Victoria and Amelia Blog

 

 #sustainability #sustainabletourism Essen (Germany): 💗💗💗💗💗💗 The city of Essen, recognized by the EU in 2017 as the  European Green Capital , has maintained its commitment to sustainability, a philosophy that is also reflected in how it celebrates Christmas. Its international Christmas market ranks in first place as "Best sustainable Christmas market in Europe" in the scoring set up by European Best Destinations. Powered  100% by renewable energy , it stands out for having replaced plastic dishes and bags with a  deposit system  for cups, mugs, and plates in which products are served. Maribor (Slovenia): 💗💗💗💗💗💗 Slovenia's second-largest city, following the capital, holds official recognition as one of the country's  “Green Destinations” . Their Christmas market is unique for its  eco-friendly constructions  and its commitment to avoiding the use of cut fir trees. Instead, it showcases its renowned traditional  "living trees" ...

Boasts magical Christmas markets, with top destinations like  Montreux  (lakeside wonder with Santa, castle festivities),  Basel  (largest, fairy-tale Old Town,family friendly), and  Zurich  (indoor station tree, Old Town charm)  offering festive stalls, mulled wine, crafts, and carols, alongside beautiful markets  in  Lucerne ,  Bern ,  Lausanne , and Italian-influenced  Lugano   (often stays open till late) . Each market offers unique ambiance, from Swiss traditions to lakeside views,  festive lights, fondue chalets, flying Santas, and more   attracting visitors with seasonal treats and festive cheer.  That is Switzerland - charming !

Promoting local, organic and artisanal products to reduce the carbon footprint, reduce waste or the use of renewable energy are some of the key elements for making Christmas markets more sustainable.  In order to reduce the environmental impact, some Christmas markets have been setting up  more sustainable  practices for years. Lighting has evolved towards the use of renewable energies, as seen in the  Christmas market in Cologne  (Germany), powered by 100% renewable electricity - hydroelectric and wind - a measure which saves, according to its estimates, 152 tons of CO2. Or that of  Madrid’s Plaza Mayor , one of the most emblematic in Spain, which will be lighted with sustainable energy for the first time in 2024. Source: https://www.moeveglobal.com/en/planet-energy/environment/ #sustainability #christmas

  In 1696 Pieter de Vos could feast his eyes on what you see today.   Sustainabilty An important way of honouring  our heritage  is to bring back traditional farming practices where viable. And then we combine them with new agricultural technology. We find that with ongoing trial and practice and the application of detailed precision tools, we can measure and manage with greater accuracy. All in the interests of making  great wines  that are in balance with and a reflection of our terroir. We call it a progressive, adaptive approach - another way of saying that we always try to farm with, rather than against nature. And it has earned us  WWF Conservation Championship status  for our “exceptional commitment to the collective conservation of threatened habitat in the Succulent Karoo and Cape Floral Kingdom as well as outstanding dedication to environmentally responsible farming practices.” A big focus here is  regenerative farming  wi...

  Zurich and Lausanne   are excellent urban green destinations in Switzerland, known for their extensive parks, commitment to sustainability, and green infrastructure like public transport and bike-sharing programs. Other cities with significant green spaces include Bern, which has scenic walks along the Aare river, and Geneva, which is also focused on green initiatives.   Zurich Sustainability:  Consistently ranked among the world's most sustainable cities, with ambitious goals for the future, such as its "2000-watt society" target. Green transportation:  Offers free public bicycles and has extensive public transport options. Green spaces:  Features various green areas and is a gateway to the surrounding natural landscapes. Eco-friendly options:  A thriving scene of zero-waste and plant-based restaurants is available for eco-conscious travelers. Lausanne Urban green spaces:  Offers numerous "green oases," including Park Mon-Repos, Park Sauvabelin...

 Zermatt and The Matterhorn. Zermatt, in southern Switzerland’s Valais canton, is a mountain resort renowned for skiing, climbing and hiking.  The car-free city of Zermatt,attracts everyone who loves mountains.  Its main street, Bahnhofstrasse is lined with boutique shops, hotels and restaurants, and also has a lively après-ski scene. There are public outdoor rinks for ice-skating and curling. Discover the famous Matterhorn mountain, as you walk along the Haute Route from Brig to Zermatt. The Matterhorn is a mountain of the Alps, straddling the main watershed and border between Switzerland and Italy,  whose summit is 4,478 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest summits in the Alps and Europe.