Yorkshire Coast Environmental Charter Gets Seal of Approval

Saturday, 18 March 2023 07:00

By Matthew Pells

On Global Recycling Day, the Yorkshire Coast BID has announced a new environmental charter that highlights Yorkshire coast businesses who have made changes, to protect the areas coast, countryside, wild and marine life for future generations.

The charter, forms part of the Yorkshire Coast BID’s Pledge activities, helping to bring environmental issues on the coast to the forefront, with actionable solutions to play a positive role in protecting the area.

Supported by SEALife centre, and other local organisations – the charter aims to unite local businesses in striving for environmental change.

Commitments are broken down into three general goals:

to protect the Yorkshire Coast for generations to come,
to educate the public and staff on environmental commitments
and to aspire to further environmental commitments in the long term.

The chosen pledges are designed to allow for both long- and short-term commitments that strive for real and actionable change and range from things as simple as switching to eco-friendly cleaning products to more long-term goals such as using solely locally sourced produce and ingredients.

Businesses can commit to the charter, pledging to work towards completing a series of goals, and in turn will receive the ‘Seal of Approval’. The Seal of Approval pack will include both physical and digital certifications and assets that can be displayed in business windows and online to showcase their commitment to protecting the coast to customers.

Andy Turner, General Manager of Sea Life Scarborough, commented:

“It’s brilliant to see a new initiative that brings businesses together and offers simple changes and suggestions in the workplace that will create a much stronger environmental impact for our local area. We are passionate about protecting our local marine life, and it’s great to see additional support to help others do what they can to protect the Yorkshire Coast.”

Richard Preston of Richies Cafe Bar Bridlington, added:

“We’ve worked very hard to protect the area and make the latest changes in our business. Signing up for Seal of Approval is another way to show our customers that we are as committed to this as providing great service for 25 years.”

The Seal of Approval logo has been designed by 7-year-old, Ava, the winner of the Seal of Approval children’s artwork competition and will feature as the mascot for businesses who apply to join the charter. Ava also got to attend breakfast with the seals at SEALife Scarborough as part of her prize – being treat to a VIP tour and breakfast as well as full day entry to the centre.

The charter is open to all Yorkshire Coast businesses, big and small, with all participating businesses receiving assets that showcase their commitment.

Clive Rowe-Evans, Chairman of the Yorkshire Coast BID, said:

“We are really pleased to announce the new Seal of Approval environmental charter. Protecting the coast for generations to come is something we can all work towards that endeavours to make real change, whilst showcasing to the public which businesses are consciously working towards protecting the environment.

“All changes, big and small will contribute massively to protecting the area we live and work in and in an area that attracts tourism, showing how businesses can lead the way in showcasing their commitments, it is a great way to spread the message further afield”