Thompsons Holidays is one of many companies that are eager to step up their sustainable practices. Having recently become a member of the Wilderness Foundations GreenLeaf Initiative www.wildernessfoundation - Thompsons will now be promoting ‘green’hotels. Although many consumers are not currently requesting ‘green’ hotels, we will be pushing the green message in our newsletters to the agents. This way we will be able to educate the public on the vitally important greener issues. Projects such as paper recycling, energy conservation and minimal water consumption are just a few of the ways that Thompsons is trying to sustain the environment. Working together we believe that 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

This will enable you to take meaningful action against global warming ensuring that our environment is available for future generations.

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For any other suggestions or comments – please don’t hesitate to contact us on Earthteam@thompsons.co.za.