UK visitors to France during the last 12 months were among the worst culprits for not recycling or recycling incorrectly while on holiday, according to a recent resort study carried out by Pierre & Vacances, a self-catering accommodation provider in France.
The questionnaire found that packaging in English and from British brands was more commonly disposed of incorrectly than waste from any other nation. More than 100 resort and residence managers in locations throughout France completed the survey.
UK and Ireland Sales and Marketing Director for Pierre & Vacances Cathy Rankin said: โWe donโt think that Brits are unwilling to recycle, rather that they donโt fully understand how it is done in France.
โWe feel itโs important to help educate those staying in France with Pierre & Vacances to support French environmental initiatives to conserve energy and minimize landfill.โ
In response to its survey findings, Pierre & Vacances has created an infographic that advises visitors from Britain, Ireland, and beyond on how to recycle correctly and holiday with lower environmental impact in France. The graphic communication will be widely distributed via social media, and there are further plans to roll it out to recycling areas in resorts and send it to customers with their Pierre & Vacances booking confirmation. The recycling guide can be viewed here: http://blog.pv-holidays.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/PV_RECYCLING_INFOGRAPHIC.jpg
Rankin continued: โNot everyone would consider packing bags for life along with their ski equipment or beach towel, however, the whole of France is now plastic bag-free, so they are an essential piece of kit for grocery shopping while on holiday there.โ
Pierre & Vacancesโ newest properties – Pierre & Vacances Premium LโAmara, Les Crozats, and Maeva Electra – due to launch in December 2011, are its most eco-friendly developments to date.
Technical and architectural measures to conserve energy include strengthened insulation, triple-glazing, double-flux ventilation, and glazed walls enabling pre-heating of fresh air. Additionally, a wood-burning stove will produce enough energy to provide heating and hot water for all three new constructions.
For its green design in the Crozats district, Pierre & Vacances was awarded environmental category 1. The building now carries the BBC label (Bรขtiment Basse Consommation Effinergie: low energy consumption building). Pierre & Vacances has set up ambitious targets in terms of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable transport.