We talk a lot about sustainability in tourism – creating opportunities for people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to work in the visitor economy, and leaving lasting impressions on visitors so that they talk about our cities and invite other people to come.
Today we’re highlighting just a handful of brilliant organisations in our cities who also champion sustainability..
๐ก York Community Energy are a social enterprise supporting people to reduce the energy needs of their home. It’s run by volunteers and focusses on climate and energy issues affecting the York area.
โป ๐๐ ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ป ๐๐ถ๐๐ is an initiative in Greater Manchester helping to create and promote active, clean and green spaces for all. It covers everything from climate change to energy consumption, air quality and the production & consumption of goods. The 5 year challenge aims to see Manchester being carbon neutral by 2038.
๐ด ๐๐ฑ๐ถ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ ๐๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ฏ๐๐ฟ๐ด๐ต has a brilliant sustainable food directory, giving the details of loads of places to eat out as well as buy sustainable produce. You can also submit a business to be included in the guide which includes cafes, restaurants, shops and markets.
๐ ๐๐๐ป๐ด๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ถ๐๐ ๐๐ถ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ has a great guide to zero waste shops in Cardiff including refillable liquids like shampoo and dish soap, packaging-free foods where you bring your own container for cereals, rice and grains, as well as a plastic-free department store.
๐ด Time Out Group plc has a great guide to eco friendly businesses and projects in Glasgow including bedding brand ๐๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ด๐๐น๐ฎ๐ฟ ๐ฆ๐น๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฝ who create small batch, printed pyjamas and duvets with the lowest possible environmental impact.
๐ฎ Tweed Forum in the Scottish Borders was set up to focus on practical ways that businesses can invest in nature to help tackle climate change. Scotland’s nature and rural spaces support nearly 250,000 jobs and tourism depends heavily on the preservation of these areas.
๐ด Bike for Good started as a small volunteer-led project in 2010 and has grown into a significant community hub that focuses on sustainability through cycling. Their mission is to enable people to access the benefits of cycling, promoting both environmental sustainability and health.ย Donated bikes are refurbished and sold at affordable prices or given away to those in need. They provide bike maintenance workshops, cycling training sessions, and educational programmes to increase cycling skills across all age groups. They are engaging with the local community to encourage more people to choose cycling as a mode of transport through various events and initiatives.
๐ฒ The Project Cafe
The Project Cafรฉ is a community interest company located in Glasgow, known for its ethical approach to food and community engagement.ย They serve locally-sourced food and provide meals made from locally-sourced, organic, and fair-trade ingredients. They also act as a community hub, hosting events, workshops, and discussions on topics ranging from food sustainability to local arts. They support local artists and initiatives through events and collaborations. All profits are reinvested into local community projects, supporting a sustainable business model that benefits the broader Glasgow community.
Is there a business you’d like to shout about?
hashtag#sustainability hashtag#sustainabletourism hashtag#doingtourismdifferently hashtag#sustainablebusiness hashtag#manchester hashtag#glasgow hashtag#edinburgh hashtag#ecofriendly hashtag#greeninitiative
๐ธ Courtesy of York Community Energy
