As SECTA Members, we all know that, no matter how good our hospitality, attractions or services, what really brings visitors to South East Cornwall is the countryside, the sea, the beautiful scenery, and our heritage. Whatever visitors do while they're here takes place against this wonderful backdrop and it goes without saying that, to protect our own business interests, we need to help protect this irreplaceable asset.

SECTA has some 110 Members and, together with our customers, we make a significant impact on our local environment through the creation of waste, consumption of water and use of energy, for example. On a larger scale, if recent summers are anything to go by, all of us have been affected by severe changes in weather patterns which have resulted in an increase in storms and flooding and a decrease in visitors; a direct impact of global warming a bit too close to home!

That's why SECTA introduced The SECTA Green Acorn Award Scheme, a voluntary, "green tourism" Award scheme specifically for Members. The project gives recognition to those who want to do more to reduce the impact of their businesses, and that of their guests, on the environment. The scheme has the following aims:

• to encourage Members to think about the effect their business may have on their surroundings
• to suggest a number of small ideas that could make a significant impact>
• to recognise those who adopt business practices that will help protect our local environment

The scheme is purely voluntary and only requires a number of relatively simple actions which should cost you very little except, perhaps, a little more time. In fact, similar schemes have proven to save participants money on running costs, as well as providing the other benefits mentioned below.

SECTA recognises that not all Members will be able to go totally "green". However, if we all made only a few of the changes, collectively we can make a tangible difference to protecting our beautiful environment.

For more information visit the Green Acorn Award Web site - www.greenacorn.org.uk

Download a Checklist of Recommendations

Download a Green Acorn Award Application Form

The back pages of your monthly SECTA Newsletter and the Suppliers of Goods and Services Section of the Membership List will give you details of local suppliers who are SECTA members.

The Cornwall Sustainable Tourism Project (CoaST) Network provides the opportunity for an association of organisations and individuals committed to the successful development of sustainable tourism in Cornwall to exchange ideas, knowledge and expertise - this is your one-stop shop for help and advice see www.cstn.org.uk, email info@coastproject.co.uk  tel. 01872 562057.