There’s nothing better than rising before dawn and exploring pristine sands, so you can imagine my indignation this morning, when I found huge footprints criss-crossing the beach!

“My footprint is quite small, relatively speaking,” piped Wilson, a White-breasted Waterhen.  “How do you feel about yours?”

Was he mad? His prints were huge compared to my tiny pincer pricks!

“Don’t be so literal, Kaku.” He rolled his beady eyes. “I’m talking about your carbon footprint!” Wilson declared, finally explaining that a carbon footprint is actually the amount of carbon dioxide an individual (or even a company or country) releases into the atmosphere over a lifetime.

The more non-renewable fuel that’s used, the bigger the carbon footprint – and the harder Mother Earth has to work to maintain the equilibrium that allows people, planet, flora and fauna to thrive.

I was a little offended; a tiny chap like me treads gently on the earth, barely making a mark. And Resorts like Landaa are always looking for ways to implement sustainable, carbon free solutions; surely our island must have a fairy footprint?

There’s nothing better than rising before dawn and exploring pristine sands, so you can imagine my indignation this morning, when I found huge footprints criss-crossing the beach!

“My footprint is quite small, relatively speaking,” piped Wilson, a White-breasted Waterhen.  “How do you feel about yours?”

Was he mad? His prints were huge compared to my tiny pincer pricks!

“Don’t be so literal, Kaku.” He rolled his beady eyes. “I’m talking about your carbon footprint!” Wilson declared, finally explaining that a carbon footprint is actually the amount of carbon dioxide an individual (or even a company or country) releases into the atmosphere over a lifetime.

The more non-renewable fuel that’s used, the bigger the carbon footprint – and the harder Mother Earth has to work to maintain the equilibrium that allows people, planet, flora and fauna to thrive.

I was a little offended; a tiny chap like me treads gently on the earth, barely making a mark. And Resorts like Landaa are always looking for ways to implement sustainable, carbon free solutions; surely our island must have a fairy footprint?

“Yes, on the surface,” said Wilson, cryptically fanning his wings. “But the Resort is made up of its international travelling visitors.”

Aha – now I got it. Long haul flights carry a big CO2 tag!  I tapped my thinking shell. “If only there was a way for the jet-set to off-set…?”

“There is,” said Wilson. “There are lots of little, everyday ways to reduce your footprint – like switching to low-energy light bulbs and drinking local water instead of flown-in brands.  And then there are bigger ways too. Conscious travellers can choose a carbon offset project to support every time they fly, which neutralises the impact of their adventures. It’s easier and more affordable than people think.”

I thought of the bicycle I’d never quite mastered back at Hermit HQ; was now the time to dust it down? “Every little bit helps, Kaku,” laughed Wilson as he flew off on his carbon-neutral wings – the lucky bird!

“Yes, on the surface,” said Wilson, cryptically fanning his wings. “But the Resort is made up of its international travelling visitors.”

Aha – now I got it. Long haul flights carry a big CO2 tag!  I tapped my thinking shell. “If only there was a way for the jet-set to off-set…?”

“There is,” said Wilson. “There are lots of little, everyday ways to reduce your footprint – like switching to low-energy light bulbs and drinking local water instead of flown-in brands.  And then there are bigger ways too. Conscious travellers can choose a carbon offset project to support every time they fly, which neutralises the impact of their adventures. It’s easier and more affordable than people think.”

I thought of the bicycle I’d never quite mastered back at Hermit HQ; was now the time to dust it down? “Every little bit helps, Kaku,” laughed Wilson as he flew off on his carbon-neutral wings – the lucky bird!