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Original content owned & copyrighted by Green Global Travel.

My first encounter with n animals 20 years ago was arguably my most memorable.

We were stopped at a light on the 6-lane highway leaving Anchorage when we saw a mama Moose crossing the road, with an upset calf who clearly had no interest in doing so. Traffic came to a standstill as the drama played out, and we cheered when the youngster finally followed.

It was the first of many incredible sightings of wildlife, which includes approximately 2 mammal species, 525 bird species, 4 species of whales and porpoises, and 3700+ other species of marine life.   

From n tundra animals (including Caribou, Wolves, and Arctic Foxes) and n bears (Black, Brown, and Polar) to endangered species such as Steller’s Sea Lions and Humpback Whales, the wildlife of is thrillingly diverse.

As influential as my first trip to Denali National Park was on the work we do now with Green Global Travel, our recent small ship n cruises with AdventureSmith Explorations were equally impressive in terms of animal sightings.

Exploring the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Kenai Fjords National Park, Glacier Bay National Park, and the Inside Passage, we saw more than 50 different animals that live in .  

So here’s a guide to some of the most intriguing n animal species, including many of our favorite wildlife images from our latest trip. 

READ MORE: Best Small Ship Cruises For Your World Travel Bucket List

N ANIMALS GUIDE

n Birds

n Bears

Other Land-Based n Animals

n Whales & Porpoises

Other n Marine Animals

N BIRDS

American Bald Eagle in ’s Kenai Fjords National Park

. AMERICAN BALD EAGLE

Though the United States national bird may be a rare sighting in the lower 48, n Bald Eagles are fairly ubiquitous.

They’re found in the state’s southern coastal areas all year-round, and along inland lakes and READ MORE: List of US National Parks by State (An Epic Guide)

Barrow’s Goldeneye Ducks in Kenai National Park,

2. BARROW’S GOLDENEYE

One of more than a dozen different species of n ducks found in the state’s many lakes and rivers, the Barrow’s Goldeneye rivals the Harlequin Duck among our favorite n birds.

Where the male Common Goldeneye has a jewel-tone green head, the Barrow’s Goldeneye is a gorgeous royal purple, with a white crescent below its yellow eye and a black-and-white back. 

Females of both species are mottled gray, with tawny brown heads. We saw this mating pair near the Pedersen Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. 

READ MORE: 40 Facts about the Hawaiian Goose (a.k.a.. Nene Goose)

Oystercatcher Bird in Kenai National Park,

3. BLACK OYSTERCATCHER

One of ’s most striking shorebirds, the Black Oystercatcher has an all-black body with a long red bill, red-ringed yellow eye, and pink legs.

You’ll typically find them wandering along the state’s rocky seashores, where they use their thick beak to pry and break open the shellfish they love to eat.

They can grow up to 8 inches tall, and have a loud, piercing whistle-like call. We saw this next to the lagoon in front of the Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. 

READ MORE: 5 Beautiful Birds of the Galapagos Islands

Common Murres in ’s Inside Passage

4. COMMON MURRE

This species’ biggest claim to fame is that it is often mistaken for a Penguin due to its similar, tuxedo-like coloration.

The Common Murre, which grows up to 7 inches long, is actually shaped more like a duck, but with a longer more slender bill.

During our time in we only saw them in the open water, usually in large groups swimming in a line or v-formation. We saw this group while cruising ’s Inside Passage. 

READ MORE: Penguins of Antarctica

  5. COMMON RAVEN

Held as sacred among the indigenous Tlingit people, these humongous birds are anything but common when seen up close.

Frequently sighted along the coast (we saw quite a few of them while walking the streets of Juneau), they can grow up to 27 inches long. They boast a low, but loud croaking call that will definitely get your attention.

With its uniformly black feathers, shaggy head, and prominent bill, it’s easy to see why the Raven inspired Edgar Allen Poe’s famous gothic poem.

READ MORE: 0 Travel Books that Inspired My Love of Adventure

Pelagic Coromorants and Black-legged Kittiwakes in

6. PELAGIC CORMORANT

One of the more common n birds, this is one of three cormorant species found in the state. You’ll often see their nesting colonies on the rocky ledges of coastal cliffs.

Growing up to three feet, the Pelagic Cormorants’ crests are subtle, but can be identified by their orange throat patch, slender neck, and hooked bill.

You may also see them with their wings spread wide as they dry out in the sun. We spotted these nesting in Glacier Bay National Park.

READ MORE: Flightless Cormorant Mating Dance (Video)

Glaucous Winged Gull in Kenai National Park

7. GULLS

There are at least four different Gull species commonly spotted in . The most unique of these is the Bonaparte’s Gull, which is small and has a black head, thin bill, and reddish legs.

The most abundant is the Black-legged Kittiwake, which also has black-tipped wings and which you can expect to see every day.

Others include the Glaucous-winged Gull (which are common in coastal areas) and the Herring Gull (which are usually seen near inland lakes and rivers).

READ MORE: 30 Amazing Galapagos Islands Animals

Pine Grosbeak in Kenai National Wildlife Refuge,

8. PINE GROSBEAK

This resident species’ striking coloration may lead you to mistake it for a Cardinal from a distance, but up close the Pine Grosbeak looks much more like a Finch.

Growing up to 0 inches long, the male is rosy red with black wings, while the female is grey with a greenish head and rump.

Both have a black, cone-shaped bill, and are commonly seen at n bird feeders all throughout the year.

We saw this handsome male feeding alongside a female on a road inside the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.

READ MORE: How to Attract Birds to Your Garden

Horned Puffins in

9. PUFFINS

There are two species of Puffins in , but they’re fairly easy to tell apart. The Horned Puffin has a white belly, an orange Parrot-like bill, and a distinctive black, fleshy “horn” above each eye.

The Tufted Puffin is mostly black, with long tufts of golden feathers that curl back from either side of its head.

Both are commonly seen in coastal waters, where they can “fly” underwater to feed on fish. We saw them fairly often throughout our n cruises in both Kenai Fjords National Park and the Inside Passage. 

READ MORE: Top 7 Things to do in Iceland

Red Throated Loons at Pederson Glacier in Kenai National Park,

0. RED-THROATED LOON

Of the five species of loons in , the Red-throated Loon is arguably the most attractive.

Its head is medium gray, with a white-flecked black back, vertical black-and-white stripes on its nape, and a rusty red throat patch.

Like other loons, they can dive up to 250 feet to hunt for fish. They typically inhabit lakes and the Arctic coast in summer, and the southern coast in winter.

We saw this mating pair in a lagoon near the Pederson Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. 

READ MORE: 20 Largest Lakes in the World by Continent

  . RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD

The only commonly-seen species of hummingbird in , these tiny beauties nest in the southern part of the state, migrating to READ MORE: 40 Amazing Costa Rica Animals

Semi-palmated Plover in

2. SEMI-PALMATED PLOVER

Typically found along ’s southern coastal areas, the Semi-palmated Plover is a beautiful brown shorebird.  

They often nest along beaches, and will become persistently vocal if you get too close to their nesting area.

They’re identified by their white throat and breast, a black band around its neck, and a black-tipped orange bill. They use the latter to probe in mud and sand in search for the invertebrates on which they feed.

We saw this one scrounging on the beach near the Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge. 

READ MORE: The World’s Most Colorful Beaches

Snowy Owl

3. SNOWY OWL

Now commonly associated with Harry Potter, the Snowy Owl generally prefers marshes and tundra in the n Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. 

But they’re increasingly migrating further south in winter, when their food sources tend to get more scarce.

Growing up to 27 inches long, these big, beautiful birds are mostly white, but with head, chest, and wings spotted with black bars. They’re one of the few species of Owls you may actually get to see hunting during the day.

READ MORE: Tundra Animals in Churchill, Manitoba

  4. TRUMPETER SWAN

One of two species of swans found in , the Trumpeter Swan is larger than the Tundra Swan, growing to over five feet from bill-tip to tail.

Both species can be found in all sorts of water– lakes, marshes, ponds, and rivers– and both are all-white.

Other than size, the only easy way to tell them apart is their bill (the Tundra Swan’s is black) and their call. The Trumpeter’s is low and distinctively horn-like, while the Tundra’s is high and sounds like a “whoop.”

READ MORE: 20 Longest Rivers in the World by Continent

Willow Ptarmigan

5. WILLOW PTARMIGAN

The official State Bird, the Willow Ptarmigan is commonly referred to as a “bush chicken,” due primarily to the fact that nearly all n predators (including humans) like to eat them.

Short and stout, with feathers even on their toes, these birds change colors with the seasons.

Males are reddish brown and white in summer, while females are mottled brown, but both turn mostly white in winter to help them stay camouflaged on the snowy tundra.

I saw this one (and many others) during my Denali National Park trip back in 999.

READ MORE: A Guide to Ethical Eating When You Travel

  N BEARS

Black Bears in at Mendenhall Glacier

6. BLACK BEAR

Though not quite as large as Brown Bears or Polar Bears, n Black Bears are an intimidating presence in many of the state’s forested areas. 

Our tour guides frequently advised us on safety procedures in bear country, including always hiking with a buddy, carrying bear spray, talking loudly so that you don’t surprise them, and never running if you encounter a bear in the woods.

We saw them numerous times during our latest trip to , including several loners wandering in Kenai Fjords National Park and a mama bear with two adorable cubs along the Steep Creek Trail at the Mendenhall Glacier.

Despite their name, these omnivores can actually range in color from black and brown to cinnamon and even shades of blue (for camouflage near glaciers).

READ MORE: Black Bears in Alligator River NWR, North Carolina

Grizzly Bears at the Wildlife Conservation Center by Mike Jerrard

7. BROWN (GRIZZLY) BEAR

My personal favorite n animal, Brown Bears are noted for their size (up to seven feet), humped shoulders, and massive feet with razor-sharp claws.

There are three subspecies in Brown Bears in : One inhabits coastal areas and feeds mostly on salmon, while Grizzly Bears are found inland and further north (especially Denali National Park) and are smaller due to a more plant-based diet.

The more isolated Kodiak Island Bear subspecies is the largest terrestrial carnivore in the world.

READ MORE: Denali National Park, (America’s Last Frontier)

Polar Bear in the Arctic Tundra

8. POLAR BEAR

READ MORE: Polar Bear Fight in Churchill, Manitoba

  OTHER N ANIMALS

American Beaver by skeeze from Pixabay

9. AMERICAN BEAVER

While you may not actually spot an n Beaver during your visit, you’ll almost certainly see their handiwork if you go rafting, canoeing, or kayaking down any major river or stream.

These large (up to four feet long), brown rodents use their remarkable teeth to fell trees into the water, gradually building elaborate dams.

They’re most active at dawn and dusk, when they emerge to feed on aquatic plants, bark, and grass, slapping their tails on the water as a warning if danger is imminent.

READ MORE: The 0 Best Canoe Trips (World Trael Bucket List)

  20. ARCTIC FOX

Smaller than their red cousins, Arctic Foxes are perfectly adapted to their frigid habitat (which ranges from and Arctic READ MORE: Amazing Animal Facts (Animal Olympians)

Bison in Yellowstone National Park near Grand Geyser

2. BISON

Most people associate Bison (which are confused with, but technically not a species of Buffalo) with READ MORE: 0 Best National Parks in USA for Wildlife Watching

Caribou in Denali National Park,

22. CARIBOU

Caribou in , which are also known as READ MORE: Winter Adventures in Finnish Lapland

  23. DALL SHEEP

As with the Caribou, both male and female Dall Sheep have horns. But the male’s are considerably more massive and coiled.

They often implement them for intense head-butting competitions, which are used to establish a hierarchy of dominance for mating purposes.

Dall Sheep in are typically seen on cliff edges in mountainous regions, where their white coats stand out in striking contrast to the dynamic green and gray landscapes.

READ MORE: 20 Best Mountains in the World

Gray Wolf by christels from Pixabay

24. GRAY WOLF

Easily the largest of ’s canine species, the Gray Wolf can grow to six feet and comes in colors ranging from white to black and all shades in between.

They’re found in approximately 85% of the state’s wilderness areas, living in packs of two to 30 animals.

The READ MORE: Endangered Species that Mate for Life

n Moose in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge

25. MOOSE

I call the n Moose “the Camels of the tundra,” because they tend to be of a similar size (up to 9 feet tall), body type (huge, with long, thin legs and a pendulous snout), and disposition (ornery and unpredictable).

The Moose is the official State animal. But most ns we met were even more wary of Moose than Bears.

They tend to be found in forests near shallow water sources, but we saw a female in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge right alongside the road, feeding on dandelions.

Females with young calves are extremely aggressive, and should be avoided at all costs.

