging from my front door, I get bombarded with ads that I do not want.Perhaps…
When planning a trip to a foreign country, add a visit to your local blood bank to your list of things to do before you travel. I recently found out the hard way that certain countries are on a black list at blood banks. And…
Looking for a volunteer opportunity as an excuse to get to Africa but low on funds? The Voluntary Workcamps Association of Ghana is a good organization to go through if you're looking to save on the placement fee and still get a taste of Ghanaian…
Having difficulty finding organic meat at your grocery store? Want to widen your selection of meats and poultry? Just plain busy or too lazy to trek to the market?Blackwing Quality Meats is the online provider for you. This Illinois-based company raises organic meat and poultry…
Blue Ventures Carbon Offset is a charity born from Blue Ventures Conservation, whose focus is to protect coral reefs and other marine systems. The subsidiary Blue Ventures Carbon Offset was created "to reduce global carbon emissions and benefit communities where Blue Ventures works." They provide…
Recently, I had the good fortune to attend a conference on study abroad, at which the presentation "It's Easy Being Green: Advising Tips for Earth-Friendly Study Abroad" was given. While not all of the information imparted applies to vacationers, travelers and volunteers, much of it…
Save the date for March 28 2009. Actually, to be specific, save the hour. From 8:30 - 9:30pm on that day, people across the world will participate in Earth Hour by turning off their lights. Presumably, the time will correspond to your own time zone,…
Have you ever considered volunteering your time to a cause you feel strongly about? Most people think of volunteering as a way to give back to a community. And it is. But what people who haven't done volunteer work don't seem to know is that…
Looking for a dive vacation with an environmental thrust? Check out the Red Sea Diving Safari in Marsa Alam, Egypt. Marsa Alam is on the southern coastline of Egypt, smack on the Red Sea. Development in the area is relatively new, and many of the…
Recycling is not a first world phenomenon. Not even close. In fact, developing countries might take first place for recycling and reusing used items. Even recycling as we know it- sending bottles, cans, plastic and paper- to plants for reuse exists in the third world.If…
Though this blog is called The Eco-Traveler, not all of the posts this far have had to do with travel. As new ideas and opportunities to get involved in the community come across my path, I like to spread the word.Throughout this blog, I will…
One of my favorite travel sayings is, "Take only photographs, leave only footprints."As travelers, we need to be conscious of our impact on the environments we traverse. We only pass through, but if we're not careful, our actions can have a lasting effect. 'Taking only…
So here's a cool idea. Amazon, well known for their product delivery, has added groceries to their list of offerings. They're calling the service Amazon Fresh. And they're claiming that if you order by midnight, your groceries will arrive by 6am. That's a bit early…
Sweeteners are a staple food in my diet. However, since Christmas rolled around, I'm now rolling around. I've signed up for the Pound for Pound Challenge (see my blog post, Pound for Pound) and am trying to shave off the damage done by an eggnog…
In this day and age, smoking is becoming a thing of the past. It's no longer shown on television or in ads. The Marlboro Man has become an icon for cancer as opposed to his past career as a sex symbol. Movements to eradicate smoking…
Peppered throughout this blog, I will be writing about certain reducing, reusing and recycling efforts as seen abroad, particularly in the third world. I call these 'unintentional conservation' efforts not because the people of developing nations aren't conscientious of environmental concerns, but because these particular…
Ann Rule's recent book, Mortal Danger, is yet another example of her instinct to pick intriguing cases and her skill in recording a story. She has mastered the art of evoking sympathy for a victim's plight while avoiding the pitfall of creating pity for the…
You don't always need do as the Romans do. One thing I hated about living in Egypt was the prevalent method of garbage disposal. It went something like this: throw it anywhere.I would watch as Chipsy bags and soda cans flew out of car windows.…
I’ve heard the adage that America is a ‘melting pot’. I have also heard that America is a ‘salad bowl’. I subscribe to the ‘salad bowl’ analogy. I think tomatoes should stay tomatoes, and that carrots should remain carrots (of course, only if they want…
Thanks to both Joe Butler and Bart Mihailovich for pointing out my error. Apparently, bread is not good for birds, so please disregard my suggestion to feed your stale bread to them (in Packaged for One). For the reason, go to either the related comment…
Through The Eco-Traveler blog, Andrea Shearer shares her experiences of international adventure travel, volunteering and SCUBA diving with a commitment to protecting our environment. In the next few months, Andrea will bring her blog closer to home while exploring the natural environment and adventure activities the Midwest has to offer, and will go international again with a volunteer expedition to Nicaragua over the winter holidays. You can reach her at askandrea@ymail.com.
