Winchester City Council’s latest scheme to curb environmental issues lies in the heart of tackling smaller industries in the Winchester District such as B&Bs, in an attempt to increase the city’s well being.

The Green Leaf Tourism Scheme has been introduced by the council’s tourism sector.  It was initially created by the New Forest District Council and has been adapted to suit Winchester.

The scheme advises B&Bs, hotels and self-catering organisations to mark themselves against some key issues Winchester is promoting.  The scheme encourages owners to sign up for free training supported by tourism South East, the regional tourism agency – to help them develop a green action plan for their business.

The following tips for a ‘Greener Stay’ are advised: car-free tourism, the use of local produce, energy efficiency, recycling and how businesses make guests aware of their environmental objectives. 

Tourist Information centre manager, Alison Woods said ‘‘It’s a simple scheme, and that’s really the beauty of it.  But it is also a stepping-stone to bigger projects.  With the help of the Green Leaf scheme, we think we can work with the tourism industry to raise our game over time to everyone’s advantage.’’

The Green leaf scheme has introduced ten advisory factors that promise a more environmentally friendly district. 

They are being promoted to residents willing to take the council’s advice onboard. 

They include: look for the leaf, leave your car at home, eat local, buy local, go local, use pedal power, switch off, recycle recycle, recycle and bag a Winchester bag!

Mr & Mrs Horsley, a retired couple from York are looking to stay in Winchester over the next month.  They said: ‘‘we’ve found Winchester’s tourism website extremely useful and intend to stay in a variety of the advertised ‘greener’ B&Bs before spending our last week with family who live in a village on the outskirts of Winchester.’’

These schemes coincide extremely well with the on-going climate change issue, which is currently being addressed after receiving cabinet approval last year.

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