How To Be a Greener Tourist In Belfast and Edinburgh This Summer

Summer is the perfect time to explore cities and immerse yourself in unique experiences. Belfast and Edinburgh - home to Taste & Tour - with their rich history, vibrant culture and delicious food and drink scenes are ideal destinations. However, whether you're visiting Belfast or Edinburgh, it's important that we work together to minimise our environmental impact and promote sustainable travel throughout the season. 

Our commitment to sustainability

At Taste & Tour, we're committed to providing a high-quality service while minimising the environmental impact of our activities. We're proud to have achieved a Green Tourism Silver Award with the support of Belfast City Council and Visit Belfast earlier this year, reflecting our dedication to sustainable practices within our business and throughout our food and drink experiences with our guests. As a visitor or a resident, you can help too!

Here are some practical tips to help you be a greener tourist and local in Belfast and Edinburgh while enjoying the best of our food and drink experiences across both cities at Taste and Tour.

Give the car a rest

Leave the car behind for your city centre ventures, if only for one day. Walking, cycling or using public transport are great ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Both our Edinburgh and Belfast experiences are city-centre based, with both cities home to easy-to-navigate public transport networks. 

In Belfast, take advantage of the Translink bus, Glider and train services or explore the city centre on foot or by bike. You can find detailed information on public transport options to help you get around and access our tours easily within our Sustainability and Green Policy (listed at the bottom of our Frequently Asked Questions page here.)

Not only is walking and cycling more environmentally friendly but you’ll also get to experience cities more intimately, discovering hidden gems and stories around every corner that you may otherwise have missed - a perk of all of our tours take place on foot too. 

Shop local

At Taste & Tour, central to our mission is celebrating local people, products and places. Throughout our food and drink experiences, we use local products that give you a true flavour of the area and help to support our local businesses and communities. Belfast’s St. George’s Market and Edinburgh’s Grassmarket are excellent places to start and in fact, are the starting point for our signature Belfast Food Tour and Edinburgh Food Tour. These markets offer a wide range of local produce, crafts and souvenirs that make perfect mementoes of your summer trip. 

In purchasing local goods, you also reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods from afar and contribute to the local economy. We are bursting with advice and recommendations for where to buy the best local products, ensuring you experience the authentic tastes and treasures from the region of Northern Ireland and across Edinburgh - just ask and we’ll point you in the right direction!

Support local culture and heritage 

Visit important heritage buildings and attend local events and festivals while you’re here. By engaging with the local culture, you help keep it alive. As cheerleaders of local, we believe in preserving and promoting the unique local heritage of Belfast and Edinburgh. In Belfast explore the historic Titanic Quarter, visit the Ulster Museum, experience Titanic Belfast, or take a walk through the Botanic Gardens. In Edinburgh, immerse yourself in the history of Edinburgh Castle, stroll along the Royal Mile, or enjoy a performance of Edinburgh Festival Fringe (or hop on our Edinburgh Fest Food Tour - tickets coming soon). These experiences will not only elevate your visit so you can make the most of your trip, but they also support the preservation of local culture and heritage.

Reduce, reuse, recycle

Making small changes can help to significantly reduce your waste and contribute to a cleaner environment as a guest on our tours and in visiting the city. Where you can say no to the extra carrier bag. Bring a reusable water bottle and a shopping bag or tote to reduce plastic consumption. Many cafes in Belfast and Edinburgh will happily refill your water bottle. Throughout our tours and experiences, we work to minimise our waste production by providing eco-friendly compostable plates and cups at venues where they would normally use plastic or non-biodegradable items. There are also two brand new Northern Ireland Water stations installed at Belfast City Hall and St George's Market!

Be water wise

Be mindful of your water usage in your accommodation and during our tours. While we will provide you with water everywhere you go, remember that every drop counts. Staying hydrated is important but remember that every drop counts - after all, that’s potential whiskey you’re wasting! By being conscious of your water usage, you help conserve the precious resource and reduce your environmental impact. 

Respect Nature and the Environment

Help us look after the landscape and wildlife in our cities by not littering and using the pavements responsibly. Our guides will keep you out of harm's way, but please be vigilant and vigilant of our locals. By respecting nature and the environment, you help to preserve these beautiful cities for generations to come. 

Support our partner charities

We collaborate with several partner charities, which you can find listed on our website. Supporting these organisations helps us contribute to the community and environmental sustainability. Many of our partner charities focus on conservation, community development and cultural preservation. By donating to or volunteering with these organisations, you can make a positive impact on the local community and environment. Supporting these charities is a meaningful way to give back to the places you visit and ensure that your travel, your visit - however fleeting - has a positive effect. 

Participate in Eco-friendly activities

Opt for experiences and activities that prioritise sustainability. Every Taste & Tour experience is centred on promoting local produce and we work hard to run an eco-conscious service for our guests and within our wider business practices. By engaging in activities and experiences that have a lower environmental impact, you’re not only getting the opportunity to enjoy unique experiences, enriched in the authenticity of the city but you’re also supporting local businesses and promoting sustainable tourism practices.

By adopting these green travel tips, you can enjoy the rich experiences that Belfast and Edinburgh have to offer this summer while minimising your environmental impact. This summer, join Taste & Tour in making a positive difference and creating memorable, sustainable travel experiences. 

The little things

Remember, it’s the little things - small changes can help to make a difference. Together we can ensure that our beautiful cities remain vibrant and thriving for future generations. By choosing to travel sustainably, you help protect the environment, support local communities and preserve the unique culture and heritage of both Belfast and Edinburgh. Let’s work together to make this summer a season of sustainable, enjoyable and unforgettable travel as you soak up our fun, food-filled experiences across Belfast and Edinburgh.

Got any other top tips for sustainability? Drop us a comment!