Getting Started

Knowing where to start can be difficult when dealing with such a big topic. Many are either so daunted that they never take action or attempt to do everything at once but quickly run out of steam.

Remember the following principles when getting started:

• Take small steps - Completing these will give you confidence to do more.
• Know where you are starting from - Carry out a self-audit of your business.
• Identify key issues - Where are the biggest costs, impacts & opportunities?
• Involve any staff - Gather views, identify roles and any ‘champions'.
• Establish goals - Having realistic targets can help provide real motivation.

• Start monitoring - This will help show how much progress you've made.

The good news is that, in reality, it's not a case of doing something completely new, it's about doing something in a slightly different way.

Support for Getting Started

• Green Start  
  Green Start is a new online resource that's available, at no cost, to all tourism businesses interested in understanding how to save money, be more efficient, add appeal and begin a journey of doing business even better.
  
  It aims to help businesses review their performance and show how sustainable practice can be part of normal business through training, and an on-line community of like-minded businesses.

• Sustainable Tourism for Dummies ®
  A booklet in the famous no-nonsense style that is a quick way to get your head round a big topic. Developed by publishers Wileys, with South West Tourism, Tourism South East and West Sussex Council.
  
  Download it free from the Toruism South East website. 
  Hard copies may be available from your Destination Management Organisation.

• Green Street 
  A fun, interactive introduction for accommodation, eating and drinking establishments. Discover the opportunities and issues as you explore the hotel, restaurant and pub in Green Street. 

• Draw inspiration from others
  Green is Good - A short film of Somerset tourism businesses sharing their tips and practical experience of going green.
  
  To watch the film, click here.

Save Money - Go Green, What do you need help with?

> Save Money Go Green home page 
> Getting Started 
> Cutting Energy and Water 
> Communicating & Getting Customers Involved 
> Examples of Success 
> Further Support