t can take a lot of work to find sustainable activities in a big city. But London has a bit of everything, including fun options for a more environmentally conscious urban experience. So, if you’re looking for a low-carbon footprint holiday, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to find some unmissable tips to explore the Great British capital while staying eco-friendly.
The Rising Demand for Eco-Friendly Tourism
Considering climate change when planning a vacation is quite common nowadays. With the climate crisis reaching an unprecedented level, it’s great to see so many people opting for more conscious travel. This is reflected in new travel trends being added to the tourism lexicon, such as ecotourism, agritourism, or voluntourism.
This tendency is also seen worldwide, and it goes beyond people’s travel habits. For instance, CyberGhost’s study found that Americans actively take steps towards protecting the planet, with 76.95% of the respondents saying they recycle and 57.30% saying they shop second-handed.
When it comes to travelling, it can be hard to keep these habits up as we’re not as familiar with the culture we’re visiting. But one thing’s for sure – London is brimming with eco-friendly spots and experiences, so let’s look at some of them without further ado.
Net-Zero Stays
Let’s start with the essential bit – where you’ll be staying.
Our first recommendation is the Room2 Chiswick. This piece by The Guardian explains how this building runs entirely on electricity and all its many efforts to become the world’s first net-zero hometel.
Treehouse Hotel London would be a fantastic option as well if you’re looking for something more on the quirky side. Located in Marylebone, this unique establishment has sustainability at its core – single-use plastics are banned, produce is sourced locally, and there are refillable amenities galore.
Wine and Dine with a Twist
Moving on to one of the most fun parts about getting to know a new city – the food. London has some great crowd-pleasers you’ll need to try if you’re looking to eat sustainably.
Arguably the most iconic food court in London, we couldn’t recommend Camden Market more. Not only does it offer great plant-based meals, but it is also entirely built from recycled shipping containers, so it’s a fully plastic-free food market.
A fun alternative could be mastering your sustainable cooking skills. At Cookery School, you can take classes on how to cook waste-free in a kitchen that uses exclusively renewable energy. Enticing, right?
Guilt-free Entertainment
When it comes to planet-friendly entertainment activities, London will not let you down.
For film lovers, The Lexi Cinema is a mandatory stop. It’s a highly sustainable venue thanks to its solar panels, green roof, and energy-efficient projectors. Plus, its profits are donated to The Sustainability Institute.
The Arcola Theatre is next on our list, a registered charity in Dalston. Its use of LED lights, carbon-neutral heating fuelled by wood, and locally sourced beer have earned it the title of the first-ever carbon-neutral theatre in the world.
Lastly, if it’s music you’re into, we suggest you have a look at Skiddle’s list of sustainable festivals in the UK from earlier this year and pick your favourite.
As you can see, enjoying yourself while keeping the planet safe is not a problem in London if you do some digging to find the best sustainable spots. For some other well-being activities, why not stay close to nature and visit the city’s many parks, such as St James’ Park, Kensington Gardens, and, of course, Hyde Park?
