Win 100 Green Pounds

Many of us now strive to do our bit for the environment, whether it’s separating our rubbish into the various bins, switching off lights or even driving hybrid cars. And even in the workplace, more employers are now going green. But no matter what lengths we go to, you can’t help but think ‘I could be doing more’. Problem is, it takes the collective to make a real difference and this is where the Green Pound aims to make a difference.

They can now be spent in over 30 green establishments in Manchester and the list is growing all the time. We want to show that being green is not niche but the future

It’s a new currency which is able to be spent in participating businesses in Manchester. You buy a Green Pound voucher in denominations of £5, £10 and £20 and five per cent of the price goes directly to reduce carbon emissions through a partnership with Foundation- a climate fund for the North West. Your Green Pounds can be spent in the best green establishments in the city, which are working to reduce carbon emissions and their impact on the environment. So it’s only the retailers who meet the strict ethical criteria set out by academic partners at Manchester Metropolitan University that have the all important green badge in their windows.

Luckily, Manchester has many thriving ethical outlets so there are already plenty of places and things to spend your Green Pounds on, including: entertainment, fashion, holidays, eating out, personal fitness and gifts. Green Pounds outlets signed up so far are:

The Royal Exchange Theatre
The Fat Loaf Restaurant
Sous Chef
Tree 2 My Door
Isinglass English Restaurant
Manchester Climbing Centre
Hulme Garden Centre
Junk
The Titchy Coffee Company
Battery Park
The Eighth Day
Sustainable Fashion Courses
Arkadash
Holt Energy
Project African Wilderness
Green Holiday Cottages
Primal Fitness

Greenroom
Southwaite Green
Junk Shop
Mod Pop Café
Wood End Retreat
Eco Outlet
Go Green Driving School
Bohos
I Feel Fruity
Naturally Simple
The Recycle Warehouse

All of the listed companies have passed the environmental assessment criteria which makes them a ‘Green Company’ by virtue of the nature of the products and services available, as well as any green policies in place. The criteria covers energy consumption, waste management, water consumption, fuel reduction and product sourcing.

Dan Clark, manager of Green Pound listed retailer Junk shop, in the Northern Quarter said: “Green Pounds are bought by anyone interested in ethical gifts, supporting the green community or reducing carbon emissions. They can now be spent in over 30 green establishments in Manchester and the list is growing all the time. We want to show that being green is not niche but the future."

Each voucher has a carbon emission saving when compared to a standard pound and the overall aim is to inspire and promote green business practice in the city as well as significantly reduce carbon emissions- something we will all benefit from.

The vouchers can be bought from Junk shop on Dale Street in the Northern Quarter or online at www.greenpoundvoucher.com, although there are plans for the vouchers to be available from more outlets if the scheme proves to be a success.