If you asked me if you “should move to a ‘green’ job?”, my answer would be an equivocal, yes and I am going to tell you why. A little background on me is I work in the construction field in the UK. I have recently transition from my previous workplace that focused on offices, residential and retail, primarily for private clients to a leader in my country for producing clean and what I would call green energy (currently on an offshore windfarms). I keep saying this and I am sure most people know this, but ‘Green’ is the future. For the sake of the planet, equality, our own lives and more. Therefore, we all need to transition to it and every job should be ‘green’ or at least ‘green’ conscious in some way. I strongly believe this and it is one of the reasons I will always say you should go for a new job that is eco-conscious and sustainable but here are some of the reasons on why I moved to a green job.
Firstly, what are ‘green’ jobs?
There is no true meaning to the term ‘green’ job, at least in the UK. However, the United Nations System of Environmental Economic Accounting define it as part of the “environmental Goods and Services Sector”, further detailing it as areas that produce goods and services for environmental protection purposes, as well as those engaged in conserving and maintaining natural resources. The International Labour Organisation also define ‘green’ jobs as reducing the consumption of energy and raw materials, limit greenhouse gas emissions, minimising waste and pollution, as well as protecting and restoring ecosystems and enabling communities to adapt to climate change.
I do not believe there is a single clear definition of what is a ‘green’ job is but I believe the International Labour Organisation define it fairly well. I essentially see it as any job that works towards a cleaner, greener and fairer world that supports and protect people, the environment and nature.
Why Take on a ‘Green’ Job?
I have always been interested in sustainability and nature. Therefore, most of my hobbies and past time would be around it (much of it seen on this blog) but unfortunately not my job. Therefore, I was keen to transition to a eco-friendly career. I understand not everyone is as passionate about the environment as me or even if they are they might be nervous about taking on a new challenge in a new career in a new(ish) growing field. Well here are some of the key reasons you should take on this challenge and transition to a ‘green’ job:
Conscience
You will feel better about your job and in turn yourself. We spend most our awake life in our jobs, so feeling happy about you career should be an important consideration when accepting or moving to a new career path. For me and I believe most will agree moving to a ‘green’ job will make you feel better about your life. There are several reasons for this; you are moving towards something that is meaningful, impactful and actually benefits people without destroying the planet for pure monetary gain. Any job that either benefits the planet or helps mitigate any negative impact will ease your conscience and even give you a moral purpose.
Prospect
Sustainability and the care for our environment is a fast growing and exciting industry. I have seen more and more sustainable and ‘green’ job, which clearly shows they are in demand. There is a great push for sustainable and 'green' jobs and therefore there are great number of opportunities meaning there are many lucrative jobs for the taking. Some of which are a whole new field that is new and exciting that you could be a pioneering. Also, as it is a growing field getting into a ‘green’ job now will most likely make you better equipped for the future.
Company Ethics
Although I have not been at my current ‘green’ company too long but from my time there I believe a greener company have better ethics. To me it feels as if the company do not just care about the bottom line. 'Green' companies want to make a profit but doing it in a way that cares about the planet. To do this they look at sustainability in all aspects economically, socially and the environment, even to the buildings they are based in. This also comes down to you as an employee, who will often get better benefits, fairer opportunities, fairer pay and more activities that coincide with your ethics (Charity events, volunteer days, environmental events, sustainable events). They are also likely to offer or encourage further training in the sustainable field. Most 'green' companies are at the forefront of change. This includes the changes they make for the business and the benefits for the workers making this another reason to transition to a new job.
If you cannot guess, I think being 'green' is great and is also the future. I will also admit I am slightly bias in this field (I am writing a sustainable blog in fairness). I am passionate about nature, the environment and being sustainable, so I hope the future is ‘green’. Therefore, I am always going to advocate for ‘green’ jobs, as they are essential for the future. If you are to listen to the scientists about our impacts on global warming and wildlife decline, then we need to do something about this. Therefore, as a planet we need to transition to a greener, fairer and sustainable future. Essentially, this means all jobs should be ‘green’, so for me getting on the band wagon sooner than later will just help with this transition and put you at the forefront of a better world, where the sky is the limit.