READ MORE: The Moose Whisperer & The Coolest Moose in Sweden

Mama & Baby Mountain Goats in Glacier Bay National Park

26. MOUNTAIN GOAT

From a distance (which is usually how you’ll see them) you might mistake a Mountain Goat in for a Dall Sheep, since both are white, grow up to six feet, and prefer mountainous areas.

But the goat has longer, shaggier fur and short, straight black horns. They prefer high alpine meadows in summer, only going down towards the tree line in winter.

We spotted quite a few in the hills of Kenai Fjords National Park and Glacier Bay National Park’s Gloomy Knob area, including this mama goat with a baby climbing on her. 

READ MORE: 40 Facts About the Markhor (National Animal of Pakistan)

Muskox in by David Mark from Pixabay

27. MUSKOX

Large and stocky, with long hair and prominent horns, these imposing cow-like creatures grow up to eight feet.

Though the native Muskox population in was hunted to extinction in the 800s, a herd was introduced from Greenland in the 930s.

Today there are thousands of Muskox in , including a domesticated farm in Palmer, a research project at the University of in Fairbanks, and wild herds roaming in western areas such as Bethel and Nome.

READ MORE: Wildlife Conservation Center (Photo Gallery)

Red Squirrel at Kenai Glacier Lodge,

28. RED SQUIRREL

A common sighting in ’s forests, the Red Squirrel is actually a rusty olive color with a white belly and a fluffy reddish-orange tail.

You’ll likely hear their noisy chatter before you see them scurrying quickly through the forest to gather their winter supply of berries, nuts, and seeds.

Look for burrows around the base of trees, where they typically hide their cache of food.

READ MORE: The 20 Biggest Forests in the World

Sitka Deer by Hillebrand, Steve [Public domain]

29. SITKA BLACK-TAILED DEER

Found primarily in the coastal rainforests of southern , the Sitka Black-tailed Deer is relatively small, averaging under five feet tall.

The species changes in coloration to help them stay camouflaged, from reddish-brown coats in summer to gray in winter.

Males shed their antlers annually between January and March. 

READ MORE: 40 Fascinating Facts About the Saola (a.k.a. Asian Unicorn)

  N WHALES & PORPOISES

Beluga Whales by Mike Johnston via CC 2.0

30. BELUGA WHALE

Usually found in coastal waters and shallow bays, this small (around 3 feet long on average) white whale has a pronounced forehead filled with fatty tissue (called the melon).

The Beluga Whale is also known as the “sea canary” because of its distinctive high-pitched squeaks, squeals, and whistles, which it uses to find prey and communicate with others.

The subpopulation of ’s Cook Inlet is considered endangered, and is currently protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

READ MORE: North Atlantic Right Whale Facts

Bowhead Whale by Kate Stafford of the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve,   CC BY-SA 2.0

3. BOWHEAD WHALE

Although we never saw a Bowhead Whale during our two weeks in Southeast , the species deserves special mention as ’s State Marine Mammal.

They earned this distinction because they’re the only whales in that spend their entire life in Arctic waters. Bowhead Whales have also historically been an important food source for the indigenous people of ’s northwestern coastal communities.

Growing up to 60 feet long, Bowheads have an unusual arched jaw and a mouth/head that can be up to /3 of their total body length.

READ MORE: 40 Fascinating Facts About Blue Whales

  32. DALL’S PORPOISE

One of two kinds of porpoise we saw in (the other being the more dull-colored Harbor Porpoise), the Dall’s Porpoise looks a bit like a tiny (7-foot-long) Killer Whale.

It has a shorter snout and a stockier body than a dolphin, with black coloring offset by a big white belly patch.

They usually travel in pods ranging from 2 to 20 animals, and are fond of playing in the wake of ships (which is where we saw them during our Inside Passage cruise).

READ MORE: 5 Harmful Traditions & Cultural Practices

Humpback Whale Closeup

33. HUMPBACK WHALE

These gentle giants (which can grow up to 50 feet long) are often seen close to shore along ’s southern coast during their summer migration season.

You usually only get glimpses of their humped backs and small dorsal fins as they dive to feed on small schooling fish. But every so often one will show you their long flippers or tail flukes, which are usually white.

Despite many whale watching tours, I’ve only ever seen them breach from a distance. Listen for their haunting calls when the water is calm.

READ MORE: Whales That Live in Antarctica

Orcas in (Kenai National Park)

34. Orca (a.k.a. Killer Whale)

Though they’re commonly known as the Killer Whale, Orcas are not actually a whale at all, but a member of the dolphin family.

The “killer” part comes from the fact that pods of up to 40 Orcas will hunt large marine animals as a pack, almost like “sea wolves.”

With their long black dorsal fins and white-spotted eyes and bellies, Orcas in are a fairly common sight in Kenai Fjords National Park, the Inside Passage, and other n waters.

READ MORE: Southern Resident Killer Whales

  OTHER N MARINE ANIMALS

King Crab by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [Public domain]

35. N KING CRAB

Second only to Sockeye Salmon among the state’s most valuable commercial species, the n King Crab lives up to its name by growing up to a whopping five feet wide.

Typically found in waters up to 200 feet deep, these big red wonders have pointy spikes covering most of their heads, six legs, and claws.

The right claw is usually much larger on adult crabs, and often used as a weapon during fights. Their meat is widely considered a READ MORE: 60 Weird Animals Around the World

Harbor Seals at Holgate Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park,

36. HARBOR SEAL

One of the most difficult species of wildlife in to photograph, Harbor Seals (a.k.a. Leopard Seals, due to their spotted coats) are shy but plentiful.

We saw many of them throughout the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay, and Kenai Fjords, particularly around icebergs and “berglets” (as National Park Ranger Rebekah Weirda liked to call them).

They’re easiest to see on the ice floes, where they go to rest and bear their young away from the watchful eyes of predators.

READ MORE: 30 Antarctic Animals You Can See on an Antarctica Cruise

Steller’s Sea Lions in Kenai Fjords National Park

37. STELLER’S SEA LION

Also known as Northern Sea Lions, these pinnipeds can grow to 0.5 feet long and weigh 000+ pounds, with males up to three times as large as females.

Around 70% of these endangered animals inhabit the waters around , gathering seasonally to breed and raise pups in rookeries used year after year.

We saw several Steller’s Sea Lions in Kenai Fjords National Park that had been tagged as part of a scientific study on their declining population numbers.

READ MORE: Swimming with Sea Lions (Galapagos Islands)

  38. SALMON

n Salmon is not only the state’s commercial export, but they’re also a huge tourism draw once fishing season opens.

We heard tales of the Kenai River being lined with hundreds of fishermen standing shoulder-to-shoulder during peak season, occasionally competing with the bears for their catch.

In addition to Sockeye (or Red Salmon), Chinook (King Salmon), Coho (Silver Salmon), and Pink (Humpbacked) n Salmon are also popular.

READ MORE: Fishing Mobile Bay & the Mobile-Tensaw Delta

Sea Otters in (Kenai National Park)

39. SEA OTTER

Although they may look cute and small from a distance, these adorable n animals can actually grow to reach 6 feet long and more than 70 pounds.

Unlike its cousin, the Northern River Otter, the Sea Otter only inhabits saltwater (preferably kelp beds close to rocky coastlines).

Most of the Sea Otters we spotted were lying on their backs, eating, sleeping, or carrying their young. They’re also known to use stones to crack open the Sea Urchins and shellfish on which they feed. 

READ MORE: Hairy-Nosed Otter (Endangered Species)

Ochre Sea Star at Kenai Glacier Lodge

40. SEA STARS

We learned just how many different types of Sea Stars (a.k.a. Starfish) there are in during a walk along the shore of Kenai Fjords National Park at low tide.

The Bat Star was my favorite: Growing up to 0 inches, with short arms and wide bodies, Bat Stars range in color from white to vibrant orange and red.

My daughter loved the striking patterns of the Ochre Sea Stars pictures above, which are a common sight in tide pools and range from yellow and orange to purple and brown. –Bret Love; photos by Allie Love & Bret Love unless otherwise noted

  Our trip to was partly hosted by AdventureSmith Explorations. But our opinions remain our own, and we will never compromise our integrity to our readers. To learn more about planning an n Vacation, contact AdventureSmith Explorations at 877-720-2875 or [email protected].

Original content owned & copyrighted by Green Global Travel.

Water collection and storage is nothing new. Humans have been harvesting rainwater for centuries… millennia, actually.

In fact, many of the Philippines—provide great models for rainwater harvesting systems.

Learning methods for harvesting rainwater could ultimately prove to be the key to future life on earth. Frighteningly, less than 1% of the world’s water can be used by humans for drinking, and the planet has been working with roughly the same amount of fresh water for millions of years.

But as the global population increases, so does the demand for water. Unfortunately, many of the natural water systems we’ve historically relied on for drinking water— aquifers, creeks, lakes, and fresh water is a really big deal, no matter where you live. But  modified food production, and industrial waste, municipalities must use a slurry of chemicals to make water potable again.

Luckily, Mother Nature supplies us with plenty of fresh water right at home. This handy guide will teach you what rainwater harvesting is, how it benefits the environment, various water catchment methods, and how to make a DIY rainwater harvesting system of your own.

READ MORE: to Save Water: 15 Water Conservation Methods

TABLE OF CONTENTS

is Harvesting? 

of Harvesting

Water Harvesting Benefits the Environment

Harvesting Methods

to Make a Tank 

a Filter

Harvesting System

Machu Picchu Terraces image by skeeze from Pixabay

Is Harvesting?

harvesting is the simple act of collecting and storing rainwater when the getting is good so it can be used in times of drought.

With ancient times.

Even people who don’t need drinking water often use rainwater collection tanks to water their gardens. This is particularly true in regions where droughts or dry seasons are common, and access to municipal water is limited, unreliable, or expensive.

There are many different methods for rainwater harvesting: Every rooftop, hard surface, or sloped landscape provides the potential to capture and store rain rather than merely let it drain away.

Since we have to have shelters and READ MORE: 60 Going Green Tips You Can Use Every Day 

Bret & Mary’s Water Catchment & Harvesting System

of Harvesting

While collecting rainwater is often seen as an environmental act, there are quite a few advantages of rainwater harvesting on a personal level:

Harvesting rainwater can reduce water bills significantly by supplying free water for READ MORE: is Permaculture Gardening?

“rain barrel kit” by bunnicula is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

Water Harvesting Benefits the Environment

collection systems can also do a lot to help the ecosystem and community in which we live. With a system of our own, we can start making a local and global difference right at home. Here are five examples of how harvesting water benefits the environment:

Rain harvesting reduces stormwater runoff, which means less of our fresh water is going into drainage/sewage treatment systems. That means less wildlife habitat

, drinking water, and bathing water. READ MORE: The Real Erin Brockovich Fights Water Pollution

Bret & Mary’s Harvesting System from a runoff drain pipe

Harvesting Methods

There are several different methods of harvesting rainwater. Some involve tanks or cisterns that hold the water for easy access, while others hold the water until it soaks into the earth.

Some models for the home are designed to be small-scale, holding as little as one 40- to 55-gallon drum at a time. More involved rain catchment systems, such as you might find on a rainwater gardens, that spread it and hold it until the earth is better able to absorb it.

This also eliminates the need to irrigate with municipal water. Rather than draining all that valuable rain away, water catchments keep some of it for the plants to enjoy. To help with replenishing groundwater, some people lead hard surface runoff to a recharge pit.

With acreage comes even more potential for rainwater harvesting. Earthworks can take advantage of natural drainage paths by disrupting them, spreading the water over sloped landscapes with swales that are attached to dams that hold water in bulk.

Ponds and READ MORE: The Ultimate DIY Aquaponics Beginner’s Guide

Bret & Mary’s Harvesting System with overflow drain

to Make a Tank

The common urban/suburban water catchment system collects rainwater from the roof and stores it in an attached tank, either above or below the ground.

One inch of rain on a 2000 square foot roof supplies over 1200 gallons of water, or around 13 bathtubs’ worth The average rainfall for the contiguous United States is over 30 inches a year, which is more than 36,000 gallons per roof! All of that water has to be held somewhere.

A rooftop rain harvesting system generally involves a tank ranging anywhere from 40 to hundreds of gallons. Sometimes these tanks are built underground our of concrete, which requires serious excavation and installation cost. On the positive side, they can be very large.

Above-ground metal tanks are less expensive and difficult to install, but they do tend to rust over time. Bladder tanks, like gigantic bags, are commonly used in tight spots, such as under a deck.

But food grade barrels, which are widely available and inexpensive. The rain barrels pictured in this post used to hold roasted red peppers and olives.

These are often connected in order to provide more rainwater storage space. Or they can be installed individually beneath each downspout to provide access to water in several locations. Similar, larger capacity systems can be built with repurposed IBC totes as well.

