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A green trip to Merry Olde London
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As I wrote the last blog on ecoresorts, I began to think about sustainable traveling, a term that, even at my age, sounds somehow paradoxical even foreign. After all, mine was the generation that figured that traveling was particularly great because you typically never saw those people from the bar again. Now to suddenly throw all my lack of caution and spontaneity to the wind, to become what I write about, a sustainable traveler. It somehow just feels strangley dangerous and exposed. To own up to all of my carbon footprint. Not just what I recycle and write about. Maybe before we go headlong into this, I should explain what a green traveler is. Better yet, what exactly is green tourism?
Green Tourism is sustainable tourism which means reducing the negative impact of our travels on the environment and increasing our connection with local communities and our surroundings. Consider low carbon transportation options like subways and trains. If you must fly, off-set your flight by making a comparable donation to organizations such as Climate Care or the Carbon Neutral Company. Use hotel water and energy as you would at home, aim to reduce consumption, minimize waste and recycle what you can.
I believe if the destination is world class, then perhaps my sustainability in travel might not hurt so bad. So how about merry old London for the holidays?
London England, which draws around 26 million tourists a year, has some of the most ambitious environmental and climate change targets in the world. The London Development Agency, responsible for tourism development, has recently launched an awards scheme, Green Tourism for London.
This new scheme, which is based on green tourism business, is targeted at hotels, guest houses, attractions and event venues. The awards recognize energy and resource management, as well as businesses that are actively promoting public transport, local cultural activities and London’s open spaces. The businesses display a bronze, silver or gold award depending on their achievements.
The Green Tourism Business Scheme (GT BS) accredits accommodation providers on their efforts to reduce their environmental impact. Each business is assessed every two years against rigorous criteria, covering areas like energy efficiency, waste minimization and recycling, use of local produce, and support of public transport. Europe is a global leader in eco-labeling, particularly for tourism, and there are schemes and initiatives throughout the region. Nine of the most respected and longstanding national tourism eco-labels have allied to establish a European Association known as the Voluntary Initiative for Sustainability in Tourism or VISIT.VISIT stands for “Voluntary Initiative for Sustainability in Tourism” and was created within the frame of an EU funded LIFE project in tourism eco-labeling.
To check out all the green accommodations in London, checkout www.green-business.co.uk. All listed hotels and bed and breakfasts are member green hotels graded on their level of sustainability. Fortunately for those of us greenies that love the luxe, some of the most famous hotels in London including the Sheraton Belgravia and Clarridge's are both highly rated green hotels. An eco pioneer and a five star hotel, 51 Buckingham Gate's Spa at 51 was selected as one of its 100 Best Spas. A haven of relaxation and rejuvenation, it is the only spa in England to offer pure and chemical-free treatments. This comprehensive listing includes all the perks and costs of green hotels in London for all budget ranges.
To get around London, the public transportation is some of the hippest in the world. Its still public transportation but here are a couple of facts about using public transportation, that may make you like it more.A person who rides public transportation instead of driving reduces his or her carbon dioxide output by more than 20 lbs a day or 4,800 lbs annually. That saves more energy than the combined efforts of weatherizing a home, adjusting a thermostat, switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs and replacing older appliances with higher efficiency models. That's huge!!! So take the tubes (subway) or a double decker bus if you simply must experience London's famous red buses. However keep in mind that London's buses still run on diesel as opposed to alternative fuels, so they are our least favorite ride! For transportation guides, see www.Visitbritain.us. For green activities like biking tours with OYBike or Mystery Walks which offer guided walking tours of London, highlighting the hangouts of Jack the Ripper, haunted London, ghost of Shakespeare & Dickens London. The London Zoo and the Kewpie botanical gardens are also sustainable business award winners to don't miss these world famous spots.
After all this green sightseeing and with all the money you've saved by using the public transportation, you will be ecstatic to know that London has lots and lots of fine organic restaurants.Let's sample a few. London's first environmentally sustainable restaurant is located in King's Cross. Using bio diesel, eco-sensitive takeaway containers and on-site water purifiers, the Acorn House's food is organic, inventive and absolutely delicious.The River Café is stylish, expensive and considered one of the best restaurants in the world for its use of exquisite organic ingredients. The owners Ruth Rogers and Rose Gray, attribute their incredible success down to local sourcing and what's in season. For lots more places to eat and visit, check out the green business London website.
As is evidenced by the impressive list of members, being green in Europe is not just a cool trend, its a must have way of life. If you've been having the urge to go green, use our resources and make green work for you especially when you're having fun.
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