Updated: Jul 18, 2023
Now if you can’t tell I am quite passionate about animals; keeping them safe, seeing them and giving them the best life, which often means leaving them in their amazing natural habitat. Well recently, I was lucky enough to go on holiday to Thailand and Singapore, which whilst I was there had a 3 day tour to elephant hills and the Khao Sok National park located In Southern Thailand. Me and my partner both love animals and wanted to experience elephants as magnificent as they are but in an ethical way. Well whilst searching for an experience like this we found out about Elephant Hills. My partner did a huge amount of research to find a place that puts the animals first, whilst giving us an amazing opportunity to experience Elephants and some incredible wildlife in the most ethical way. As mentioned, this led us to Elephant Hills and here I will tell you about my 3 day experience there, my opinion on their ethics and my recommendation whether you should go or not.
Are Animal Encounters Ethical?
Firstly, a lot of people are conflicted about encounters with animals and I should also note the best way is from a distance in a safe place in the wild with the animal is in their natural habitat. However, this is not always possible, as many animals have already been captured, put through horrendous acts, bred in captivity or require relocating and rehabilitating. Therefore, there are some places that will let you ethically help these animals, enjoy their company and get once in a lifetime experiences, which I would recommend. I should note you do need to do your research and find out what companies are good, bad and doing the right thing. Also, use your common sense, as there are so many different types of animals that you can have experience with and some you can instantly tell is not the right thing (such as those you should not be near (tigers, lions, most bears, certain apes, etc.)).
Elephant Encounters
Elephant encounters are much more common, I believe due to their softer nature but also as the unfortunate mode of transport some people use. Again I must press to leave the animal wild and in its natural habitat is definitely the best but some animals have had tough lives due to us (humans) and therefore left to our care. So when considering any experiences with these beautiful creature please take note of some of the following things. Firstly, never ride an elephant to do this it is often very painful for them and they have to have their soul broken to achieve it, something I hope you a agree you do not want to contribute too. Secondly, there can be many practices when having elephant encounters that are unethical such as using bullhooks, chains and forcing them to do anything. Therefore, make sure you do your research, so that these unethical practices are not undertaken and the elephant has freedom to do what they want.
Who is Elephant Hills?
Elephant Hills is a luxury tented jungle camp in Thailand, who offer amazing nature tours. They have two camps, one ‘Elephant Camp’ based in Phanon District between the Khlong Phanom and Khao Sok National Parks and the second ‘Rainforest Camp’ that floats on the Cheow Lan Lake. I would start by saying the luxury tents at both locations are for certain glamping and do give a luxury but adventurous vibe. I would also state you defiantly get a great experience of nature and local wildlife in the Khao Sok National park.
The Elephant Hill Camp has their luxury tents a very short walk surrounding the main hall, where you will go to eat, be briefed on the activities, as well as being able to participating in some. At the camp they have some information about the place, a small shop and have a small swimming pool for your down time. There is also plenty of staff to help you with any queries.
The Rainforest Camp again has luxury tents but on a floating string of approximately 20 with a slightly larger floating section for meal and again briefs. It is surrounded by the forest, which has Asian elephants, Malayan Sun Bears, Asiatic Black Bears, Clouded Leopards, Malayan Tapir, Asian Golden Cats, Crab-eating macaques, Great Hornbills, Gibbons and more.
They aren’t all about the luxury holidays they are also part of the bigger picture of helping the wildlife and nature. They are part of Elephant Conservation Projects ensuring elephants have the highest priority for their care, welfare and are happy but also spreading awareness of endangered Asian Elephants and conservation by keeping the wild populations safe. Further to this, they are also part of wildlife monitoring projects to find out all the kinds of wildlife in the forests of Khao Sok National Park.
Are they ethical?
