In London, two million people are living in areas with illegal air pollution levels. Buses and other vehicles pollute the city at an alarming rate. The quality of the air is linked to a wide range of health impacts, from misscarriage to teenage psychosis. In light of this year’s ‘Car Free Day’ we want to encourage people to cycle, walk and reduce car emissions to improve the quality of the air.
Whether you live and work in this buzzing city or are just visiting for a short trip, London could use little lifestyle changes that add up and collectively make a difference. No matter where you are in your own journey to a sustainable or ‘green’ lifestyle, we’re sure this guide has something for you. From vegetarian eats and eco-beauty treatments to sustainable fashion shops and bike tours, London has many more green alternatives than you might have originally imagined.
Dine & Wine.
If you’re looking for plant-based meals made with seasonal ingredients, free from additives and chemicals, look no further and head to Notting Hill’s hotspot Farmacy. This restaurant is a true champion of local farming and biodynamic sustainability. Waste and plastic are also kept to an absolute minimum.
When it comes to food and drink, reducing your waste and plastic use is key. So whether you live in London or booked an Airbnb for the weekend, consider heading to the local farmer’s market for the best organic, local and plastic-free produce that will make each meal that much richer in flavour. Remember to go armed with canvas totes, produce bags and re-usable containers.
Grab an evening drink at Scout, a hip rooftop bar in Hackney, which focuses on minimal waste to ensure a conscious, sustainable experience. The menu is inspired by British produce and it changes daily, adapting to seasonal ingredients sourced from foragers, farmers and growers all over the British isles.
Shopping
If you’re in the lookout for some unique finds, London is just the place for you. The city is a haven for vintage fashion lovers. The streets are filled with curated second-hand fashion gems such as the shops that line Portobello Road in Notting Hill, or the local vintage market on Ladbroke Grove which bustles with treasures from yesteryear on Saturday mornings. If the east side is closer to tou, head to Bricklane for some savvy thrifting at the local favorites, Beyond Retro and Atika (formerly named Blitz).
Getting around
In recent years, the number of people cycling to work has more than doubled. For the daily commuters, this means of transportation will reduce your carbon emissions and will help you zoom in and out of traffic. Tourists can make the most of the trusty local Santander bikes and on the weekend, take the most picturesque routes of the city.
East London is a hotbed for cyclists looking to explore cobbled streets at a slow pase. Encompassing the popular areas of Shoreditch, Hoxton and Liverpool St. this is certainly a good place to go for a ride. End the journey with a pint at a local pub or a locally-sourced meal perched atop a local rooftop restaurant.
If you’re searching for a more scenic route, away from the concrete jungle, may we suggest a ride accross Ricmond Park, home to acres of land, deer and meeting point for lovers of the outdoors. Follow the Tamsin Trail for a total distance of 12km for a lovely loop of the grounds with many stops for ice-creams along the way.
Wellness
For holistic therapies, treatments and just an all-round nice little excursion, take a trip to Neal’s Yard’s beauty room hidden in a corner of Covent Garden. Surrounded by beautifully bright coffee shops and restaurants. The treatments offered at Neal’s Yard range from ayurvedic massages to acupuncture, organic mani-pedis and more.
If you’re in for a sweat, don’t miss Terra Hale an eco-friendly fitness destination with a mindful eye on wellness and Mother Nature.
London is full of ‘green’ options and environmentally-friendly ways to travel. The city is very walkable. This ‘Car Free Day’, take a nice stroll to major attractions or just explore London’s many little ‘villages’. There are walking maps outside most tube stations or you can download an official like Visit London to help you navigate on the day.
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