Green Tourism Business Scheme

The Green Tourism Business Scheme provides accreditation and encouragement for tourism businesses to reduce the environmental impact of their activities. By encouraging sustainable practices the scheme ensures the continued enjoyment of the environment around us for future generations.

Following a visit to the centre in July 2009, the centre was given a Silver status award for its efforts to reduce its impact on the natural environment. The report stated that, "staff show an ongoing commitment to make the centre an example of how tourism may become more sustainable. An inspirational centre with lots of good green ideas and practical application."

The centre was praised for encouraging the public to reuse and recycle waste; providing cotton and hessian bags instead of plastic ones; introducing a wide range of car-free activities and for transforming the tiny garden to give benefit and refuge to wildlife.

Some of the main steps we are taking to reduce our impact on the environment include:
Only using "green" print companies for our leaflets;
Reducing our leaflet waste and looking at e-technology where possible;
Water recycling from our water butt;
Recyling glass, paper, cardboard, plastics where possible;
Using Gloucestershire Resource Centre which collects 180 tonnes of business waste each year for members to use as art materials. These materials are then used in our art and craft sessions;
Only turning the centre lights on when required;
We have a slow fill water system, ensuring we do not waste water in our toilet or kitchen facilities;
Encouraging wildlife into the centre garden through a variety of measures.

To find out more contact us by e-mail at: outofthehat@tewkesbury.gov.uk or call: 01684 855040

For more on the GTBS please visit: www.green-business.co.uk