This is a huge concern for us, Me and my partner, wanted to have a once in a life time experiences with amazing creature but in a way where it is ethical, benefits the animal, the environment and in a safe manner. Therefore, we looked at, where the elephants came from? How they were treated? Do they help prevent animal captivity of any sort? We understand Thailand has their own culture and rightly so but we still wanted our experience to align with our own beliefs. Therefore, we did not want anything we didn’t agree with such as elephant riding, bullhooks or forcing the elephant into anything. To help show their devotion to the animals in their care (many who had been rescued) they have been audited by Global Spirit (an independent UK-based company, assessing animals welfare standards) meeting 100% core criteria and achieving level 5 of exceeding requirements. Also, when booking we confirmed with our travel agent that their ethical standards of no rides, no bullhooks and only great care for the animals. When we arrived we found many of the elephants are rescued from labour roles and even a circus, which we were happy they no longer lived these lives. During the visits the elephants could come and go as they please and were not forced to do anything they did not want to. Additionally, we were told that they limit the visits to two visits a day to further prevent any stress of the animals.
The Experience
Now to tell you more about our experience on our short get away to both their camps and what we thought, saw and felt about our adventure.
Day 1:
When we arrived we had a brief induction to the camp and schedule and then got allocated our tent for the night. The whole place was as described eco-friendly and this certainly seemed to be the case with all the items appear to be from natural sources and waste free, including the lack of air conditioning. Although it was hot, it was not unbearable and we managed to get some sleep with ease. Before this we had a dip in the small pool, explored the site, as well had a nice dinner in the evening within the main hall. Around the place and our tent we saw many glimpses of wildlife, from strings of ants, a snail climbing a leaf, numerous birds and many other insects.
After the night our first day was off to see the elephants, which was a great experience and the main point of our trip. When we arrived we saw a separate group leave, so waited in their café overlooking the elephants. When we went up to visit the elephants we first saw them around the large pen with some currently bathing in a large pond splashing about. I should also note that we were happy not to see any bullhooks and no one on top of an elephant with each elephant having their own keeper, so they connect with a regular person daily. The keepers encouraged the elephants over by holding their trucks like two people holding hands but never forced any of them, as proven when some chose not to come over and to remain elsewhere in the large pen. Even when they came over to the section we were at they were also free to walk off at any time. We were each given a platter of food to give the elephants including a number of veg and a medicine ball of herbs to help them. This was great to have the elephants come over and hand feed them and watch them spit the little herb medicine ball out, whilst holding out for their favourite treats. We then went over to another section to give them a wash, each elephant had their own spot, we were given a bucket, a hose and some brushes to scrub them. I would have to say this was incredible to get this close to the elephants, touch them, get picture and help them out, bearing in mind they were free to leave whenever they wanted. We then went back to the little café nearby, where they taught us more about the care of the elephants and the project to protect the wild ones.
After this, we went down onto a small boat trip along the meandering river nearby. The guide was incredibly helpful and pointed out creature for us to see, one unique one was a bright yellow mangrove snake dangling over a tree. They also told us some information about the local national parks. After this when we got back we got changed for the evening to get a taste of the local culture and participated in a cooking demonstration, as well as a dance presentation from a local school, which gave us a great experience of the local culture.
Day 2:
On the second day, we went out to a remote Khao Sok lake to their ‘floating Rainforest Camp’ a string river tent boats. On the way, we stopped off at the Ratchaprapha Dam, which has some beautiful gardens, trees and view of the lake and was close to where we set off to the river houses. The journey took some time but was amazing to see the beautiful crisp water, white cliffs and surrounding forests. When we arrive we got another brief introduction and saw the fish by the cooking house section of the string of boat, who seem to convene for the food they receive.
The journey had taken much of the time but there was still time for a bit more adventure, so me and my partner grabbed a Kayak free to go on and paddled around the lake into the creaking arms etching into the forests to hear the chirping of birds and the odd movement stirring our interest further. One of my favourite animals is the Gibbon, so I was on a keen look out for them.
When arriving back we saw another marvellous site when a group of Langur Monkey began jumping through the trees by the waterside. We were lucky as they were right of toward the backside where our river tent was, I quickly scampered to the tent got my camera and began taking some photos. We must of stood there for about an hour watching these monkeys in their natural habitat until they disappear back into the forest they came from.
