Virtuoso Insights - August/September 2008 - (Page 3) “Green Lodging.” Biofuel pioneer Sir Richard Branson. ritz-Carlton, sarasota “reaches the green” The Members Golf Club at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota gives “reaching the green” a whole new meaning. Just after receiving its Green Lodging certification from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the golf club was designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary by Audubon International. The certification recognizes excellence in a number of environmental areas, including wildlife and habitat management. Of Florida’s almost 1,100 golf courses, less than one percent has earned the honor. Consciously designed to serve as both a world-class golf course and an arboretum and nature preserve, the Members Golf Club comprises more than 110 different tree and plant species and attracts some 50 different birds and 15 mammals. The course utilizes a variety of environmentally friendly methods and products, including organic fertilizers and biodegradable hydraulic fluid. Virgin Atlantic Flies First plane on biofuel This past March, Virgin Atlantic flew one of its 747 jumbo jets from London to Amsterdam using biofuel, becoming the world’s first airline to fly using renewable fuel. The company partnered with Boeing, GE Aviation, and Imperium Renewables for this groundbreaking moment in aviation history. Always at the forefront of innovative travel, Virgin Atlantic President Sir Richard Branson said of the event, “This pioneering flight will enable those of us who are serious about reducing our carbon emissions to go on developing the fuels of the future.” The biofuel used contained a mixture of coconut and babassu oil, and Branson envisions the day when all aircrafts will be powered by alternative fuel sources, including next-generation oils made with algae. sustainable Cuisine from Lindblad In its continuing effort to help preserve and educate others about our delicate environment, Lindblad Expeditions has created Chefs-at-Sea, a new initiative that brings top chefs onboard to promote sustainable cuisine through live cooking demonstrations. Guest chefs will also give talks about their personal approaches to healthy, sustainable eating, and host a market visit, depending on the destination. Chefs-at-Sea will be featured on several 2008 departures aboard National Geographic Endeavour and National Geographic Explorer, and plans are in place to expand the program to include additional chefs and departures in 2009. The conservation effort is one of many from Lindblad, which also conceived Seafood for Thought, an ongoing program that works to preserve the world’s fish stocks. Under this endeavor, each Lindblad vessel carefully researches its seafood offerings, ensuring they come from responsible fisheries that utilize the best fishing practices possible. Food for thought. more World of Virtuoso on page 4 P Photo ©stewart Cohen Virtuoso insights 3
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