Ethical traveller: Be nice to Iceland

Ao Nang beach in Krabi. Photo / Supplied

Iceland has been stretched to capacity thanks to a recent tourism boom, so to help combat the influx, Promote Iceland, the national tourism board, is asking visitors to sign a pledge to be responsible tourists. Nearly 43,000 people have already signed "The Icelandic Pledge" on the Inspired by Iceland website, which asks punters to agree to leave places as they found them, only park where they are supposed to, stay within campsites and be prepared for all weathers, possibilities and adventures, among other such covenants. The website even has a guide to taking safe selfies (spoiler alert: don't go out on slippery ledges). (video here).

Visit Inspiredbyiceland.com/icelandicpledge

Message from above

Portuguese airline Hi Fly is continuing its crusade to promote the elimination of marine litter and plastic following 10 months of flying around the globe with the fuselage of one of its planes painted with anti-plastic messaging.

The livery of the Airbus A330, which operated between Australia and New Zealand recently for Air New Zealand, reads "Turn the Tide on Plastic" in line with the boat of the same name that recently competed in the Volvo Ocean Race 2017-18. The aircraft has travelled to five continents and operated more than 400 flights, landing in nearly 40 destinations.

The airline, which has just painted one of its A380s in coral-themed livery to draw attention to the plight of the world's coral reefs, has pledged to become the first in the world to be completely plastic-free and carbon neutral by next year. It says it aims to "involve and inspire the industry to become more environmentally conscious by protecting the health of our oceans, as well as that of the whole planet".

Slip, slop, slap and . . . slip on

New Zealand designer Melissa Heffernan has launched a stylish new fashion label that offers locally made sun-protective women's clothing. For her Lissy label, the former nurse uses an eco-friendly Italian fabric made from recycled nylon from old fishing nets. The UPF 50+ fabric is specifically designed to protect the skin from UV rays so should help reduce the chance of skin cancer. Featuring versatile pieces including sundresses, kimonos and more, the clothes also tick the ethically and environmentally friendly boxes, and promise to be long-lasting.

Visit Lissyclothing.com

Virgin Australia trials biofuel

Virgin Australia has well and truly played its part for the ethical travel cause of late, first replacing 260,000 plastic straws and 7.5 million stirrers from its planes and lounges with paper and bamboo, then embarking on a biofuel trial. The trial involved using a blended biofuel for the 195 domestic and international flights out of Brisbane Airport in partnership with the Queensland Government, several fuel suppliers and the airport itself.

The bid to reduce emissions, was the first of its kind to use an existing fuel system from an Australian airport and was deemed a success.

Thai time

The Southern Thailand province of Krabi, home to some of the country's most famous beaches will welcome its first purpose-built five-star completely sustainable resort this year. Artist's impressions show that the Anana Resort Krabi will not only have luxurious rooms and facilities but it will also utilise eco-friendly initiative such as a a zero-plastics policy, reticulated water system and solar power. The resort, within eight minutes' walk of pretty Ao Nang Beach and township but surrounded by forest and limestone cliffs, also has its own permaculture farm producing organic food and will offer complimentary on-demand electric tuk-tuk limos and access to a private beach club.

Other highlights include yoga classes, a Himalayan salt crystal grotto for wellness, swim-up bar, organic cooking classes and Thai street food. It opens in November. Visit Ananakrabi.com