There are only a few steps to install a rain harvesting barrel”

A hose or pipe, the same size or larger than the gutter outlet, should connect the gutter to the top of the barrel. This involves cutting a small hole in the top of the barrel and making a rainwater filter for debris (which we’ll talk about in the next section).

The barrel should be set on a platform, lifting it up off the ground. We recommend using concrete blocks, stacking two to three pairs on top of each other.

A spigot should be connected to the side near the bottom of the barrel, so that all of the water inside can be accessed.

An overflow outlet, the same size as or slightly larger than the gutter outlet, should be put on the side near the top of the barrel. This outlet can involve a hose that leads the excess water to somewhere like a rain garden or recharge pit.

READ MORE: Permaculture Gardening Guide (12 Tips for a Productive Garden)

“nyc-travails-1080772” by jwilly is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

a Filter

Depending on the degree to which you hope to collect rainwater, there are different methods for rainwater harvesting. Similarly, the way in which we want to use the water– whether it be for irrigation, cleaning, or drinking– will determine the degree to which we filter the water.

For simple outdoor watering use, a rainwater filter made from everyday plumbing parts and around-the-house types of materials will suffice for collecting debris. A four-inch rubber boot or even an old plant pot can be plumbed to sit comfortably atop a rain barrel, with the gutter flow leading to it.

Inside the boot or pot, you can fit a piece of recycled hosiery or a paint sprayer filter to keep out any large debris that might be washed off the roof, such as leaves, twigs, or bugs. As long as the  filter is cleaned regularly, collected rainwater will flow easily without it getting clogged up. 

ever, if drinking the water is the ultimately goal, then some additional filtering is necessary. Though rainwater is very clean, having gone through the natural water cycle and debris filter, it does pick up unsavory stuff on the route from roof to tank.

Making water potable for drinking requires an extra purification system. For emergency situations, it’s good to have a basic water purifier such as a build a simple one with repurposed buckets. For a household water source, it’s better to bring in professionals.

READ MORE: 15 Ways to Reduce Waste & Move Towards Waste-Free Living

“water tank pics 2” by jwilly is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Harvesting System

Any rooftop rainwater harvesting project has the same basic components: a roof to catch, guttering to collect, hoses to distribute, filters to clean, storage tanks to hold, and outlets to access rainwater.

It’s what happens beyond those outlets that determines the complexity of the rainwater harvesting system. Regardless of how complex we’d like to get with it, most of us have the capacity to harvest some rainwater.

A barrel-style rainwater collection system may be rudimentary, but the water would be perfectly fine for our lawn and garden use. If further purified a little at time by boiling, it can even become potable in a pinch. For a total cost of $50 to $60, this water-saving wonder can fulfill a lot of needs. 

More complex rainwater harvesting systems– including underground cisterns, pumps, and purification– are completely possible, but require professionals to install and permits to use them.

But for those striving to CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Original content owned & copyrighted by Green Global Travel.

Cruises have gotten a bad rap lately: One recent scientific study found that air quality on a cruise ship deck was “worse than the world’s most polluted cities.”

But not all cruise companies feature gigantic cruise ships carrying 5000+ passengers. In our eyes, small ship cruises are much better for travelers, locals, and the environment alike.

The best small ship cruise lines typically have less than 300 passengers, a lower guide-to-passenger ratio, and expert local guides. These small luxury cruise ships have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a more intimate and immersive travel experience.

Some small luxury cruises focus squarely on nature and wildlife, while others focus more on the history and culture of a destination. But in general, small cruises are less about the amenities of the ship itself and more about exciting shore-based adventures.

Whether you’re taking a river cruise in READ MORE: The Importance of Community-Based Tourism

  WHY SMALL SHIP CRUISES ARE SUPERIOR

Galapagos Islands Cruise Ship – The Eric by Ecoventura

More Personal Space

With the  On a luxury cruise ship packed with several thousand people, you often feel like a nameless face among the huddled masses. But on a smaller ship with 20-50 people, you feel more like a treasured guest,  with ample room to roam.

This makes it much easier to find your own personal space away from the crowd, to have quiet time or special moments as a couple or family.

READ MORE: 0 Romantic Places for Your World Travel Bucket List

Drinking curacao on the island of Curacao

Better Personal Service

When you’re just one of the 5,000 cruisers packed into a huge floating city, it’s unreasonable to expect the attention to detail that comes with four-star service.

For travelers willing to sacrifice luxury in exchange for rock-bottom prices, the affordability and But there’s also a lot to be said for the value of the experiences you get on small boat cruises. There, all the staff (including the cruise director) knows your name and preferences, and can provide more personalized recommendations.

Having a bartender who knows you want a Blue Hawaiian with your Happy Hour appetizers may not make or break your trip. But traveling with a company who makes you feel like more than just a number-coded wristband goes a long way towards making your trip feel special.

READ MORE: The Top 0 Things to Do in Curaçao

Peruvian Amazon River Cruise excursion – swimming in the Amazon River

Connect with Like-Minded People

When you’re on a small ship with just 20-50 passengers for a week to 0 days, you tend to get to know everyone on board to some degree.

Instead of being sat at the same table with the same people night after night, on small cruises there seems to be an unspoken agreement that passengers will swap dining tables nightly.

It’s like a game of musical chairs, giving you plenty of opportunity to find out who you click with.

Inevitably, you’re bound to meet a handful of folks that share your same ideals. Especially when you take a nature/wildlife or history/culture-focused cruise, which each tends to attract a certain type of traveler.

Going on life-changing adventures with perfect strangers can create some surprisingly strong bonds. Perhaps you’ll even meet your future travel buddies!

READ MORE: Small Ship Cruising the Peruvian Amazon

Peruvian Amazon River Cruise Boat docks on the river bank

Small Ships Go Where Big Ships Can’t

You’ve heard the old saying, “Size doesn’t matter”? Well, in the case of cruise ships, it does. And in this case, bigger is very rarely better.

Small ships are simply more nimble than large ships. Unless you’re going to a mega port, big cruise ships often have to ferry their entire passenger load back and forth via small boats or Zodiac rafts.

We have great memories of our small ship cruise through the Greek Islands. Although our boat docked in When you’re cruising in places like the rivers of Europe or the READ MORE: Happy Accidents on Aegina Island, Greece

  Galapagos Islands Cruise gives you intimate experiences with Galapagos wildlife

Exclusive Experiences

One of our favorite things about travel is getting a chance to learn first-hand about the history, culture, nature, and wildlife of a destination.

While other travel bloggers may prefer to explore places on their own, we love the knowledge we gain by traveling with local experts.

 As a longtime professional writer, I’m continually asking our guides questions, taking notes, and interviewing local people. We ultimately use a lot of this information to make our posts more in-depth and authoritative.

Because the number of people on small ship cruises is limited, there is usually at least one guide for every 8 to 2 passengers. With such intimate access to an expert, you’re virtually guaranteed to have once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

READ MORE: NatGeo’s Don George on Travel Writing

  THE WORLD’S BEST SMALL SHIP CRUISES

Africa Cruises: Nile River Cruise, Seychelles Cruise, Botswana Cruise

Antarctica Cruises: Antarctica Cruise, New Zealand’s Sub-Antarctic Islands Cruise

Asia Cruises: India Cruise, Philippines islands Cruise

Caribbean Cruises: Coastal Cuba Cruise, Lesser Antilles Cruise

European Cruises: Greek Islands, European Christmas Markets Cruise, Black Sea Cruise

North America Cruises: Northwest Passage, Alaska Inside Passage Cruise

South America Cruises: Chilean Fjords Cruise, Galapagos Islands Cruise, Peruvian Amazon Cruise

South Pacific Cruises: Great Barrier Reef Cruise, Micronesia Cruise, Polynesia Cruise

CRUISES

Elephants along the Chobe River (Botswana) Image by hbieser from Pixabay

Chobe River Cruise (Botswana)

Botswana is currently on our African safari bucket list, primarily because of the country’s forward-thinking approach to READ MORE: 55 Interesting Facts About Elephants

Nile River Cruise, photo via Pixabay

NILE RIVER CRUISE

If you’re interested in ancient history, READ MORE: 20 Longest Rivers in the World

Seychelles Cruise via Pixabay License

Seychelles Cruise

Located nearly ,000 miles off the coast of mainland Africa east of important marine areas. Together, these marine reserves cover more than 8,000 square miles.

The Seychelles are collectively very small, with a total population of around 94,000 people spread across 77 square miles of land. But their natural beauty makes them a favorite on lists of the world’s most beloved islands, with some visitors describing it as like “a garden of Eden.”

Highlights include the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens, Curieuse Marine National Park, Veuve Nature Reserve, and Morne Seychellois National Park. About 42% of the archipelago is set aside for conservation, protecting wildlife such as the rare Seychelles Black Parrot, Seychelles Giant Tortoises, and some of the world’s largest seabird colonies.

A Seychelles cruise is the best way to explore the islands’ myriad attractions. These range from idyllic READ MORE: The World’s 30 Best Exotic Islands to Visit

CRUISES

Antarctic Cruise

There’s a lot of very good reasons why taking a cruise to The Antarctic peninsula is also one of the world’s best places for watching wildlife. We saw everything from pods of Orcas and READ MORE: 30 Antarctic Animals You Can See on an Antarctic Cruise

Rockhopper Penguin image by Michael Frankenstein from Pixabay

Cruising New Zealand’s Sub-Antarctic Islands

You may know that New Zealand is divided into a North and South island. But did you know that the country also boasts remote archipelagos of islands, which have been collectively named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their pristine wilderness and READ MORE: Ecotourism in New Zealand (Top 0 Things to Do for Nature Lovers)

CRUISES

Brahmaputra River, photo via Pixabay

Brahmaputra River Cruise (India)

The northeast Indian state of Assam, which shares its border with Bhutan and Bangladesh, has emerged in recent years as a bright spot in Asian ecotourism

.

This is thanks in large part to Kaziranga National Park, which is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A luxurious cruise down the mighty Brahmaputra River is arguably the best way to explore the region, offering amazing opportunities to see some of the region’s Elephants to Sloth Bears, the endangered South Asian River Dolphin, and thousands of bird species. In short, it’s a must-see for animal lovers! 

READ MORE: Indian Animals: A Guide to 40 Incredible Indian Wildlife Species

Philippines Islands Cruise image by Guy Goddard from Pixabay

Cruising the Philippines islands

Located in Southeast Asia near READ MORE: Top 5 Things to Do in Coron, Palawan (Philippines)

CRUISES

Cuba Mountains, photo via Pixabay

Costal Cuba Cruise

President Obama loosened the decades-long restrictions on Americans traveling to Cuba

several years ago, causing a dramatic surge of interest in traveling to the Caribbean island.

With Donald Trump actively working to reverse these improved diplomatic relations, there’s never been a better time to explore mass tourism.

Lesser Antilles Cruise

When most Americans think of the Caribbean, they tend to think of perennial sun/surf/sand hotspots such as the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Jamaica.

But the more remote islands of the Lesser Antilles (which form the eastern boundary of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean) are generally less over-developed and more pristine than those crowded mass tourism destinations.

Included among the Lesser Antilles islands are Martinique, St. Lucia, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Grenada, which has recently emerged as a haven for ecotourism. Popular activities in the region range from bird watching and snorkeling/Dominica. From the gorgeous waterfall and diving READ MORE: 20 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit

  CRUISES

The Swallow’s Nest on the Black Sea in Crimea image by Irina Rassvetnaja from Pixabay

Black Sea Cruise

As bodies of water go, the Black Sea is pretty strange. On the map, this inland sea looks more like a giant lake, connected to the Aegean Sea (and the Mediterranean) by the narrow Bosphorus Strait.

But, with 68,500 square miles of surface area and a maximum depth of 7,257 feet, the Black Sea is considerably bigger than the ancient archaeological sites.

Must-see sites you can visit while cruising the Black Sea include Instanbul’s Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, Romania’s Danube River Delta, the Ukranian city of Odessa, and Sochi Olympic Park, the first theme park in all of Russia. 

READ MORE: 40 Fascinating Facts About Russia’s Amur Leopard

Christmas Market in Hamburg, Germany via Pixabay license

European Christmas Market Cruise

Although we’re not at all religious, our family goes bonkers for Christmas, especially anything to do with READ MORE: 75 Christmas Traditions Around the World

Greek Islands Cruise

From to the ancient history of Athens

 to Meteora’s majestic mountains, mainland Greece has plenty to offer travelers with an interest in nature, culture and history.

But for a true taste of Greek tradition, it’s hard to beat small ship cruises through the countless s are tiny (7.4 to 59 square miles) and quaint: Many mainland residents have vacation homes there, so it’s a great place to catch locals in a celebratory mood. They’re also considerably less crowded with tourists than some of the more famous islands.

