Late deals Enjoying good green fun in eco-friendly Santa Monica

THERE’S no denying travel and tourism have an impact on the environment. But as a consumer, it is possible to minimise the damage by putting some thought into the places you choose to visit.

At the forefront of urban environmental thinking, US city Santa Monica is a favourable option for eco-conscious tourists. By 2030, the city aims to achieve zero waste through diversion, composting and recycling.

Here are 12 more green reasons to go. The battle against plastics started years ago Santa Monica was one of the first US cities to ban polystyrene food containers in 2007 and single-use plastic bags in 2011. There’s a shift towards marinedegradable materials City authorities have gone even further, with new regulations banning plastic utensils, cups, lids, stirring sticks, bowls and more. From January 1 next year, local businesses must ensure these products are made from marinedegradable material instead of plastic. Stay XXXXXX in a choice xxxxxx of sustainable hotels Ocean Xxxx View Hotel, Santa Monica Motel, Shore Hotel and The Ambrose Hotel are all Gold LEED (leadership in energy and environmental design) certified properties employing a range of green business practices, including reduced water consumption, increased water and energy efficiency, installation of solar panels and LED lighting. Cars aren’t essential Measuring just 8.3 square miles, it’s easy to navigate the city on foot. But if you need to move at a faster pace, there are plenty of environmentally friendly transportation options, including Breeze Bike Share, a public bike share programme, and the Santa Monica Free Ride, a free shuttle service to transport people to Downtown Santa Monica, the Santa Monica Pier, Main Street, Montana Avenue and the Metro Expo Line. Food is reliably fresh Santa Monica’s weekly farmers markets have been named the best in the country by Travel + Leisure magazine. It’s possible to shop in a sustainable environment Originally operated as an indoor mall, the Gold LEED certified Santa Monica Place has been renovated into an BY SARAH MARSHALL open-air concept with views of the Pacific from a dining deck. Hang out in a Green Light District Main Street, also known as the Green Light District, has more certified green businesses than any other street in Santa Monica. There’s also a community garden. Leisure facilities leave less of a carbon footprint Located on five acres of ocean-front property, the Annenberg Community Beach House is a public facility and has earned Gold LEED certification for initiatives such as the use of recycled blue jeans for insulation. Visitors can learn how to save the Bay Featuring presentations and interactive exhibits, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium is a part of Santa Monica’s Heal the Bay programme – an initiative to educate, inspire and empower visitors to be stewards of the environment. Green spaces are plentiful The six-acre urban oasis Tongva Park is just two blocks from the Pacific Ocean. It consists of winding walkways, picnic tables and grass areas. Even the Ferris wheel is eco-friendly The world’s first and only solar-powered Ferris wheel offers panoramic views of the Los Angeles coastline and mountains. Come after dark for a light show generated by 174,000 energy-efficient LED lights. Good green works are recognised Every year, Santa Monica hosts the Sustainable Quality Awards, honouring sustainable businesses making significant achievements in sustainable economic development, social responsibility and stewardship of the natural environment. ■ For details, visit santamonica.com. ■ Flying from Glasgow on September 20, seven or 11 nights all-inclusive at the four-star Sentido Lanzarote Aequora, Lanzarote, from £499pp (seven nights) or £699pp (11 nights). ■ Flying from Glasgow on September 25, seven nights all-inclusive at the five-star Bahia Principe Costa Adeje, Tenerife, from £599pp. ■ Flying from Glasgow on September 28, seven nights all-inclusive at the four-star Sentiso Vasia Resort & Spa, Crete, from £499pp. ■ For these deals and more, visit www.holidayandflight centre.com or call 01698 425 444.