The evening was another spectacular. We enjoyed a meal in the communal tent and then sat outside our river tent for about an hour. Looking out at the darkening tree line, listening to the noises that seemed alien to us, wanting to see the incredible creates they come from. Then just before we went to bed the skyline transformed into what I can only describe as a work of art. Due to us being in the middle of a large national park there was no light pollution, so the night sky stars were more vivid than ever, another memory I would never forget (the photos below do not give it justice).
Day 3:
After another night on the river houses, we had another opportunity to see more wildlife. A short boat trip and a wobbly run across some large floating logs we stopped in the middle of well a rainforest. From here, we went for a walk to see some incredible tree and plants, that we climbed up and over through the forest on a small track, I would barely call a path. This was exciting because tracking through the jungle is an amazing experience. We saw all manner of bugs and stings of ants marching across and up the giant trees. then after a little trek, we ended up at a steep decline and descended into a large opening of a cave. The cave was massive, very high inside, which we walked through and came to a large opening and was directed around to see the wildlife, including bats, whip spiders and even an incredible colourful (blue headed) snake. Coming out of the cave, it felt like we had experienced another different world of nature among an amazing wildlife tour.
After a short tour back to the boat we got to the river boats with enough time to get our belongings together. As we had some time we did take another short kayak journey in and out the meandering lake into the crevices, eye peeled for any more signs of life. We saw some birds but other than that we were unlucky. Back to the string of riverboats we did get another chance to see the langur monkeys appear again, which we watched for some time. We were given lunch and then got back onto a boat to take us back to civilisation.
Would I recommend going?
Well from my experience, I would defiantly recommend you visit and experience Khao Sok National Park and if you want an ethical elephant experience then Elephant Hills is a great choice. I should note it is quite expensive and when we were out in Thailand many trips for elephant experiences were offered and detailed to be ethical, however, we didn’t know that going to Thailand and we weren’t able to vet it and hold someone accountable. What I will say is the whole experience did seem ethical for the elephants and all other animals we experienced. Although, I have heard of one or two possibly negative things in regard to ethics in the past. I believe that you need to give time for places like this to receive more education and change to a better standard. It is important to understand that these cultures that have been there for years takes time to change to what we consider ethical. All I can say is I did not witness any poor ethics and I do believe the people there had the animals best interest at heart as well as that of the locals. Overall, It was a great experience filled with nature and wildlife.
Updated: Jul 18, 2023
I have been getting into my houseplants and to keep them fit and healthy they often require you to use filter water. Additionally, filtered water can often be a much-needed item in your household depending on your local water supply. However, something that has always bothered me about most conventional water filters is the wasteful ‘cartridges’ that constantly need to be changed, often going to landfill and contribute to one of the worst pollutants in our modern day, plastic. Now I know some of these companies may detail some recycle scheme, however, I feel these are often ineffective, as to recycle them you have to go through the onerous task of returning it to the company you brought them from. This is often difficult to do and takes more actions of you, which I believe often leads to the majority of people not doing so. Additionally, you are still going through hundreds of plastic cartridges and the harmful plastic they are encased in.
Therefore, I went to search for an eco-friendly way to filter water. This is where I
found Phox Water, who market themselves as ‘The World’s Most Eco-Friendly Water Filter’. This defiantly peaked my interest and with some research, they defiantly seem a lot better than conventional water filters I could find. So I quickly ordered one with a 12-month supply of the clean refill filter media (they also offer an alkaline filter media, which offer other benefits) and waited. It arrived shortly and I have been using mine for several months, so here is my review of the Phox V2 Glass Water Jug and clean filter media.
Look & Size:
Packaging:
All their packaging seemed to be compact and professional, which was a good initial sign. My order came in a single large box (about the size of two show boxes with some extra depth) with the jug and the 12-month supply. The filter media comes in a very small box with the carbon filter and the media in a vacuum packed tight paper PLA composite that is compostable, keeping it all condensed and easy to store. I assume this can be delivered through your letterbox if you only ordered a 3–month supply. The box has all the instructions on how to insert the filter material and prep the jug for use. This made the installation and replacing of the filter elements simple and easy.