The Cyclades, with around 220 islands, is the densest and most popular grouping in Aegean archipelago thanks to Delos, Mykonos, and Santorini. For ancient history, the Dodecanese Islands (especially Rhodes) and Crete are hard to beat.

READ MORE: 40 Photos Of Greece That Will Make You Want To Go

AMERICA CRUISES

Northwest Passage Cruise

The Arctic Circle is considered to be one of the planet’s last truly wild places.

The Arctic region encompasses northern Alaska and A small ship cruise of the historic Northwest Passage is arguably the best way to explore the Arctic. It offers unique opportunities to see explorer’s bucket list.

READ MORE: Polar Bears Photo Gallery

Cruising in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska

Alaska Inside Passage Cruise

Stretching from Washington State’s Puget Sound north to the Alaska Panhandle, the Inside Passage is a coastal route in the Pacific Northwest. Popularized during the Klondike Gold Rush, the route allows ships to avoid the bad weather and often rough waters of the open ocean. 

Today, around 36,000 boats navigate portions of this route each year, from massive cruise ships and freighters to smaller AdventureSmith and Alaskan Dream Cruises. The Alaskan portion encompasses ,000 READ MORE: Visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

AMERICA CRUISES

Caguach Island, Chiloé Archipelago, photo by Robert Gould CC BY-SA 3.0

Chilean Fjords Cruise

When it comes to Chilean travel, the wine region around Santiago and the dynamic landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park in READ MORE: Exploring Grytviken, South Georgia Island

Swimming with Galapagos Penguins

Galapagos Islands Cruise

A small ship is vital if you want to really explore the The Voyage of the Beagle,  Thanks to its remote location and UNESCO/National Park protection, the wildlife of the Galapagos is plentiful.

Endemic species such as READ MORE: 30 Amazing Galapagos Island Animals

Peruvian Amazon River Cruise

Amazon rainforest

’s total area of 2,00,000 square miles. Unfortunately, that country’s unsustainable exploitation of its natural resources has damaged this once-pristine ecosystem, perhaps irreparably.

For a better taste of the Amazon rainforest’s world-famous biodiversity, you’ll want to take a READ MORE: Cruising the Peruvian Amazon

PACIFIC CRUISES

Great Barrier Reef, photo via Pixabay

Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Don’t believe the hype! Click-bait headlines claimed Australia’s Great Barrier Reef dead in 206 after a cheeky column by Rowan Jacobson appeared in Outside. But news of the demise of the place UNESCO called “the most impressive marine area in the world” was greatly exaggerated.

Yes, the reef suffered READ MORE: 0 Awesome Australian Road Trips

Manta Ray in Micronesia, photo via Pixabay

Micronesia Cruise

Spread across the western Pacific northeast of Papua New Guinea, the Federated States of Micronesia is comprised of more than 600 islands.

The country is made up of four island states– Pohnpei, Kosrae, Chuuk, and Yap– and known for its palm-shaded beaches, ancient ruins, and thriving indigenous cultures. If you want to see the best of them in one trip, a cruise is really the only way.

The islands are widely ranked among the READ MORE: 5 Rare Sharks Worth Saving

Polynesian Islands Cruise

There are so many beautiful Polynesian Islands, it would be impossible to pick just one favorite.

But, with less than 2,000 miles separating tropical hotspots such as Tahiti and Fiji, a small-ship cruise offers the perfect way to explore numerous gorgeous getaways in just a few weeks.

From pearl diving in Bora Bora and birdwatching in the Cook Islands to READ MORE: 2 Photos of Tahiti To Fuel Your Fantasies

Original content owned & copyrighted by Green Global Travel.

Led by the Plastic Free Foundation, Plastic Free July is a massive patch of plastic pollution in the ocean twice the size of the state of READ MORE:

Alternatives to Plastic Bags 

Free Water Bottles

Reusable Straws

Products Made From Recycled Plastic Bottles

Clothes Made From Recycled Plastic 

Eco Friendly Bags

Other Recycled Plastic Products

Products with Plastic Free Packaging

  S TO PLASTIC BAGS

Lotsa Style’s Plastic-Free Products

Lotsa Style line. Their broad range of plastic-free items not only helps reduce plastic use, but they also Reusable Beeswax Food Wrap, a brilliant alternative to cling wrap. Made from organic cotton and beeswax, the wrap is washable and works well for all kinds of foods.

We also loved their Reusable Silicone Food Bag, a sustainable version of the classic sandwich bag. These high-quality bags lock airtight, keeping food fresh and preventing leaks. It’s safe for microwaves and freezers, doesn’t hold odors, and (best of all) can be washed in the dishwasher.

But our favorite Lotsa Style products are their Wheat Straw Plates. They’re a green alternative to plastic plates, which we use for our family picnics at

Lunchbox’s 3-in-1 Splash Box

Lunchbox’s 3-in-1 Splash Box makes making lunch easy and eco-friendly. The 3-piece set is made from durable stainless steel, with leak-proof silicone lids. It’s both dishwasher- and oven-safe, which makes heating and cleaning up afterwards a breeze.

But the feature we like the most is how the 3 pieces (which hold a total of four cups of food) nest together. Once you’re done eating, the mini snack container fits inside the top container, with a silicone strap to hold it all together.

Lotus Trolley Bags

Lotus Trolley Bag is an awesome replacement for the mess of random tote bags we used to use when we went Large Club Cart version specifically sized for Costco, Sams, BJ Wholesale, etc. They make a great alternative to plastic bags for groceries!

EQPD LastBag

In an effort to eliminate single-use plastic bags, Eqpd (pronounced “equipped”) took it upon themselves to create the ultimate solution.

 The company is based in rural Twisp, Washington, in the Cascade READ MORE: The 40 Best Backpacks for Travelers

  FREE WATER BOTTLES

BINDLE BOTTLE

plastic pollution problem.

There are tons of free water bottles on the market, but the Bindle Bottle is noteworthy for its innovative twist.

Made from stainless steel, the bottle has a hidden waterproof, scent-proof storage compartment. It measures 3.2″ H x 2.75″ W, so it’s large enough to hold your cash, credit card, ID, and more.

The new 20 oz Slim version is small enough to fit in cupholders or on a bike rack, with dual-walled, vacuum-insulated construction to ensure your drink stays cold (or hot) for hours. 

Takeya Actives Insulated Water Bottle

Takeya are great for keeping cold liquids cold (up to 24 hours) or hot liquids hot (up to 12 hours). They’re available in either 24 oz or 40 oz sizes, and in a variety of colors.

Thanks to their insulated Spout Lid, the bottles allow for easy and controlled drinking, even with just one hand. The -free water bottles are easy to clean and safe to use, with no metallic aftertaste. 

The wide mouth allows ice to fit in, and the double powder coated exterior protects your hands from extreme hot and cold conditions. The removable silicone bumper also ensures fewer dents and bumps on the bottle’s exterior. We use ours literally every single day! 

LifeStraw Go

READ MORE: 60+ Cool Camping Gear Reviews

  STRAWS

Final Straw (Shark Butt Gray & Coral Cases)

FinalStraw has found an awesome answer to the world’s plastic straw problem, which has proven increasingly dangerous for READ MORE: 5 Rare Sharks Worth Saving

NaturalNeo Organic Bamboo Straws

READ MORE: Top Foods to Buy Organic (& When It’s Not Necessary)

  MADE FROM RECYCLED PLASTIC BOTTLES

American Backcountry Bearly & Appalachian Trail T-Shirts

American Backcountry recently unveiled their newest line of T-shirts. The REPREVE shirts are made using recycled bottles, and each shirt contains up to seven plastic water bottles.

The T-shirts made from the REPREVE fabric are cotton tees, and so they don’t have the usual moisture-wicking properties of other American Backcountry products. However, they still feature the epic graphic designs.

American Backcountry prides itself in celebrating America’s public lands

, and these shirts help keep those public lands clean as well.

They’re also quite stylish, with the Bearly design reminding us of an adorable Black Bear family we recently photographed in

Waterlust’s Sun Kissed Sea Leggings & Rash Guard

Purchasing this matching set of “Sun Kissed Sea” leggings and rash guard from Waterlust will save up to 20 plastic bottles from the planet’s landfills/oceans!

Not only that, but 10% of the profits from your purchase are donated to University of Miami research on air-sea interaction.

The rash guard is made from 92% RPET, while the leggings are made from 86% RPET. They both have colorfully stunning ocean-inspired patterns, which are created using eco-friendly printing methods.

Both of the products provide 4-way stretch comfort and are quick-drying, breathable, and moisture-wicking. They also feature UPF 50+ sun protection, making this the perfect outfit for activities such as READ MORE: 10 Best Places to Scuba Diving (World Travel Bucket List)

Connor Airflow Outdoor Hat

Not many companies are as committed to the zero waste lifestyle as Conner Hats. Their products are handmade with organic and recycled materials, and their warehouses are all 100% solar-powered. They even use recycled paper tags and biodegradable packaging!

The Airflow Outdoor hat is a fantastic purchase for those who enjoy outdoor recreation such as READ MORE: The 2o Best Caribbean Islands to Visit

  MADE FROM RECYCLED PLASTIC

Patagonia Men’s Cloud Ridge & Women’s Stretch Rainshadow Jackets

Patagonia clothing is always striving to be more sustainable and eco-friendly. They’ll help you move one step closer to plastic-free living with their new rain jacket styles, which are made from 100% recycled face fabric.

We’ve tried out two of these styles, the first being the Men’s Cloud Ridge jacket. The 3-layer recycled polyester shell is waterproof/breathable and offers next-to-skin comfort. This jacket is ideal for adventuring through humid tropical 

Orvis Flat Creek Tech Men’s Flannel

Orvis works hard to help with sustainable campaigns and making the planet a cleaner place. This is evident in their long-standing commitment to donating 5% of all pre-tax profits to  conservation

projects.

Now they’ve done even better with this eco-friendly flannel shirt for men. The shirt is made from recycled

Royal Robbins Jammer Knit Dress & Pants

Royal Robbins recently caught Mary’s eye with their Jammer Knit clothing range. Their dress and pants are both made from 79% RePET polyester, which is created using recycled PET plastic.

The dress features an internal shelf bra, princess seams for flattering shape, and a hidden side zipper pocket. It’s available in jet black, ink-blue floral print or asphalt floral print, and goes well as a casual outfit or dressed up for a day out. 

The jammer pants are comfy and offer the flexibility of leggings with the durability of hiking pants.

They are the perfect item for everything from lazing at home to exploring READ MORE: The Best Travel Clothes for Women & Men

Indigo Swimwear’s Olivia Top & Bottom in Jungle Tropic

The plastic bottle is the most common form of plastic pollution in the ocean. But Indigo Swimwear also recycles old fishing nets and other ocean waste into this sexy, sustainable swimsuit.

Made from NYL regenerated nylon, the Olivia bikini looks great, with its single shoulder crossover top, cheek-baring bottom, and lush tropical flower print.

It’s also great for the environment and READ MORE: The Ultimate Beach Vacation Packing List

  Costa Sunglasses Victoria & Baffin

Costa del Mar is a revolutionary line of sunglasses. The glasses’ frames are made completely from discarded fishing nets, and created to be fully recyclable.

Not only are these shades a sustainable product, but they’re helping to create a cycle of plastic reuse as well. The Bio-Resin raw material process is part of the company’s Kick Plastic initiative to Baffin for men and the Victoria for women.

The masculine, textured Baffin is named after the cold current that brings in the old, discarded fishing nets they used in creating these manly sunglasses. The curvier, sleeker Victoria gets its name from the port city in British Colombia.

Adidas Terrex Two Parley

Adidas created their Terrex Two Parley sneakers in collaboration with the Parley for the Oceans, a

Arbor Collective Foundation Shoes

These stylish shoes are created with Arbor’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and durability.

Each pair features reground rubber soles made from recycled materials, free-range and hormone-free leather lining, and all locally-sourced materials.

Designed for the active man, with a great blend of comfort, style, and performance, these shoes are the perfect companion for any journey. The responsive polyurethane sock liners help to keep your feet comfy all day long.

The classic lace-up look, combined with added premium details, allows these shoes to go well with almost any outfit. If you don’t want to “READ MORE: The Best Travel Shoes for Women & Men

  FRIENDLY BAGS

Camelbak Pivot Tote

Camelbak is one of the most eco friendly bags we’ve tested.

The 20-liter bag is made from 70% repurposed materials, and can quickly change from a tote to a backpack, with stowable straps.

It has lots of storage features, including a 15″ padded laptop pocket and a zippered side pocket big enough for water bottles. It comes in black, but of course we love the olive green color option!

