Earth Hour

{Alita and Epeli help a guest find her dessert in the dark...}

Last night was of course "earth hour" an initiative by the WWF and to quote them..."A global event created to symbolize that each one of us, working together, can make a positive impact on climate change"

Treasure Island is committed to ecologically sustainable tourism, including protecting the environment and ensuring fair and equitable returns to the local landowners (who also own half the business- a very unusual situation for a commercial 3 1/2- 4 star resort in Fiji). Last year all of the hot water cylinders on the island were changed to gas on demand units- saving 182 tonnes of emissions each year... We also run our tractors on a locally produced coco-diesel, which not only has considerably lower emissions than the high sulphur diesel locally available, but also makes the tractor smell nice- as one guest said like cakes baking! So as far as possible within the bounds of safety there was no question we were going to participate in some way in earth hour...

At 8pm in the middle of dinner the lights went out... I thought it might be good practice to go and try and capture the feel of earth hour without using any flash...

The band was unplugged too, but a large and enthusiastic singing group took its place...

It was cosy in the bar in the lamp light... and it was Emosi's last night working with Fou as he is off to Bounty to work with team Saukuru...

and Mojee (Moses) just wanted to play ghosts...

Everyone seemed to really enjoy it, except one table who didn't speak english and I don't think really understood it wasn't a power cut, but never mind... its all about making a symbolic display, and at least there was some truly lovely singing!

Now I must get onto those snorkelling photos...

Comments

[nzm]

Very cool that you guys have done all those improvements on the island.

Melbourne went very dark at 8pm our time too.

BTW - we're coming to Fiji in June and will definitely have to catch up with you if poss.

[Bah]

I don't know why exactly, but these photos brought water to my eyes. Longing, I wonder? Hope?

[meg]

Thanks Michele, TIR has really put a lot of time into reviewing its current situation and putting policy into trying to improve as well- but you know how it is, TIF and it still goes horribly wrong from time to time... more about the eco-policy is here: http://treasureislandresort.wordpress.com/

Would love to catch up when you come over, email me closer to the time.

Bah: that's funny as I read your blog for a wonderful escape from my reality!

[meg]

nb we used the figures from the AUstralian Conservation Foundation to calculate the reduction in carbon emissions from the change to gas on demand hot water systems...

[Kylie]

Hey Meg (it's Kylie from Beyond here). WOW - I think I want to come and live in Fiji - this from the girls who still hasn't been out of Australia!!!!!

[meg]

they say Treasure is for "newly weds to nearly deads..." and everything in between of course, like the families. Its pretty relaxed and fun!

Never mind, I've never been to Australia!

[Mands]

Wow that looks like some kind of fun! doesnt' the lights being out and all the cool candles etc remind you of childhood? you know games hiding undr the bed or in the wardrobe! Sometimes I love it when the lights go out and everythng is so quiet and peaceful....no phone, tv, radio, or computer! Maybe I should fake blackouts in our house once a month...LOL!

Love the photo below too Meg! It does look stormy! and mysterious...like Secret Seven mystery island kind of shots! Can you tell I'm going through a walk down memory lane of my childhood phase right now! Thanks fro the images that bought some other moments back to mind too!