Thompsons is a proud member of the Travel Corporation Conservation   Foundation . This non-profit organisation has contributed R14 million since   2008 to help underprivileged communities and to support sustainable   tourism worldwide. In addition, Conservation Corporation has helped to   protect 3 million hectares of forest in Brazil and much more (see   www.thetravelcorporation.com/foundation for full details). Thompsons is   also a member of the Wilderness Foundations Green Leaf Environmental   Standard. This internationally recognised initiative promotes responsible   conservation and preservation of the earth’s resources (see   www.greenleafecostandard.net/). Thompsons’ offices support these   practices by recycling waste and conserving water and energy. Working   together we believe we can make a difference.

  If you are keen to join the cause, here are just a few tips to get you   started:

1. Drive Less – Cars contribute to a high percentage of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. Why not form a car pool or organize to work from home once a month.  
2. Turn it off  – When leaving your office for the evening make sure that all the lights are switched off as well as the computers and the air conditioning systems
3. Insulate your office & body – Look for alternative ways to keep warm in winter without using heating appliances – wear a coat instead of turning up the heat
4. Open the windows – Air-conditioning is a great contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. In summer rather open a window or use a fan and leave the air-con off
5. Switch off stand-by – As much as 10% of your office’s emissions can be from appliances such as computers and TV’s. Try to always turn off these appliances at the source
6. Green your Event – If you are holding a conference, family reunion or Wedding, do your part by buying locally, choosing energy-efficient and environmentally aware venues and offset the remaining emissions
7. Recycle – This forms a major part of integrated waste management and has a number of benefits
8. Encourage email communication – Don’t print unless you absolutely have to
9. Conserve water – Don’t leave taps dripping
10. Buy - When purchasing high-energy using appliances such as dish-washers or refrigerators make to sure purchase those with the best energy rating