Here at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions we're always trying to reduce our carbon footprint and be a little greener in our everyday running. We want to help our visitors be greener too, whether they're travelling internationally, having a weekend break in Edinburgh, or are a local coming to visit us for a day out. We've put together a list of ways you can make your visit with us more sustainable. We don't need perfection, just small changes will make a difference! Read about our sustainability efforts here.
1. Travel
Getting to us is the first step, and the next step is to step out of your front door and walk here. We're right in the centre of the old town and walking is the least complicated, greenest and also the most beautiful way to see the city. Stroll up the Royal Mile and take in your surroundings, with no carbon footprint to worry about. We appreciate some of our visitors may be a little further away and whilst they'd like to walk, it would take them a while! Our next recommendation would be cycling to us, and you can plan your journey here to find the best route and parking. Edinburgh has great public transport links, you can get the train to Waverley station and walk to us in 7 minutes, or get a bus or tram to the city centre by finding your route here. Whichever of these transport options you take, we appreciate your efforts to reduce your carbon footprint on your way to us!
2. Plan Your Visit
You'll be glad to hear that just by visiting us, you're making a green choice. We are a Gold Green Tourism accredited attraction, which means we've already made lots of progress with our sustainability efforts and are always looking for ways we can be even greener! We recommend pre-booking your visit online so all you need is your smartphone with your e-tickets, reducing the need for paper. We also have QR codes around the site that you can scan to learn more about our exhibits and get some top tips for taking great photos of your visit. Some of our exhibits are made using reusable building materials, and others are recycled from other museums and refurbished for use at Camera Obscura. Fun fact: more than 50% of our electricity comes from renewable sources, and all lighting sources have been changed to LED where practical to do so.
3. Recycle and Reuse
Your visit with us can be waste-free! In our foyer we have liquids and recycling bins where you can responsibly dispose of that takeaway coffee cup. Throughout the building you'll find further recycling bins and a water bottle refill station on our fourth floor. This means you don't need to purchase another plastic single-use container, and you can contribute to a greener, plastic-free Scotland. Fun fact: To be as environmentally friendly as possible our principal cleaning agents is SAO, produced on site using water, without chemicals or travel environmental costs.
4. Sustainable Shopping
You'll be glad to know that we have plenty of sustainable products in our Gift Shop! Our retail team work hard researching products before we stock them and therefore know how green your purchase is. You name it, we have it: Living Nature soft toys are filled with recycled plastic that comes from used bottles and food containers. Eco Chic make reusable bags and coffee cups from alternative materials like bamboo and shredded plastic bottles. The Edinburgh Candlemaker Co.'s handmade candles are made with soy and coconut wax, making them non-toxic and eco-friendly. Edinburgh Honey Co.'s honeys are produced just down the road in Leith with no additives, syrups, or preservatives and are 100% natural. Moo Free make delicious vegan and dairy free chocolates using rainforest alliance cocoa beans and never palm oil in their products, and all packaging is made out of recycled plastic. These are just a few examples of sustainable purchases that our shop has to offer, and you don't even need a ticket to visit, you can walk in and browse whenever you fancy! Find out more about our sustainable options here.
5. Green Foodie Guide
We work with our neighbours to bring discounts to our visitors so they can go and get a bite to eat at a local spot after their visit. We've written a Green Foodie Guide that can help you find your new favourite spot in Edinburgh for delicious and sustainable options. Our guide has all you need: ice cream, burgers, proper fish & chips, pizza and of course some locally made scotch whisky. And even better, you'll get a discount with your Camera Obscura ticket! See more of our discount partners here.
Now you're all ready for your very sustainable visit to Camera Obscura & World of Illusions! We hope you've learnt some tips from this wee blog and can lessen your carbon footprint in Edinburgh. Remember to book your visit online here and read more about our sustainability efforts here!
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