Today we've launched a guide to Green London - a handy pocket-sized map that features eco-friendly restaurants, hotels, cafes and attractions in the capital.
The idea of the leaflet, which we've produced in association with the national tourist board VisitEngland, is to illustrate that a ‘green’ weekend in London is accessible and affordable for all visitors, regardless of budget .
“Green London makes it easy for travellers to discover all that our amazing capital city has to offer,” says James Berresford, VisitEngland Chief Executive, “mixing luxury brands such as The Savoy with smaller, innovative businesses that run on ethical principles and specialise in offering locally-sourced and Fairtrade goods.
“Sustainable tourism is an increasingly integral part of our industry and we are delighted to be launching Green London, the first map to exclusively highlight green businesses around the capital.”
On the reverse of the leaflet is a guide to how to use public transport in London, how to hire a Barclays 'Boris' bike, as well as a few green facts about the capital, such as:"London has the first gastropub certified by the Soil Association" and "There are 5 buses powered by hydrogen fuel on the route RV1 between Covent Garden and Tower Gateway station".
The leaflet is downloadable here as a pdf: Green London. Copies of the leaflet are also available free of charge at eight Tourist Information Centres in and around London, including the Britain and London Visitor Centre on 1 Regent Street (from Weds, 23 March).
The Green London leaflet has been launched to coincide with the first-ever Climate Week, and is officially launched at The Savoy on Tuesday 22 March.
Debra Patterson, Environmental Ambassador for The Savoy, says: “This map represents a wonderful opportunity to share with our guests the very best initiatives taking place in the hotel and throughout the capital and we are delighted to support it.”
Livia Firth, owner of Eco Age said: "There is no excuse anymore not to be aware of how to be more environmentally friendly in London or not to know where to shop for your eco lifestyle! This guide is a treasure!"
The launch of Green London map. Left to right: Andrea Nicholls, Green Tourism Business Scheme; Jason Freezer, VisitEngland, Lady Penelope Cobham, VisitEngland, Richard Hammond, greentraveller.co.uk; Deborah Patterson, The Savoy hotel. Photo: VisitEngland
The launch of Green London map. Left to right: Andrea Nicholls, Green Tourism Business Scheme; Jason Freezer, VisitEngland, Lady Penelope Cobham, VisitEngland, Richard Hammond, greentraveller.co.uk; Deborah Patterson, The Savoy hotel. Photo: VisitEngland