The Glass Water Filter and Jug:
The jug itself was larger than I thought it would be. I have seen a couple of Brita filters in the past and they are quite thin and can often fit in the side of your fridge door. Well for sure the Phox Water Jug certainly cannot do this. It is a large cylindrical shape that can hold about 2.2L. For me this is not so much a problem, as I have not kept it in my fridge and just stored it near my houseplants. However, if you are thinking about having this in the fridge, I hope you have a large amount of free space. For your reference, here are some of the filter dimensions:
- Height: 30.5cm
- Diameter: 14.5cm
(the diameter was taken from the spout to the lip section to take the lid off [widest section])
As for the look, you can see the picture for yourself and make your own judgment, for me it looks fine, nothing spectacular but then again I am not that bothered, as it is not really an item you have on display in the house.
The filter:
Now, I have to say this filter is still not perfect but then I do not think there one that is. The reason it is not perfect is due to the filter media. Unfortunately, even though the media is derived from natural sources it contents are not recyclable or compostable. I believe this is because there aren't components that can be used to ensure the water is properly filtered, which are also compostable or recyclable. Now, this is still a negative and I wish there was a solution, having said this, in order to get filtered water I would much rather only have to replace the filter media than the whole plastic cartridge.
To replace the filter media you take the jug apart and twist out the cartridge and clean the parts. The cartridge has its own lid, which has a carbon filter flattened between it and is where the first point the water runs through. You then fill the top container with the media, which filters the water to the holes at the bottom, which lead into the large 2.2l reservoir jug.
Quality:
Now, I do not have any tests or knowledge to check the water quality before and afterwards. Additionally, I have not had much experience with previous water filters. However, in my opinion the water to me taste cleaner after it has been filtered, which must mean it works, right !? Further to this, I have been using it on my plants for the last few months and they have not shown any negative signed and are continuing to grow.
The Positives:
To summarise the overall positives of the Phox Water system here are my key points:
Its more Eco – You do not have to bin large cartridges with all its additional plastic. They have made a filter system, which you can easily replace the filter media only,
Packaging is small and completely recyclable, reducing your waste impact.
The water tastes cleaner and fresher, so it does its job as a water filter.
The instructions are clear and concise and makes it easy to reuse.
The Negatives:
Now for some negatives. These are some I have noted and others I have seen people mention online but thought as this is a review I should put these into this article. I should note though that I always like to be a bit pessimistic, as I do not know your personal circumstances and if you want to buy this I want to be as open and honest. Although there might be more negatives than positives, this is not to say that the filter is poor. It does what it is meant to do; I just wanted to share everything with you:
The jug is a bit heavy, which is not a problem for me at all but if you think it will be for you, it is something to consider.
It has a wide spout, again this is not much of an issue, as long as you are filling something bigger than it is you shouldn’t have a problem. However, if you are filling anything too small like a typical bottleneck you might get your hands wet.
Some people have noted the filer is a bit slow but again, I would not have thought this is much of an issue. Most people fill theirs up and leave it (often in the fridge) until they want a drink. For me as I mainly use it for my plant it is much the same. I fill it up and let it sit until I want to use it for my plants.
As mentions, the filter media is neither recyclable nor compostable.
In my opinion, considering these negatives do not affect me, these are nit-picky and very small compromises to make for the benefit of reducing your waste. I would much rather use a heavier, wide spout and wait for the filter to do its job than contribute to the plastic pollution destroying this world that our typical filters cause. I will admit it is not perfect, as the media still has to be wasted but it is a step forward and drastically reduced the amount of waste you would typically produce.
My Verdict
Well I have decided to share this on my sustainable blog, so I do believe it works and overall a far more sustainable option than conventional water filters. I find the filter works fine and replacing the filter media simple and easy. Most of all I am happy more and more companies are working towards producing a more sustainable, eco-friendly and less harmful product of everyday items. Having said all this, if there is a more sustainable, eco-friendly option out there I would love to know what it is, as I haven’t been able to find one. I will conclude with, if you need one right now that filters the water to a level of non-eco-friendly water filters does and is better for the environment, why not try Phox Water?