Sand Cloud Ambassador Plus Bundle

You don’t have to be a Sand Cloud Ambassador bundle includes a two-toned laptop sleeve backpack, whale tail baseball hat, a reusable glass bottle that says “SAVE THE FISHIES,” a silver metal straw, two bamboo toothbrushes, and organic reef safe sunscreen.

Best of all, 10% of all profits are donated to NGOs, including Marine Conservation Institute, Pacific Marine Mammal Center, Hawaii Wildlife Fund, Ocean Connecters, Surfrider Foundation, and more!

United By Blue 25L Rift Pack

United by Blue means you’re receiving a high-quality product, and contributing to cleaner oceans.

This is thanks to the company’s promise to remove one pound of trash from the ocean for every product bought from them.

Their 25L Rift Pack backpack is also made from 100% recycled polyester, making it an awesome buy for those looking to cut down on their plastic waste.

The bag is available in five stylish designs, all of which are lightweight enough to carry all day, and feature ample pockets and extra compartments. From everyday use to exploring the wild, this bag will become your new best adventure friend!

Tortuga Inner Backpack 35L

The Tortuga Setout backpack offers the space-saving convenience of rolling luggage with the practicality of a backpack. Now that convenience is combined with the added benefit of being eco-friendly.

While the brand is not well-known for eco-friendly products, they have recently joined the movement. Both the 35L and 45L Setout backpacks (which are available in navy and black) are now being made from recycled PET polyester.

This backpack offers a large compartment with space for clothing, as well as smaller sections for accessories and a safe compartment for your laptop.

Thanks to a suspension system that keeps the bag feeling lightweight on your back as you move, this is definitely one of the best backpacks for travel we’ve tested in 2019.

OGIO Alpha Convoy 520S Travel Bag

OGIO has created the ideal carry-on luggage.

Not only is CORDURA tougher than normal polyester, but it’s stain-resistant, tear-resistant, and more lightweight as well. Producing recycled polyester also helps to lower energy consumption and reduce waste, making this an all-round sustainable material.

The Alpha Convoy 520S is available in black, charcoal, and woodland camo. The bag is perfect as a carry-on, and complies with all international airline requirements.

The 4-wheel spinner offers a large primary storage space as well as numerous smaller pockets, allowing for convenient organization during your trip.

READ MORE: The Best Carry-on Luggage (Backpacks, Duffels & Rollers)

  RECYCLED PLASTIC

Jenga Ocean Game

Enjoy the fun side of zero-waste living and purchase this Jenga Ocean game from Bureo.

This new version of the longtime family-favorite game has been created using only recycled plastic, made from discarded fishing nets.

Each game contains over 25 square feet of recycled nets, which are all sourced through Bureo’s recycling program, Net Positiva. This translates to over 2 pounds of plastic fishing nets in each Jenga game sold.

The individual Jenga Ocean blocks all have cute ocean-inspired artwork, hand-drawn by artist Lake Buckley. From family game nights to barbeques with friends, there is never a bad time to bring out Jenga, especially when it helps contribute to a plastic free environment!

Tervis Tumblers Limited Edition

When you buy these reusable tumblers from Tervis, you’re joining the fight to protect our oceans. That’s because 100% of the tumbler’s proceeds (and no, that’s not a typo!) go towards organizations that work to protect the oceans.

The limited edition ocean-themed  tumblers are made from at least 50% recycled materials, and they are -free. With a choice of two charismatic marine animals– either a READ MORE: 10 Simple Wildlife Photography Tips

  WITH PLASTIC FREE PACKAGING

Unwrapped Life Shampoo & Conditioner bar

When you think about it, it’s incredible how much plastic there is in packaging the everyday items we all need. Plastic wrap, plastic bags, and plastic bottles have become so ubiquitous, it’s easy to forget how utterly unnecessary they are.

As their name implies, Unwrapped Life is a company dedicated to eliminating this unnecessary waste, offering hair care, toiletries, and household products free from plastic packaging.

The zero waste brand offers 7 different dry Shampoo & Conditioner Travel Sets, with names like the Balancer, the Detoxifier, and The Hydrator. Each bar is vegan (made with 100% essential oil), color-safe, and packaged in reusable tins in a compostable paper box.

The only downside of Unwrapped Life’s eco friendly products is that they’re a bit on the expensive side. The travel sets run $40 Canadian, which is about $30 US. 

However they should last around 50 to 75 washes, depending on hair length, which is the equivalent of two to three 16-ounce bottles of liquid shampoo and conditioner. 

READ READ: 10 DIY Natural Travel Toiletries & Personal Care Products

Repurpose Compostable Products

Repurpose Compostables’ wide range of compostable kitchenware is taking the plastic free world by storm.

Perfect for picnics and plates, bowls, cups, and utensils. They’re all made from sustainable plants, such as corn, sugar cane, and eucalyptus.

The bowls, plates, and cups are all designed to withstand food and beverages of varying temperatures (even hot  

Original content owned & copyrighted by Green Global Travel.

Located off the coast of Teide National Park in the center. In the north, you’ll find the capital, Santa Cruz. The island’s south side is more popular with travelers because it’s both sunnier and warmer, with quite a few RED MORE: The 30 Best Exotic Islands to Visit

is Tenerife?

to Get to Tenerife

Brief History of Tenerife

Best Things to Do in North Tenerife

Best Things to Do in South Tenerife

Tenerife Mountains image by Monique Stokman from Pixabay

is Tenerife?

The volcanic Canary Islands are located in the North tlantic Ocean off the coast of frica. But where exactly is Tenerife?

The Spanish-owned archipelago is located around 60 miles west of Morocco, and Tenerife sits right in the center of the group of seven islands.

You’ll find Tenerife just west of Gran Canaria, which is the third largest island in the Canaries at 600 square miles.  bit further to the east lies Fuerteventura, the second largest island at 640 square miles.

Flights from the RED MORE: 10 Eco-Friendly European Islands (World Travel Bucket List)

Image by Hans Braxmeier from Pixabay

to Get to Tenerife

Tenerife is the only Canary Island blessed with two airports, making air travel the easiest and fastest way to get there.

Most international visitors come via flights to Tenerife south, which is serviced by Reina Sofía. This is the more modern of the island’s two airports, located just outside of Costa deje.

Flights to Tenerife north land at Los Rodeos irport, which is located near La Laguna and Santa Cruz. This airport primarily receives traffic from mainland RED MORE: The 20 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit

Brief History of Tenerife

You can date Tenerife’s recorded history back to around 200 BC. t this time the Canary Islands were home to aboriginal inhabitants, known as the Guanches. who were of North frican origin.

They were said to have an almost King Juan Carlos I took the Spanish throne. He and his wife, Queen Sofia, reigned as King and Queen of Spain from 1975 until the king’s abdication in 2014.

Southern Tenerife’s airport is still named after Queen Sofia. nd today, tourism is back in full swing and stands as the island’s largest and most profitable industry.

RED MORE: Things to Do in Portugal for Nature Lovers

  Things to Do in Northern Tenerife

Loro Parque Parrot, image by marbus79 from Pixabay

1. Loro Parque

Widely recognized as one of the finest Loro Parque began as something of a giant aviary for exotic Parrots. It has since been expanded to house rare and merican Humane has given Loro Parque its seal of approval for its commitment to animal safety and well-being. It’s the first time the 100-year-old NGO has ever given approval for a standard zoo in Europe.

The zoo is also a member of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Loro Parque has been involved with over 80 conservation projects, contributing more than $10 million towards wildlife conservation. 

RED MORE: The Best Environmental & nimal Charities to Donate To

Mount Teide image by Jordi Martos from Pixabay

2. Teide National Park

Teide National Park is one of Tenerife’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the island’s most visited natural wonders. The park is home to Spain’s tallest peak, Mount Teide, an RED MORE: 20 Tallest Mountains in the World

San Cristóbal de La Laguna image by nina056 from Pixabay

3. San Cristóbal de La Laguna

Tenerife’s second UNESCO World Heritage Site is the historical center of San Cristóbal de La Laguna. Considered to be the island’s cultural capital, it was at one time the actual capital before that role was taken over by Santa Cruz.

La Laguna was founded in the 15th century and is home to many important early buildings, including several beautiful churches.

One example is the Roman Catholic Cathedral of La Laguna, which houses the remains of the city’s founder, lonso Fernandez de Luga. La Laguna also plays host to the largest Holy Week festival in the Canary Islands.

The city is home to the Canary Islands’ oldest university, University of La Laguna, which was founded in the early 1700s. Due to the presence of college students, there’s a great deal of energetic nightlife options available in the city.

RED MORE: The 20 Best Festivals in the World

Museum of Nature and Man image by neufal54 from Pixabay

4. The Museum of Nature and Man

Paying a visit to the Museum of Nature and Man in Santa Cruz allows you to dive deeper into the history of Tenerife and the other Canary Islands.

Housed in the Old Civil Hospital, the RED MORE: 10 ncient rchaeological Sites (World Travel Bucket List)

Image by Noelia Secret from Pixabay

5. Jardín Botánico of Puerto de la Cruz

lso known as the La Orotava cclimatisation Gardens, the botanical garden (or Jardín Botánico) of Puerto de la Cruz was conceived by King Charles III of Spain.

It was his desire to introduce exotic plants from regions like RED MORE: What is Permaculture Gardening? n Intro to Permaculture Design

Pyramids of Guimar, Tenerife image by M W from Pixabay

6. The Pyramids of Guimar

series of six pyramids on Tenerife have created a lot of debate over the years as to when they were constructed, and by whom. Built from lava stone, they share a resemblance to the pyramids found in RED MORE: The 16 Best Mayan Ruins to Explore

Trail image by Hans Braxmeier from Pixabay

7. Bosque de Esperanza

One of the island’s largest forested areas, Bosque de Esperanza offers wonderful hiking and mountain biking opportunities.

There are also narrow mountain roads that lack the copious traffic often found in southern Tenerife.

The hiking trails are well marked, and some will take you to viewpoints where you can enjoy stunning views of Mount Teide, the coastline, and La Laguna below.

The forest itself offers a robust mixture of endemic pines, cypress, and eucalyptus trees, which stay lusg and green all year round.

RED MORE: 20 Biggest Forests in the World

Masca Trail, by Hans Braxmeier from Pixabay

8. Masca Valley

The Masca Valley is home to another one of Tenerife’s most notable hikes.

The Masca Trail hike, from Masca Village to the sea, takes around three hours to complete. It leads you through a volcanic landscape of strange rock formations and caves.

When you reach the end of the trail you can return the way you came. But many hikers choose to catch a boat transfer to the nearby resort town of Los Gigantes. The town is known for its towering cliffs, which reach heights of atound 2,800 feet.

If you choose this option and you’re traveling during peak summer season, make sure to pre-book your boat transfer. This assures your spot, so you aren’t forced to hike all the way back to Masca Village!

RED MORE: The World’s Best Hiking Trails (World Travel Bucket List)

Cueva del Viento or Cave of the Wind by Eladio nxo Fernández Manso via CC-2.0

9. Cueva del Viento

Cueva del Viento (or Cave of the Wind) is Europe’s most grand lava tube system. It’s also one of the world’s most complex.

Reaching over 10 miles into the earth, the cave system is said to have been created from Pico Viejo volcanic eruptions. Visitors outfitted with sturdy RED MORE: 10 Famous Underground Caves (World Travel Bucket List)

  Best Things to Do in Southern Tenerife

Siam Park in Southern Tenerife by stephen jones via CC BY 2.0

10. Siam Park

Located in the Southern Tenerife town of Costa deje, Siam Park is one of Europe’s grandest water parks.

The water park is home to the world’s longest lazy RED MORE: The 13 Most Beautiful National Parks in Thailand

Playa de las méricas by Brian Mullender via CC 2.0

11. Playa de las méricas

Southern Tenerife’s largest tourist resort, Playa de las méricas is where all the area’s action and nightlife can be found.

Head to Veronica’s Strip for a wide array of nightclubs and bars, or soak up the sun at one of the area’s numerous beaches.

Some of the beaches are natural, featuring the iconic black volcanic sand Tenerife is known for, while others are man made and use sand imported from frica. The most notable beaches include Playa de El Bobo, Playa Honda, and of course Playa de las méricas.

lso on offer are water activities like jet-skiing, RED MORE: The Ultimate Beach Vacation Packing List

Playa del Duque User: Mulleflupp at wikivoyage shared via CC BY-S 3.0

12. Playa del Duque

Located in Costa deje, Playa del Duque is a man made beach that offers imported golden Sahara sand.

Its westward facing position makes this a perfect location to catch a Canary Island sunset. The seaside promenade makes for lovely early morning or evening walks.

