Eurostar tips for green travel

We went to see Stelios of easyJet fame speak the other night, and while it's good to hear that not all cheap flight operators think environmentalists are 'nutters' (thanks Ryanair and Mr O'Leary - how's your share price by the way?), we're unconvinced by some of his chat. If caring is really what easyJet are all about, why don't they offset flights at no cost to travellers, given Stelios himself said 'it's only a couple of pounds'...?

With that in mind, it feels like a good time to give a bit of a plug to Eurostar. Not only do Eurostar journeys create 10 times fewer emissions than the equivalent flights, they offset all remaining emissions as well, at no cost to you. They also have a great little selection of ideas on their website for green travel in most of the destinations they offer access to - it's hidden away, so follow this link and peruse at leisure. There's some great stuff even in London. Just to pick one out, scroll down to the bottom and check out Les Orangeries. It's pretty much France's first real eco-hotel by the looks of things, with electric bikes, energy-saving lightbulbs, and even special low-toxin paint on the walls. Plus, with a return from London to Poitiers taking about 5h40 and costing from £79, and luxury double rooms at Les Orangeries starting at 75 euros, it's sounding a pretty good option.