In recent studies, Bristol was voted the most environmentally friendly city in the UK. In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at how Bristol approaches its impact on the environment and the ways in which it’s leading the county into a more eco-friendly and sustainable way of life.
5 Reasons Bristol Is the UK’s Most Eco-Friendly City
Retail Sales & Marketing Exec (Government Kickstart Scheme)
12/03/2021
Cities That Are Leading The Electric Transport Revolution
23/03/20211. Recycling
Bristol City set the standard of recycling in the city. 44% of household waste in the city is recycled. The city has strict rules on recycling, and have recycling stations spread throughout the city.
It’s not only residents of the city that work hard to recycle, businesses also recycle, many of who also encourage customers and visitors to do the same.
2. Green Energy
Bristol’s energy scene supports local people with clean renewable energy. The city has created a lot of momentum in the region and has become a hub for energy companies and groups such as Bristol Energy Cooperative, Bristol Community Energy Fund and Centre of Sustainable Energy.
Bristol is also the only city that has an energy company owned by the local council. Bristol Energy is the first energy company in the country to offer 100% green electricity and reinvest its profits back into local communities.
3. Sustainable Food Scene
Bristol is known for its many restaurants and food establishments, but what many do not realise is Bristol runs many projects to tackle food waste. Many restaurants also make efforts to ensure that foods are sourced ethically and sustainably.
The Bristol Food Network plays a key part in informing and encouraging local people to take part in transforming the city into a sustainable food city. Bristol is also the home of organisations such as the Soil Association, Pukka Herbs who are creating food growing spaces in the urban landscape.
4. Alternative Transport
Bristol City is a hub for alternative transport. With cycling not only being a popular choice for citizens but also widely encouraged by the government and the council. Cycle lanes can be found all over the city as well as free storage for bikes and scooters.
Public transport is affordable and reliable, making it more popular for locals and responsible for reducing the number of vehicles on the roads. Most notably, Bristol is home to a selection of electric vehicle dealers, and the use of electric scooters by hire is really taking off in the city.
More and more people are choosing to go electric and this has resulted in fewer petrol and diesel-run vehicles on the streets, in turn reducing the carbon emissions in Bristol significantly.
5. Reserving Nature
Organisations such as the Avon Wildlife Trust have been making strides in the city to ensure that natural environments are reserved. They’ve been turning empty spaces into nature hubs and are planning to turn Bristol into an urban nature reserve.
Bristol is also home to many parks and natural land, that has been preserved, protected and allowed to flourish within the city, not only bringing locals and visitors out to explore, but also providing sanctuary to many animals.
It’s Only the Beginning
We all know by now how serious the threat of global warming is to our planet. every day more and more carbon enters our atmosphere, and irreversible damage is caused to our planet. By taking steps to reduce our carbon and waste, we can slow down the threat and give our planet a chance to heal.
Cities like Bristol, are already beginning to see the benefits of more sustainable living. Their economies are thriving, citizens are healthier and wildlife is thriving. If more cities around the globe follow in the same footsteps, we will see a global change and make a real difference.