During the day, plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas are available to rent. Just off the beach you’ll find an array of fine dining restaurants and a luxury shopping center.

Playa del Duque is easily one of Tenerife’s most beautiful and most visited beaches, but be aware that it can get crowded during peak season. 

RED MORE: The 50 Best Travel Shoes 

Kite Surfing in Southern Tenerife, image by Erdmann-Crew from Pixabay

13. El Medáno

Home to less touristy beaches, the town of El Medáno ranks alongside places like kitesurfing championships.

Near the center of the town, you’ll find beaches that are a little more suitable for swimming. Some of Tenerife’s largest natural beaches, including Playa Grande and Playa La Tejita, are also farily close by.

More popular with locals rather than tourists, Playa Grande is best visited during low tide.

RED MORE: The Beautiful Beaches of Coron, Palawan

14. Reserva mbiental

One of the top-rated natural attractions in southern Tenerife, this quiet little nature reserve is located in San Miguel de bona. 

The morning guided hikes are best booked in advance, and take you on a one-hour journey through a pristine slice of Tenerife as it might have looked before the Spanish arrived. The boat ride across the small lake is as tranquil and serene as it is picturesque.

Departing from the Sandos San Blas Hotel, the tour also includes an excellent museum with an overview of the island’s past, including a cool “time tunnel.” long the way you’ll meet costumed actors who bring the RED MORE: 10 Living History Museums in the US

Southern Grey Shrike Per-nders Olsson (used with permission) via CC BY-S 3.0

15. Montaña de Ifara y Los Riscos

Those really looking to get off the beaten path and escape the tourist crowds can try a bit of hiking in the Ifara and Los Riscos

Megan Jerrard is an ustralian Journalist and the founder and Senior Editor of Mapping Megan, an award-winning travel blog bringing you the latest in adventure travel from all over the globe. Her husband Mike is the merican naturalist and wildlife photographer behind Waking Up Wild, a website dedicated to opening your eyes to the wild & natural world.

Original content owned & copyrighted by Green Global Travel.

As the world nears the climate change tipping point, learning how to reduce carbon footprint is becoming increasingly important on both a personal and collective level.

While politicians wrestle with the question “ is climate change?” and debate the causes of climate change, most people can clearly see the harmful impact these changes are already having on the environment and seek out sensible solutions.

In the meantime, while we each strive to find ways to reduce our carbon footprint, the planet is getting hotter, its storms more severe, its record-breaking floods, devastating hurricanes, and brutally intense heat waves that drain the water supply and change insect life cycles.

Unless you’re a head-in-the-sand climate change denier, the impacts of climate change are pretty obvious. At this point, all you really need to do to see them is watch the weather report or note how global temperatures have risen dramatically in recent years.

Our search for climate change solutions leads us to two important questions: is carbon footprint, and how can you reduce your carbon footprint? Here we’ll help to answer both questions, providing actionable steps ranging from basic lifestyle changes to buying carbon offsets and creating a more READ MORE: Can the Maritime Forest Survive Climate Change? 

HOW TO REDUCE CARBON FOOTPRINT (1 WAYS)

is Carbon Footprint?

to Reduce Carbon Footprint With Lifestyle Changes

Ways to Reduce Carbon Footprint at Home

to Use Carbon Offsets & Carbon Credits

is Carbon Footprint?

Calculating carbon footprint is a way of measuring the mark an event, organization, person, or product leaves on the environment. You do this by examining how much carbon each action releases, and quantifying it in terms of carbon dioxide equivalent. 

Some scientists define carbon footprint as “the measure of the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) emissions of a defined population, system or activity, considering all relevant sources, sinks, and storage… Calculated as carbon dioxide equivalent using the relevant 100-year global warming potential (GWP100).”

Calculating this number (originally known as ecological footprint) is decidedly complex. For instance, when you

From the READ MORE: Ted Turner on Saving the World With Alternative Energy

  to Reduce Carbon Footprint With Lifestyle Changes

“Plant-Based Dishes, Raw Food” by ella.o, licensed under CC BY 2.0

1. Reduce Your Food Carbon Footprint

The way we eat is having a dramatic impact on the climate. One of the worst offenders is mass-produced meat. Not only does keeping animals in factory farms make their lives miserable, but it has a horrendous effect on the environment.

When animals can’t roam freely, they’re unable to eat naturally by grazing. We now grow millions upon millions of acres of animal feed in order to raise these caged animals.

Even worse, we’re using water to grow the feed, water for the animals, gasoline to power CO2-emitting machines that plow and harvest the fields, and more gasoline to move the feed from the field to the factory farm.

Unfortunately, the list of negative environmental issues associated with factory farms grows longer. Forced into ridiculously close quarters, animals are more prone to disease, so they require antibiotics and other medications. Their waste, which carries all those drugs, is concentrated and ultimately READ MORE: A Guide to Ethical Eating When You Travel

2. Reduce Your Waste Footprint

Nearly a third of the greenhouse gas emissions in the United States come from resource extraction, manufacturing, transportation, and disposal. This statistic includes packaging. When we lakes

, as well as using incredible amounts of fossil fuels to mine metals and minerals.

With each product we dispose of, we increase the amount of garbage, which inevitably finds its way to landfills that are releasing greenhouse gases. Then the new products we replace them with require packaging and shipping, thus using another collection of resources.

So in order to reduce our CO2 footprint, we must learn to value the things we buy. We have to buy READ MORE: 1 Ways to Reduce Waste

Consignment Shop by Hebi B. from Pixabay

3. Lower Carbon Footprint By Buying Secondhand

Once you learn to reduce waste in your own home, you can also work towards a lower carbon footprint for others.

Many people look at online shopping as an opportunity to get whatever they want whenever they want. But smart shoppers know it’s also a great way to buy things secondhand.

Secondhand products are a sensible choice for our budget as well as our carbon footprints. Not only does buying secondhand mean that we aren’t having to tap the planet for more resources, but we’re also avoiding the need for more packaging. That spells responsible shopping.

Many items are easy to find secondhand, at reduced prices and often higher quality than new products. FreeCycle. They’re also easy to find at thrift stores.

Shopping secondhand is a great way become more CO2 neutral. In times when everything is so easy to get with the click of a button, it’s easy to forget the price the planet pays for convenience. Learn to shop smarter, be patient, and find what you want without getting it brand new.

READ MORE: to Save Money for Travel by Buying Secondhand Gear

Electric Car by MikesPhotos from Pixabay

4. Reduce CO2 Emissions by Driving Smarter

In an ideal world, we’d all have access to reliable, affordable public transportation. But the fact is that most of us in the USA don’t. Unless we live in a large city, odds are we need a car for every adult in the house. That’s just the sad state of our national infrastructure.

Nevertheless, we still can reduce CO2 emissions by traveling more responsibly in and around town. Even if we can’t READ MORE: The World’s Best Road Trips

. Buy Carbon Offsets & Consider Slow Travel

If there’s one thing we understand here at Green Global Travel, it’s the insatiable urge to get out and see the world.

Of course there are countless ways we can air travel has an abysmal carbon footprint: Aviation accounts for 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions. One round-trip flight from 4.3 billion people traveled by air in 2018– an increase of 38 million over 2017– which caused the overall demand for jet fuel to rise by 3% at a time when we’re desperately working on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

In other words, READ MORE:  is Ecotourism? The History/Principles of Responsible Travel

  Ways to Reduce Carbon Footprint at Home

Bret & Mary’s Permaculture Garden

1. Grow Your Own Vegetables & Fruit

Growing food in your own home garden is as locally-sourced as it gets. When you plant and nurture your own herbs, fruits, and vegetables, you get affordable, organic, non-home garden has to be some sort of complicated or time-consuming thing.

We can grow fresh herbs on the kitchen windowsill. We can grow salad greens in pots on the patio. We can plant climate-appropriate fruit trees in the backyard. We can cultivate berry hedges along fences and, yes, we can READ MORE: Permaculture Design Principles (12 Steps to a Productive Garden)

Rain Barrel by ramboldheiner from Pixabay

2. Reduce Your Water Footprint

If you remember your high school chemistry, you know that water does not contain carbon. It’s H2O: two parts hydrogen, one part oxygen. But getting water to our homes takes a tremendous amount of energy, and dealing with gray- and black-water requires even more.

When we turn on the tap and water flows effortlessly, it’s easy to forget how much effort went into getting it there. Water has to be sourced from somewhere, pumped to somewhere, filtered and sanitized, then moved along to our homes. Hot water on demand requires energy to heat.

Reducing our water footprint has been a common goal for decades. As a child in the ’80s, I was urged to turn off the tap while brushing my teeth. We knew back then what our rampant water waste was doing, and we know even better now that the planet is facing an increasingly urgent water crisis.

The real culprit behind the majority of home water waste isn’t dental cleansing. Toilets account for about a quarter of our household water consumption. Grass lawns are notably as bad, requiring copious irrigation to keep them green and growing. The plethora of appliances we now rely on (dishwashers, washing machines, etc.) account for a lot of waste as well.

Water conservation solutions are totally realistic. It’s a matter of buying low-flow taps and toilets, growing home gardens instead of lawns, choosing water-efficient appliances and using them responsibly, and making use of gray water—not fresh water—for things like irrigation. The trick lies in actually doing it!

READ MORE: Water.org Fights the Global Water Crisis

“Joe’s DIY Solar Panel Install Taken by Joe” by Dave Dugdale is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

3. Reduce Your Energy Footprint with Renewable Energy

As with water, we’ve become accustomed to flicking light switches, plugging in laptops, and having instant power. It’s been this way for so long now that we as a society have forgotten that electricity was a rare luxury less than 100 years ago.

Fossil fuels—coal, disastrous environmental impacts, and even cheaper  than fossil fuels, and it’s a great way to do our part in fighting climate change.

The last couple of centuries have been a guiltless grab for power, but the next century is going to find us running out of fossil fuels and having done irreparable damage to the planet. So do us all a favor and switch to renewable energy however you can, as soon as you can.

READ MORE: Al Gore on Climate Change & Renewable Energy

Passive Cooling by Lars Eriksson from Pixabay

4. Use Passive Heating & Passive Cooling

First-world households (even “green” ones) often forego minimizing the amount of energy we need. In fact, heating and cooling our homes accounts for around 0% of the energy we use.

In truth, depending on where you live, the ambient temperature outside is generally comfortable for at least half the year. ever, we’ve become accustomed to controlling our indoor temperatures with extreme precision. Many of us no longer take advantage of pleasant days.

We don’t wear appropriate READ MORE: Arctic Activist Sebastian Copeland on Global Warming

Clothesline by Alina Kuptsova from Pixabay

. Create a More Energy Efficient Home

Many of us already own homes that we’ve spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t strive to make them more energy-efficient.

There are many simple solutions for retrofitting homes that were not designed to be environmentally friendly, which can both conserve energy and save us money long-term.

Many of these fixes don’t even require major construction. Adding better insulation around leaky houses will keep the cool in during summer and out during winter. Installing Energy Star appliances (particularly water heaters) can also make a huge difference.

Many little inexpensive changes can compile to make a notable difference as well. Putting up a clothesline instead of using an energy-hogging dryer is good. Switching to energy-efficient LED light bulbs saves a lot of energy and money in the long run, particularly for an entire household.

Of course, we can also add solar panels where appropriate. There are a variety of programs that allow us to feed energy into the grid and get discounts, rather than trying to power the entire house with solar.

READ MORE: to Audit Your Home for Energy Efficiency

  to Use Carbon Offsets & Carbon Credits

Farmer’s Market by Alina Kuptsova from Pixabay

1. Use an Ecological Footprint Calculator

The first step towards going carbon neutral is to use an ecological footprint calculator (a.k.a. carbon footprint calculator), which is available for free from numerous sources online.

These calculators take users through a series of questions that help them determine the approximate number of pounds of carbon they use each year. It’s both an eye-opening process as well as a means of getting a firm grasp on where to work on improving your personal efforts.

The questions typically cover several facets of life we’ve discussed here, including your automobiles, air travel, home energy use, waste production, and dietary habits.

Each of your answers helps provide the program with a rough guesstimate of the carbon emissions you create each year. Most of us who live in the industrialized world lead lifestyles that would require several Earths to support them.

Here are 10 different online ecological footprint calculators to try: Global Footprint Network, Terrapass, CarbonFootprint.com, EPA, The Nature Conservancy, Carbon Fund, Ecological Footprint, Earth Day, and READ MORE:

Carbon Offsets Infographic courtesy of Terrapass

2. Buy Carbon Offsets

Once they learn their carbon footprint, some people like to buy carbon offsets to balance out the amount of carbon they put into the atmosphere.

