The First World and Sustainability

Sustainability – what does this really mean?

Sustainable: pertaining to a system that maintains its own viability by using techniques that allow for continual reuse & able to be supported as with the basic necessities or sufficient funds

It is easy to understand and support the idea of sustainability when referring to developing nations, as our first world guilt dictates that we should pay a slightly higher price in developing nations to promote sustainability.

And, in first world counties operating sustainably is often not understood in the same fashion. And, it is often misconstrued that in the first world a sustainable company is just using this terminology as a front for being expensive and/or overpriced.

Sustainable applies equally and in the same fashion regardless of where a company’s operations take place with the only real difference being the price point.

Operating sustainably in the first world, and in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, with the highest cost of living, requires that a sustainable price point reflects the real costs of doing business which includes paying living wages, taxes, and at the same time maintaining the correct operating margins.

There are only a select few companies operating in a true sustainable fashion in the first world; and it is your duty as a consumer to seek out these companies and pay the price required when adventuring in the first world!

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
At least 1

ÅLESUND'S WATERWAYS (A TAILOR-MADE 2-3 HOUR CITY PADDLE)

CITY SIGHTS, ART NOUVEAU, ISLANDS & FJORDS!

A Tailor-Made 2-3 hour sea kayak discovery of Ålesund's majestic waterways!

Ålesund’s southern harbor and it’s famous Borgund fjord are the scene from Ålesund’s original sea kayak excursion. Good fun and great paddling await as our internationally certified sea kayak guides lead you down Borgund fjord to the ‘first settlement,’ Borgundkaupangen.

Historical landmarks, dating back over 100 years, the city’s skyline and the glistening waters of mighty Borgund Fjord are seemingly painted on backdrop of the majestic, snow-capped Sunnmøre Alps.

Our kayaks glide easily over the rippling fjord waters as we marvel in our serene surroundings and take advantage of countless photo ops, as your guide share tales and stories of western Norway and its coastal culture.

Duration
5 hours
Group Size
At least 1

TOUR OF THE ART NOUVEAU ARCHIPELAGO

ÅLESUND’S BEST SELLING TRIP!

ISLANDS AND FJORDS!
Gliding out onto Borgund Fjord the sky opens revealing the city skyline, historical buildings, and a spectacular archipelago all chiseled on a seemingly painted backdrop of the majestic Sunnmøre Alps.

The glittering waters of Borgund fjord beacon us as our kayaks glide over the rippling water. We explore a magical string of islands along the north shore before crossing to the southern shore with its intricate maze of islands, here we enjoy a homemade picnic lunch on a private island. Then slipping back on the water our exploration continues until we find our way back to our staging site.

Duration
5 hours
Group Size
At least 1

KAYAK ÅLESUND’S FJORDS AND HIKE SUGAR SUMMIT

THE VIEW IS WORTH EVERY STEP!

Borgund Fjord’s infinite sky opens exposing Sula Mountain and the Sunnmøre Alps. We glide across this famous fjord to the secret archipelago at the eastern end of Hessa fjord, from here a 103-year-old landmark, Slinningsbua, is our bearing as we slip across.

Gazing Westward out to the infinite waters of the North Atlantic gliding down Hessa Fjord past ancient farmland delightfully mixed with ultra-modern homes to the trail head of Sugar Summit. Upon landing at the trail head take out a rejuvenating snack energizes us before setting out for the summit. The trail is well trodden as we make our way diligently upwards to the summit where we refuel on hearty sandwiches and enjoy the 360o view of Western Norway and it’s Art Nouveau city.