Local green suppliers are calling on Scots to do their bit for the environment and use sustainable products to host their Burns Supper.
Envirowise, a programme offering free environmental advice to Scottish businesses, is working in partnership with a number of Edinburgh-based food & drink companies, all of whom have put practices in place to reduce their carbon footprint.
As a result of their efforts to create a ‘Burns Night with a conscience’, these companies are providing Scots the opportunity to enjoy a full Burns Supper with the knowledge that the supplier has improved green credentials.
MacSween of Edinburgh has achieved significant ‘green’ results whilst producing Scotland’s famous Haggis dish. In the past year, the company has saved two tonnes of carbon - the equivalent of two flights to China - and has reduced its waste to landfill by over 50% and water usage by 30%.
Similarly, Livingston-based Paterson Arran, manufacturer of traditional Scottish shortbread and oatcakes, has improved its green credentials by putting a number of recycling initiatives in place. The company has implemented measures to reduce food, cardboard and plastic waste and is currently focusing on improving energy efficiency. Its estimated savings currently stand at £58,000 per year.
Hosting what is believed to be the first sustainable Burns Supper in its Grassmarket hotel tonight (25th January), the Apex Hotel in Edinburgh has built an enviable reputation as a pioneer of environmental best practice. The hotel operator has introduced innovative measures to reduce its carbon footprint and so far has saved 315 tonnes of carbon equating to 1.75 million air miles.
Apex Hotels’ environmental director, Jo Harbisher said: “We have ensured that our Burns menu is a sustainable one by working with suppliers to offer a truly local menu. As part of our environmental policy we have an agreement with our suppliers that they will only deliver to us if they have another delivery in the area.
“It’s now part of our culture here at Apex to look for new ways to make our business more sustainable. We are committed to continuous improvement in our environmental approach which has a positive impact on our success.”
Robbie Weir, Envirowise operations manager, said: “We are urging local companies hosting or attending a Burns Night event this evening, to make sure that the only footprints they leave behind this year are on the dance floor.
“These companies show that reducing their carbon footprint can be achieved by introducing simple measures that will result in significant financial savings. We’d like to raise a toast to these companies and hope that others will follow their lead to establish a greener future for Scotland”
Cabinet Secretary for the Environment Richard Lochhead said: “Scotland produces some of the finest food in the world, and Scottish produce is particularly visible as part of our Burns night celebrations.
“I am delighted to see Scottish companies working hard to minimise the environmental impact of their production, something which I hope to see at the heart of our national policy for food.”
For more information please contact:
Jenny Ingram or Laura Mckenzie at Trimedia on 0131 226 2363
Apex International Hotel:
The Apex International Hotel in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket is hosting a special Burns dinner on Friday 25 January. For £50 a head, guests can enjoy this traditional shindig and raise a toast to Scotland’s most famous poet. The event is to be held in the Heights Restaurant, where a delicious four-course feast will be served. Traditional Scottish food – including the obligatory haggis, neeps and tatties – will be washed down with an excellent selection of wines and a dram of whisky to ‘toast the haggis’.
Please contact 0845 365 0001 or e-mail edinburgh.events@apexhotels.co.uk for more detail.
About Envirowise:
Envirowise is a Scottish Government-funded programme dedicated to putting the sustainable use of resources at the heart of Scottish business practice.
Since 1994 Envirowise has helped UK businesses save over £1Bn by enabling them to significantly reduce their environmental footprints.
Envirowise offers businesses of all sizes and sectors a wide range of free, independent and practical advice designed to genuinely improve their processes, profitability and competitiveness. Services include:
- The Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585794.
- An encyclopaedic website (www.envirowise.gov.uk/scotland) of valuable and relevant information.
- On-site visits conducted by a nationwide team of expert advisors.
- Over 200 events each year, from Product Design Workshops to major exhibitions.