While it’s vitally important to take the aforementioned steps to reduce our individual carbon footprints, buying carbon offsets (or carbon credit, in the case of corporations) is way to ensure you’re truly living a carbon neutral life.

So what is carbon credit? Carbon credit is a consolidated way to make monetary investments to help with the reduction of carbon emissions on a global scale.

Carbon offset programs allow individuals, companies, and governments to purchase offsets that invest in renewable energies, energy efficiency, reforestation, and similar ventures in order to counteract their own carbon emissions.

It’s important to understand that a carbon tax is not the same thing. Carbon taxes are levied on companies that create an abundance of carbon, and are not optional. But, like carbon offsets, they help to thwart climate change by financing READ MORE: Eco-Friendly Initiatives That Will Change the World

3. Do Business with Eco Friendly Companies

Often we aren’t given green options when choosing the companies with which we do business. Large power companies in particular seem to have a monopoly, leaving little to no eco-friendly choices in the areas in which we live. 

ever, that isn’t to say that we can’t make the effort. READ MORE: to Choose An Eco Hotel

4. Support Passionate NGOs

Finding NGOs focused on protecting the environment is easy, but narrowing down the ones you’d like to support can be hard.

Along with making changes at home, you can reduce your carbon footprint by supporting these organizations, whether it be with time, money, or promotion.

NGOs are working for the same reductions we’ve discussed here, but with a larger, collective ecological footprint. Supporting that work is almost as important as doing our own part at home.

If those of us who can afford the time and/or money each chose just one NGO to support, these organizations could do their work much faster and with more resources at their disposal. This work affects the entire planet, and time is increasingly of the essenece.

Here’s a list of 10 environmentally-focused NGOs to check out: The Climate Reality Project, Global Footprint Network, EarthShare, Environmental Defense Fund, Carbon Trust, Ceres, Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy, and GreenBlue.  

READ MORE: The 20 Best Environmental Charities & Animal Charities

. Live Carbon Neutral

Ultimately, with all of the information we have co;lected here, it’s possible to begin living carbon neutral today.

We can buy carbon credit to offset our less-than-green lifestyles as we transition ourselves into more responsible homes, cars, appliances, and energy production. We can invest in our future, both through direct action and through donations to envioronmental NGOs.

In other words, we already have the power to use less power.

We have the power to start making individual changes now. We have the power to set examples for our out-of-whack governments. We have the power to support companies that care about the planet as much as profit. We have the power (and tools) to hold ourselves accountable.

And it all starts at home, with the way each of uses power! –Jonathon Engels; video by Simpleshow via CC BY 3.0 license

Original content owned & copyrighted by Green Global Travel.

Lanky, awkward, affectionate, and endearing… you’d be hard pressed to find someone who’s not intrigued by Giraffes. These evolutionary marvels, which get their name from the Arabic word Zarafa (“one who walks swiftly”), are statuesque wonders of elegant beauty.

Native to their numbers are declining fast due to poaching and habitat loss, with the Giraffe population in Africa dropping by 40%. They’re also preyed upon by added to the IUCN’s Endangered Species List, with several subspecies currently listed as critically endangered. So here’s a look at 50 fascinating facts about Giraffes, including the most common subspecies, their diets, and what’s being done to save them.

READ MORE: Animals in Kenya (A Guide to 40 Species)

Basic Giraffe Facts

Giraffe Neck & Body Facts

Giraffe Mating & Gestation

Giraffe Diet

Masai Giraffe

Reticulated Giraffe

Rothschild’s Giraffe

Why are Giraffes Endangered?

Giraffe Conservation

Fun Giraffe Facts

Giraffe in Nairobi National Park, Kenya

FACTS

1. Though once believed to be a single species, four distinct Giraffe species are now recognized: the Southern Giraffe, Masai Giraffe, Reticulated Giraffe, and Northern Giraffe. They’re classified based on their color, patterns, and geographical regions they inhabit. There are also several subspecies, including the Angolan Giraffe, Nubian Giraffe, West African Giraffe, Rothschild Giraffe, and Kordofan Giraffe.

2. The earliest known giraffid, the Palaeotragus, lived approximately 20 million years ago. This prehistoric species was tall, but did not have as long a neck as Giraffes do now. Living in areas of barren soil led them to reach for leaves in the trees. After countless generations of stretching, they evolved genetically into the Giraffe we know today.

3. Female Giraffes are known as cows, while males are called bulls and baby Giraffes are calves. They’re classified as a species of the Artiodactyla order, along with about 220 other mammals. These (including Cows, Deer, Okapi. The black and white, Zebra-like legs of the Okapi can be deceiving. But a closer look at its head shows a striking resemblance to the Giraffe’s long ears and face.

5. Giraffes live together in herds with an average of 10 to 15 individuals. This helps them survive against predators, taking turns feeding while others look out for danger. Though they’re generally mild-mannered, an adult Giraffe can shatter a Lion’s skull with one powerful kick. 

6. Hungry carnivores are not the only threatening creatures the Giraffe has to fear. In fact, the most dangerous ones are no larger than a seed. Tiny ticks feast on the Giraffe’s blood, leaving them weak and tired. Nematodes and flatworms can also be ingested through water, causing infections and skin disorders. Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park has observed 79% of its Giraffe population showing signs of infection.

7. Surviving in the harsh African READ MORE: Top 10 National Parks in Tanzania

Giraffe in Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

NECK & BODY FACTS

8. The neck is obviously the species’ most distinctive physical trait, measuring up to six feet long and weighing around 600 pounds. The length of the Giraffe neck gives the illusion of a complex anatomical structure underneath. But these towering creatures have only seven neck vertebrae (just like humans!), each of which is about 10 inches long and connected with ball-and-socket joints for flexibility. 

9. The Giraffe’s neck length requires huge, hot air balloon-like lungs, which are eight times the size of a human’s. However, they breathe at a much slower rate because of the “dead air” that gets caught in their long tracheas. So previous breaths are not fully released before the animal begins inhaling again.

10. The Giraffe is the tallest living mammal on Earth. Males grow to be about 18 feet tall. Females are slightly shorter than the males, but still reach a staggering height of 14 feet.

11. Giraffes have humongous hearts that weigh around 25 pounds, generating enough pressue to propel blood up through their long necks and into their brains. They also have special blood vessels that contain valves that help prevent the backtracking of blood from gravity. 

12. The two horns that stick out of the Giraffe head are not real horns, but ossicones– a form of thick cartilage covered in skin. Baby Giraffes are born with flat ossicones to avoid injury during birth, but they grow as they mature into adults. Males have thicker ossicones, which they use in mating-related battles.

13. Giraffes are fairly quiet beings: They do have a larynx (a.k.a. voice box), but rarely use it. If they become alarmed, a simple snort is often used to alert the herd of a possible threat. They’re also known to produce a mild humming sound during the night, perhaps to help locate other herd members in the dark.

14. Everything about the Giraffe is long, including its luscious eyelashes. This helps to keep dust out of their big eyes, which are the size of golf balls. They sit laterally on the Giraffe’s head, providing them with keen eyesight. They can’t see in full color, but they do see shades of red, orange, yellow-green, and violet.

15. Animals with hoofed feet, such as the Giraffe, are known as ungulates. Each foot has two even hooves. Each of an adult Giraffe’s feet are about 12 inches wide. These large hooves give them stability and prevent them from sinking into loose sand.

16. Sometimes known “stink bulls,” Giraffes carry a not-so-pleasant odor. Their fur releases natural repellents like indole and 3-methylindole (the same compounds found in feces) to ward off insects and parasites. Researchers believe this pungent odor tells potential mates that they’re free of parasites.

17. Giraffes have also been spotted using their grapple-like tongue to pick their noses.

READ MORE: Exploring Magical Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

Reticulated Giraffes in Meru National Park, Kenya

MATING & GESTATION

18. Male Giraffe necks are massive and powerful. To establish mating rights, bulls participate in a fighting ritual in which they swing their mighty necks like swords, delivering powerful blows by ramming their heads into each other’s bodies. Their heavy skulls are coated with calcium to shield their brains. Although it is very rare, there have been recorded deaths from these intense battles.

19. Female Giraffes mate with dominant males in hopes of passing on strong genes. They ovulate every two weeks, allowing for year-round Giraffe mating. Ovulating females release pheromones that attract males, who may sip her urine to confirm she’s ready to mate. The willing males will follow her to await her decision on who she wants to reproduce with.

20. Once successful Giraffe mating occurs, the the gestational period is approximately 15 months. The mother brings her a single baby into the world while standing up, causing the newborn to fall about six feet to the ground. The rough landing breaks the amniotic sac and umbilical cord, and encourages the baby Giraffe to start breathing.

21. Some Giraffes have been reported returning to the place where they were born to give birth.

22. Within an hour of birth, a baby Giraffe can get up and walk on its own. This is crucial so that it can quickly move with the herd in case a predator comes near. Even with its shaky, lanky legs, the newborn stands taller than most humans (about six feet) and weighs an average of 150 pounds.

23. Mothers are extremely protective of their young. They will form “nursery groups” with other females from the herd, taking turns watching over the extremely vulnerable baby Giraffes. Sadly, only about 20% of all Giraffes live to reach adulthood.

24. Although they’re not considered adults until age four, male calves will leave their mothers at around 15 months old and join all-male bachelor groups. They’ll contest for dominance while still coexisting peacefully. Once they’re ready for mating, dominant male Giraffes will visit a female herd. 

READ MORE: Meru National Park, Kenya (From Joy Adamson to Elsa’s Kopje)

Masai Giraffe in Kruger National Park, South Africa

DIET

25. Baby Giraffes are very dependent on their mothers for the first 4 to 6 months, relying on their milk for nutrients. After that, the mother will pull leaves off trees to feed to them until they’re tall enough to reach their own. An adult Giraffe will typically consume about 66 pounds of food per day.

26. Giraffes possess an 18-inch prehensile tongue that can grip objects, much like a ruminants. Much like bovines (including Cows, Buffalo, and the READ MORE: How to Get the Most For Your Kruger National Park Entrance Fee

Masai Giraffe in Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

30. Also known as the Kilimanjaro Giraffe, the Masai or

32. Although Tanzania has recently increased its declared endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

READ MORE: Maasai Mara Conservancies (Community-Based Conservation in Kenya)

Reticulated Giraffes in Lewa Conservancy, Kenya

33. If you’ve been to any 34. The subspecies’ appearance is distinguished by their wide, reddish, polygonal spots, which are outlined with bright white lines.

35. Unfortunately, Reticulated Giraffe habitat is facing destruction, causing them to disappear in the wild. Their current population is around 15,780 (less than half what it was 30 years ago), causing them to be added to the IUCN Red List of endangered species in 2018.

36.) Two completely white Reticulated Giraffes were spotted at Kenya’s Ishaqbini Hirola Conservancy in 2017. The unusual mother-daughter duo have a genetic condition called leucism, which inhibits pigmentation in the skin cells. Only three of these incredibly rare white-skinned Giraffes have been reported in sightings by the READ MORE: Minnesota Zoo Conservation (How Zoos Help Endangered Species)

Rothschild’s Giraffe at Giraffe Centre in Nairobi, Kenya

ROTHSCHILD’S

37. The Rothschild’s Giraffe is named after famous British zoologist Walter Rothschild, who is best known for the collection now housed at the Natural History Museum at Tring. 

38. The subspecies is also known as the Baringo Giraffe (after the Lake Baringo area of northern Kenya) or the Ugandan Giraffe. All remaining in the wild inhabit protected areas in these two regions. It was once believed that the Rothschild’s Giraffe and the Nubian Giraffe were completely different subspecies, but recent research has discovered that the two are genetically identical.

39. It’s easy to tell the Rothschild’s Giraffe from other subspecies. Their coat looks a bit like the Masai Giraffe, but with sandy skin and less jagged, caramel-colored patches that give them a more yellowish coloring. They also have no markings on the lower leg, and are the only Giraffes born with five ossicones, with smaller bumps in the center of its forehead and behind each ear.

40.) Rothschild’s Giraffe rank among the most endangered subspecies of Giraffes, with approximately 1,399 individuals remaining in the wild. Nairobi’s Giraffe Centre, run by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, is a great place to see these endangered beauties up close. 

READ MORE: The Best Environmental Charities & Animal Charities to Donate To

Masai Giraffe in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

ARE S ENDANGERED?

41. In what’s being called a “silent extinction,” Giraffe population numbers dropped from 155,000 in 1985 to 97,000 in 2015, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Habitat destruction is the leading reason Giraffes are endangered. Rapid expansion of human development and the effects of war continue to fracture the various subspecies’ home lands. 

