Green Tourism scheme

Northumberland Cottages Ltd is proud to display its Green Tourism Bronze Award.

The Green Tourism Business Scheme is the national sustainable tourism certification scheme for the UK, validated by Visit Britain. Our business is committed to supporting sustainable tourism and has been assessed on areas such as water and energy efficiency, waste management, purchasing of environmentally friendly goods as well as the promotion of sustainable tourism. We have now achieved the bronze standard.

In turn, we encourage our cottage owners to provide accommodation which aims to reduce the negative environmental and social impacts of tourism. Holidaymakers are encouraged to recycle as much of their rubbish as possible, be aware of energy efficiency in their holiday home and respect the local environment - our local coastline being a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Northumberland Cottages Ltd's Green Tourism Policy:

We will comply with relevant environmental legislation and commit to the concept of continuous improvement in relation to our environmental impact and sustainable development in general. We will :-

• Be efficient with our use of energy and consider measures which reduce the carbon footprint of the business.
• Minimise waste through efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle
• consider measures related to reducing pollution and being efficient in our use of water
• encourage staff and visitors to walk, cycle or use public transport rather than cars
• Investigate products and services which help the business become more sustainable
• support efforts which improve the quality of the destination as a whole in terms of ecological values, culture and the community.

Be a responsible visitor - Seven things you can do to help save the planet.

1. Conserve energy - reduce energy by switching off lights and closing windows if the heating is on.
2. Give the car a rest - leave the car behind, if only for a day. Our staff will be happy to provide advice for you.
3. Shop locally - use local products, we have some fantastic producers of food, drink arts and crafts. See Northumberland Farmers Markets
4. Reduce, reuse and recycle - ideally in that preference order.
5. Be water wise - the UK has national water shortages. Please be thoughtful and think how much clean water is being washed away down the drains
6. Respect nature - help to look after the landscape and wildlife by not littering, use footpaths and cycleways responsibly, guard against fire, follow the countryside code and if you see loose plastic on your way, please pick it up and deposit it in the bin
7. Support green businesses - wherever you see the sign you can be assured of like minded caring service.

For more details on Green Tourism see www.green-business.co.uk