LiveGreenNOW

Do you know the world’s 10 greenest countries? It may not surprise you that the USA ranks 39th for greenest countries, same rank as our healthcare system. Who are the Top 10?

If you are feeling a little more pragmatic, or put out by earth-based concerns, I recommend The Lazy Environmentalist, also a Sundance series. The host, Josh Dorfman, is a bit more nerdy but still cute and informative, plus I am amazed with his level of patience dealing with really resistant people. He is very good at finding what works for every level of lazy American by appealing to their rationale and needs for convenience. Where EcoTrip brings you on a journey from one item to the world effects, the Lazy Environmentalist brings world concepts to one person. He draws on experts who are as patient as he is and then, POOF! like magic, very stubborn people start to come around.

Kim-Jong-il’s latest nuclear threats coincided with my arrival in Korea. Paula and I were quick to register with the Irish embassy in Seoul in case we needed emergency shipping out of the country. Having spoken to lots of locals on the issue, I have yet to meet one who is seriously phased or even concerned. When asked to explain why, some cite the size of South Korea’s army, while most talk about how a threat has been imminent for almost 60 years now and so has been grown accustomed to.

In March, I left my cosy little hamlet city of Perth in Western Australia to embark on my first (but hopefully not my last) South American adventure. But even living in one of the most isolated cities of the world did not prepare me for this remoteness, this kind of quiet; the immense kind that shuts off all the brain chatter and forces you to listen. It would take me time to adjust to this new environment but once I did, it became very difficult to leave it behind as I continued my travels.

One dreary January evening, in my Irish city home, I realised how inexcusable it was that I had been harbouring a dream for four years, without giving much thought to fulfilling it. The object of my dream was The Galapagos Archipelago. Having studied conservation management, The Islands held a special, almost mythical, appeal for me. So, I packed my camera, along with my courage, and set off alone for the adventure of a lifetime.