42. Like most high-profile species of sub-saharan wildlife, Giraffes are also increasingly threatened by READ MORE: 15 Harmful Traditions & Cultural Practices Tourists Shouldn’t Support

Giraffe in Wild Rivers Nature Reserve in South Africa’s Greater Kruger Area

CONSERVATION

44. As recently as 2010, Giraffes were considered “Least Concern” in terms of conservation consideration by the IUCN. But by 2016 the entire species has been classified as Vulnerable, and may no longer exist in their historic habitat in Angola, Eritrea, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, and Senegal. 

Fortunately, the UN-backed Convention of Migratory Species selected Giraffes for special protection in 2017. Today there are numerous sanctuaries and national parks all around the African continent that are striving to provide them with a safe haven.

Here’s a brief list of the major Giraffe conservation NGOs working to protect the beloved species for future generations:

• African Fund for Endangered Wildlife– The NGO behind Nairobi’s Giraffe Centre has a huge focus on educating kids from local communities about the importance of wildlife conservation. Their sanctuary is also a leading light in breeding endangered Rothschild’s Giraffes and releasing them into the wild.

• African Wildlife Foundation– The AWF works to educates local communities on sustainable agricultural practices in hopes of limiting human-animal conflict, as well as leading acacia planting projects in areas where Giraffe habitat has been deforested.

• Giraffe Conservation Alliance– This nonprofit organization works to connect people and zoos around the world to Giraffe conservation projects in Africa in hopes of ensuring a sustainable future for all Giraffe subspecies.

• The Giraffe Conservation Foundation– The GCF is the only NGO in the world that concentrates solely on the conservation and management of Giraffe in the wild throughout the African continent. They’re currently involved in conservation initiatives in 15 different countries.

• The Wildlife Conservation Society – The WCS monitors Giraffe populations to control habitat loss and poaching, as well as collaborating with other wildlife conservation groups on joint efforts.

READ MORE: Top 15 Female Wildlife Conservationists & Animal Rights Activists

Giraffe Rainbow in Nairobi National Park, Kenya

FACTS

45. Despite being herbivores, Giraffes oddly seem to enjoy chewing and sucking on bones (which is known as osteophag). They primarily pick on barren carcass remnants when their bodies are very low on nutrients. This supplies them with extra calcium and phosphorous in order to strengthen their bones, which is especially beneficial for males preparing for “necking” battles over mating rights.

46. Did you know that Giraffes are pollinators? They inadvertently collect pollen on their fur when rummaging through the trees. Much like bees

Original content owned & copyrighted by Green Global Travel.

Oceans cover more than 70% of the planet, but that doesn’t adequately convey the amount of space available for aquatic animals to roam. Where land animals are limited by gravity, marine animals can go from coastal shallows to trenches the depths of which humans have barely begun to explore.

So it’s no surprise that the planet’s largest creatures, , are ocean-dwelling. In terms of the world’s largest animals, the competition isn’t even close.

The next largest animal of any species, the READ MORE: North Atlantic Right Whale Facts

Whale Facts

Whale Size

Whale Habitat

Whale Diet

Are Whales Endangered?

Whale Conservation

Whale Facts

About Whales

Whale Facts

1. Whales are one of around 80 species of Cetaceans, including other , baleen whale.

2. Like other mammals, this species is warm-blooded and breathes via lungs. Mothers give birth to live baby Whales, which they then nurse. 

3. The Whale’s scientific name is Balaenoptera musculus, and there are actually three subspecies. Balaenoptera musculus musculus inhabits the North Atlantic and North Pacific. Balaenoptera musculus intermedia lives in the Southern Ocean, and Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda lives in the Indian Ocean.

4. Despite their common name, the Whale is actually a more mottled blue-gray color when out of the water. However, underwater their skin appears to be true blue. Their pale bellies often take on a yellowish tinge, which results from the millions of microorganisms that live in their skin.

5. In addition to being the largest animal in the world, they’re amongst the longest living animals as well. The average Whale lifespan is 80 to 90 years, but some live to 110 ( are the longest living mammal, at over 200 years). Strangely, a whale’s age is calculated by counting the layers of their waxy earplugs, á la tree rings!

READ MORE: Southern Resident Killer Whale Facts

Whale by NOAA Fisheries/Lisa Conger [Public domain]

Whale Size

6. Whale size is staggering to consider: They can measure in the vicinity of 100 feet long (making them the longest animal in the world), and can weigh up to 200 tons. It’s difficult to conceive when we imagine something so big that sometimes moves at considerable speeds. 

7. The Whale is the largest animal ever known to have lived on Earth. They are larger, longer, and heavier than any other animal, including all known species of dinosaurs.

8. More trivial tidbits about Whale size: Its tongue weighs as much as an elephant and is roughly the same length. The Whale weighs the equivalent of about 40 full-grown READ MORE: 60 Weird Animals Around the World

Whale by janeb13 via Pixabay

Whale Habitat

16. Given their gargantuan size, you may be wondering where does the Whale live. Interestingly, the answer is just about everywhere! Whale habitat encompasses all of the planet’s oceans, though not necessarily at all times of the year.

17. Whales generally like to spend their summers in cool Antarctica.

18. During the winter, Whale migration patterns move them towards the equator. But they tend to avoid seas that are too warm, because they can easily overheat. This migration to warmer waters also helps with their reproduction cycle.

19. Whale reproduction includes a 10- to 12-month gestation period. Mothers give birth every two to three years, often in the same habitat in which they were impregnated.

20. Whale migration can occur in small groups (called pods), but they’re usually content to travel solo or in pairs. Even when they seem to be traveling alone, scientists who study Whale behavior suggest they’re actually moving in pods miles apart, communicating via calls underwater.

21. Whales usually swim at about five to 12 miles per hour. But when threatened (or inspired by other active ), these behemoths can use those massive flukes to move at up to 30 miles per hour. 

22. The most concentrated Whale habitats in winter are the waters off of Baja California,  deep oceans and are rarely seen close to the shore. Weighing in at over 100,000 tons, how would they get there? These big, blue behemoths really need the space of the open seas.

READ MORE: Whales That Live in Antarctica

“ Whale (Balaenoptera musculus)” by Gregory “Slobirdr” Smith is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Whale Diet

24. Though Whales are known as gentle giants, they’re actually carnivores and apex predators. Simply put, they feed on other animals, and generally travel the oceans without worry of predators attacking them. This makes them vital to well-functioning marine ecosystems.

25. Like all baleen , Whales don’t have any teeth. Instead, they have a system of fringed plates made of keratin (fingernail-like material) that filter out prey rather than tearing it apart. To feed, they take enormous gulps of water, then force the water out through the plates. This process ensnares small marine animals, which they then swallow whole.

26. The Whale diet is mostly made up of Krill– shrimp-like creatures that are very small (about the two inches long). Nevertheless, using this gulp-and-filter technique, Whales are known to consume 4 tons (approximately 40 million krill) a day during peak feeding season.

27. During migration (which can last up to four months), Whales eat very little, instead living off the blubber they’ve acquired during peak feeding season. Despite their massive size, they only have a thin layer of blubber when compared to other . For example, Right Whales–which weigh a mere 100 tons and grow about 60 feet long– are much more blubbery.

28. As mentioned above, baby Whales can gain over 200 pounds a day, averaging out to about 10 pounds an hour. This is accomplished by drinking up to 100 gallons of their mother’s milk (which is 35-50% fat) each day. They’re weaned at about six months, by which time they’re already over 50 feet long. After weaning, young start consuming solid foods and hunting their own prey.

READ MORE: Protecting Whales & Dolphins in Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica

“Balaenoptera musculus” is licensed under CC BY 4.0

Are Whales Endangered?

29. Given their massive size, you might wonder why Whales are endangered according to the IUCN Red List. The only known Whale predators (which are rarely successful) are pods of hungry Orca. And even these “Killer Whales” rarely prey on anything larger than a baby Whale.

30. Prior to the 20th century, Whale numbers were estimated in the hundreds of thousands. Approximately 95 to 99% of their global population was decimated by unchecked READ MORE: 15 Harmful Traditions & Cultural Practices Tourists Should Avoid

“Balaenoptera musculus (blue whale) 3” by James St. John is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Whale Conservation

34. Whale conservation efforts have been both numerous and largely successful. Most of them have centered around stopping whaling in general, with only a handful of countries remaining among the holdouts. Luckily, Whales are not among the list of cetaceans most likely to be hunted.

35. The International Whale Commission created whaling regulations in 1946 and enacted an all-out ban in 1986, referred to as the commercial whaling moratorium. Whale protection has also been extended under the Species at Risk Act (Canada) and Endangered Species Act (United States), among other initiatives across the globe.

36. Whale protection also comes from a bevy of other Whale and Dolphin Conservation, Save the Whales, and Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. These NGOs make efforts to prevent whaling, safeguard Whale habitats, reconfigure problematic  shipping routes, and keep the ocean clean. 

READ MORE: Jean-Michel Cousteau on the Future of Marine Conservation

Whale exhale in Sri Lanka by Christopher Michel via flickr & CC & 2.0

Whale Facts

37. Whales are one of the loudest animals in the world. They emit pulses, groans, and moans that can be heard hundreds of miles away. These songs can be used to communicate, navigate, and for mating purposes. At 188 decibels, some of their calls are louder than a jet engine. But, at 15-40 Hz, they are often below our human hearing range.

38. As mammals, Whales require lungs and air to breathe. They inhale and exhale via their blowhole, which is located on top of their massive heads. For deep dives, they can take in enough oxygen to last 90 minutes underwater, but typical dives only last half an hour. When they exhale, the spray that erupts into the air is from water that congregates atop the blowhole while submerged.

39. The Whale’s mouth is extraordinary! Their throats have expandable pleats, and their mouths can open so wide that another whale could actually swim into them. Scientists studying this phenomenon calculated that the Whale’s mouth captured enough food during a truncated 11-minute dive to provide 100 times the energy used to make the dive in the first place. 

40. At the risk of being grotesque, the Whale’s penis is dumbfounding, reaching 8 to 10 feet long. It weighs several hundred pounds, but is hidden inside a genital slit during normal daily activities. Each time they have intercourse, a Whale can ejaculate 30-40 pints of semen, which increases their chances of reproduction and flushes out the sperm of competing males. 

READ MORE: Blackfish Director Gabriela Cowperhwaite Takes on Sea World

Whale Blowhole Photo by NOAA

About Whales

  How many Whales are left in the world?

The numbers are somewhat up for debate, but most NGOs seem to settle somewhere close to 10,000. Pessimistic groups might estimate a population somewhere in the 5,000 to 10,000 range, whereas more optimistic collectives might stretch their Whale numbers up to 25,000.

Despite being by far the largest animals on earth, Whales are notoriously elusive. So it’s very difficult to get an accurate read on theit global population.

That being said, what we do know for sure is that over 350,000 Whales were killed by hunters between 1900 and 1960, prior to the International Whaling Commission putting regulations on the practice. Since then, these gentle giants have rarely died by the harpoon.

What do Whales eat? 

For the most part, Whales eat Krill. Krill are tiny crustaceans that resemble shrimp and are about the size of a human’s pinky finger.

During feeding season, they can consume about 4 tons of Krill a day. They do also consume other sea creatures, including a few other crustaceans, as bycatch to the Krill.

What is the difference between a male and female Whale?

Female Whales are actually the larger of the species, averaging about 32 feet (or 10 meters) longer than males and weighing around 30,000 tons more.

Obviously, they have different sexual organs, but they are otherwise very similar in color, appearance, habitat, and migration.

Female Whales are called cows, while males are called bulls. Baby Whales are called calves.

Are Whales the biggest animal ever?

Whales are the biggest animal currently in existence, including being the longest, largest, and heaviest. They are also the largest known animal to have ever existed. The Finback Whale is nearly as long as its cousin, measuring close to 90 feet long. But it weighs significantly less.

The Right Whale, the planet’s second heaviest animal, can get up to 100 tons, which is about half what the largest Whale can weigh. The largest African Elephant– the world’s biggest living land animal– is about a quarter the length of a Whale, and just one-fortieth the weight.

Due to space and buoyancy, sea-going animals like can grow to be much larger than land animals, which need skeletons that can support their bodies.

Are Whales bigger than dinosaurs?

Whales are bigger than dinosaurs, particularly those puny T-Rexes and other apex carnivores. A few members of the sauropods– herbivorous dinosaurs with long necks– are projected to have possibly been longer than Whales.

Supersaurus and Argentinoasaurus are believed to have been over 100 feet long. However, their dimension projections are based on only a few bones, with nothing even close to an entire skeleton.

Nearly half of their length was in their necks, so Whales are believed to easily weigh twice as much (or more) as these dinosaurs did. In other words, not only are Whales bigger, but they are MUCH larger than even the biggest, fabled dinosaur. —Jonathon Engels