Cartwheel Environmental Commitment
in cooperation with the Green Tourism
Business Scheme.
History
The environment has always been central to our business - the peace, tranquillity and beauty of the countryside is what attracts people to the idea of a rural holiday in the South West and needs to be preserved for the future of our business as well as for the future of our planet. Cartwheel has therefore always encouraged farm and country tourism operators to adopt good environmental practices and to make the most of their location’s natural assets by, for example, attracting and protecting wildlife, creating farm trails for the enjoyment of their visitors and by providing good local food that supports the rural economy and delights guests. Cartwheel's Green Tourism Visitor Charter provides information on how to be a 'greener' visitor together with information and links about walking, cycling, local food and wild life in the South West.
In 2006 Cartwheel, as a team, decided to participate in the Green Tourism Business Scheme – GTBS is a marketing and advisory scheme for tourism businesses and it offers three levels of accreditation – Bronze, Silver and Gold - for businesses that can demonstrate that they are supporting the local area and environment. We were delighted to be presented with a GOLD AWARD in December 2006.
Businesses receive credits for measures taken in relation to: Energy, Water, Waste, Support of the local economy, Wildlife, Involving and Informing customers, Transport, Management & Marketing.
Aims & Objectives
Seeking GTBS accreditation has encouraged us to look more closely at our internal office practices in order to run the office in a more environmentally friendly way. This not only allows us to “do our bit” for the environment but it also gives us a better understanding of some of the issues met by our tourism operator customers if they decide to adopt a “greener” approach to running their business. We are currently waiting to hear which level award we have attained - view the Cartwheel Environmental Statement to find out about measures we have implemented to date.
To find out more about the GTBS and how your business can participate see www.green-business.co.uk.
Here are some additional, useful links:
www.greenauditkit.org
www.carbontrust.co.uk
www.envirowise.org.uk
www.wastewatch.org.uk