Caterer and Hotelkeeper Green Month

Welcome to Caterer and Hotelkeeper and CatererSearch.com's Green Month.

During the month of October, we will be dedicating part of our coverage to the environmental agenda and the issues and challenges that being "green" means for the hospitality industry and its operators.

The words "climate change" and "environment" are on everyone's lips these days.

Politicians from all parties are vying to have the "greenest" credentials.

But it's not only politicians that are embracing the challenge, but also business leaders.

Entrepreneur Richard Branson has pledged a decade of profits from his air and rail businesses to fighting climate change.

On a domestic and business level we have to take responsibility and make changes to the way we live or face tragic consequences for the planet.

This is why Caterer is launching a whole month of green features to educate and inform. We will examine why the industry must act now, outline practical steps on how to become a greener business and put you in touch with agencies that help and advise. As well as advice and information, you'll also be able to enter some great competitions and win amazing prizes. This all will soon be available in our Green Zone on CatererSearch (www.caterersearch.com/green).

• To prove that we are taking this issue seriously, Caterer and Hotelkeeper will be a CarbonNeutral publication for the month of October. This will mean planting trees in Northcombe Wood, Devon to offset the carbon emissions created by producing the magazine for a month.