Arctic explorer visits eco-estate to highlight need for one planet living

12.05.09

Record breaking adventurer Adrian Hayes, who is set to embark on the longest unsupported arctic journey in history, visited the BedZED eco-estate yesterday, prior to commencing his trip.

In a bid to pick up some last minute tips and advice on sustainable living prior to his latest expedition, Adrian met with Pooran Desai, co-founder of BioRegional, who is advising the explorer on his latest adventure.

In a bid to raise awareness of climate change and the importance of sustainability, former Gurkha officer Adrian will be attempting to trek 2,200 miles across Greenland, from the Atlantic Ocean on the South Coast to the Arctic Ocean on the North Coast, between May and July.

Hayes, 49, the Guinness Book of World Records holder for being the fastest man to reach all three poles – walking to the North Pole, South Pole and summiting Mount Everest in succession - will be using the expedition to highlight the urgent need for One Planet Living®.

One Planet Living is a global initiative set up by BioRegional, which aims to combat the escalating problem of mankind consuming 30 percent more resources than the planet can sustain by educating society on the benefits of sustainable living – showcased at Peabody's BedZED eco-estate where BioRegional is based, and through a portfolio of other inspiring, real-life sustainable projects around the world.

With 100 homes and community facilities, BedZED is the UK’s largest sustainable community. It is designed to create a thriving environment in which people can enjoy a high quality of life, while living within their fair share of the Earth’s resources.

BioRegional is a partner in BedZED, the project inspired the development of One Planet Living's 10 sustainability principles, namely: Zero Carbon, Zero Waste, Sustainable Transport, Local and Sustainable Materials, Local and Sustainable Food, Sustainable Water, Natural Habitats and Wildlife, Culture and Heritage, Equity and Fair Trade and Health and Happiness, which Adrian will promote on his trip and use as weekly web blog themes.

Adrian said: “From previous expeditions to the arctic, I have seen how our lifestyles are causing climate change – the effects are magnified there – I have seen the dramatic loss in thickness of the Arctic ice sheet with my own eyes. You may not see such dramatic changes in your own back garden but climate change affects us all whether it’s flooding or droughts. We need to think globally and act locally to stop the situation from worsening – BedZED is great example of this sustainable way of thinking”

Pooran Desai said: "It's fantastic that Adrian is using this expedition to spread the One Planet Living message. Not only this but he will also be taking essential ice readings to help us understand the effects of climate change in the arctic. We support him wholeheartedly and will be watching his blog with interest".

The trip is being supported by UAE’s largest bank, Emirates NBD, and Emirates Airline.
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Adrian and his team will give updates on their progress over the course of the journey through the expedition web site. www.greenlandquest.com

You can find out more about BioRegional's One Planet Living programme, work out your ecological footprint and get a personalised action plan at www.bioregional.com/oneplanetliving