So you’ve chosen a staycation. Opting to holiday at home rather than hopping on a budget flight is one of the very best ways any of us can choose to reduce our impact on the environment. After all, around 2.4% of global CO2 emissions are caused by aviation, with the industry believed to be responsible for around 5% total of all global warming .
Despite all good intentions though, traveling here in the UK can still be a bit of a minefield, especially when it comes to keeping things good and green. But holidays don’t have to be all doom and gloom. There are lots of meaningful ways to ensure that your British vacation has minimal impact on the wider world, and most of them don’t require you to spend big on time or on money. Read on for our top tips to help reduce your carbon footprint while enjoying a great British break.
Take public transport
Driving to a UK destination might appear to be far more eco-friendly than hopping on a plane, but did you know that your car actually creates more carbon per person, per kilometre than a short haul flight (192g compared to 156g based on an average medium-sized car) ?
Choosing to use public transport to get to your destination is the best possible way to minimise your impact on the environment when taking a staycation, with rail travel the most sustainable option, even compared to an electric car, producing just 41g of carbon per person, per kilometre. A coach or bus, though highly polluting, can also significantly save on per person emissions compared to taking the car.
When planning your journey it can be useful to consult a carbon footprint calculator to help you find the least polluting route to your chosen destination. You may even find that an unexpected itinerary with interesting changes and stops along the way is the cleanest option as well as the most exciting.
Choose sustainable accommodation
It might seem obvious but choosing green accommodation is a must when planning an eco-friendly holiday. And though many hotels, B&Bs and hostels will shout loudly about their green credentials, it should be remembered that organic shower gel is a drop in the ocean compared to the damage done by industrial linen washing, wasteful power showers and incandescent bulbs which burn all night.
YHA hostels are both affordable and eco-conscious, with new properties now built or converted to minimise their environmental impact wherever possible. This means you might be kept warm with a biomass boiler while your phone charges via solar power. Many YHA hostels also offer pocket-friendly camping and glamping accommodation, meaning even less waste if you’re willing and able to sleep under the stars.
While in your accommodation, wherever that may be, do remember to do your bit too. Opt to skip housekeeping and laundry until needed, turn off lights when you leave and ask about recycling if the right waste bins are not obvious or don’t seem to be available.
Enjoy walking and cycling
Walking and cycling breaks are a great way to explore the countryside when you’re out there on a staycation. With no emissions to worry about and no need to stick to a timetable, traveling under your own power gives you almost limitless freedom to explore on your own schedule.
Walking holidays require minimal equipment – invest in a sturdy pair of boots (and a good waterproof jacket) – and allow you to reach parts of the country that simply wouldn’t be accessible by car, bus or train.
YHA hostel to hostel walking or cycling holidays are a great way to make the most of your break, allowing you to cover vast distances and varied terrains with the knowledge that you’ll reach a comfortable bed and clean bathroom at the end of each day. Many YHA premises are equipped with secure bicycle storage facilities and drying rooms, making overnight stop offs especially convenient. Most will also provide breakfast and even a packed lunch for the day ahead.
Leave no trace
First touted in the 60s, the concept of ‘leave no trace’ is more than just a hippy slogan and it couldn’t be a more vital instruction for modern day travellers. The damage we can do when out and about in nature can have unhappy consequences for natural spaces and the wildlife that calls them home.
Sticking to well-trodden routes is a simple way to ensure you’re not inadvertently disturbing natural habitats and causing soil erosion. Likewise, be aware of where your dog is walking and fouling, disposing of waste responsibly and keeping Rover on a lead where necessary.
Going zero waste as you travel is probably the simplest and most effective way to follow the leave no trace ethos. We know you know not to litter, however accidents can and do happen. Opting for refillable water bottles over disposable plastic bottles, toting sandwiches in beeswax wraps and choosing loose fruit over packaged minimises the risk of unwittingly dropped litter.
Respect nature
Being on holiday can be pretty exciting, especially when you’re exploring new and wild places, like moors, coves and fells. However, it can be easy to cause unintentional damage when we’re so keen to get up close to the nature around us. This is especially true of children.
Though you might be tempted to pick flowers or take home rocks, doing so can have consequences for the natural environment, damaging natural homes and food sources. It’s also surprisingly easy to disturb nesting birds or other animals through our actions.
Always be sure to check local restrictions before walking dogs, climbing trees, flying kites or lighting BBQs and to avoid approaching wild animals or their homes. If you’re especially keen to see animals in their natural habitats, head for a dedicated hide or sign up for organised activities like bat walks or badger watches led by local wildlife experts.
Know the Countryside Code
Speaking of caring for nature, it’s a good idea to keep yourself up to date with the Countryside Code. Much of the code is common sense, built around staying safe and behaving considerately when spending time in rural areas. However, some is designed to help you know how best to protect the environment you’re in.
In addition, the code provides examples of the signs you might encounter when out and about so you know as a walker, cyclist or horse rider which paths are open to you and which should be avoided. It also serves as a handy reminder for drivers, who may not be aware of habits that can prove damaging or inconsiderate in rural spaces.
The National Trail website offers a helpful overview of the Countryside Code as well as guides for great UK walking routes. You can also check the Open Access database for guidance on straying off the beaten path safely and thoughtfully.
Enjoy eco-friendly activities
Whether on the beach or in the hills, there’s bound to come a time when you’ll want to seek out an organised activity to keep the family occupied. This might be an educational outing or all about the thrills and spills. Perhaps you’re looking for a boat ride or a pony trek to help you get a new perspective on your surroundings or maybe a day at a spa or trying out a craft is what you need to help you unwind.
Some pursuits can be particularly damaging to the countryside or to the wider environment, and this can be especially true of motorised sports like quad biking. That’s not to say that adrenaline junkies can’t get their fix – caving, hang gliding or kayaking can be enjoyed with minimal environmental impact. It’s just a matter of choosing carefully.
Keep your eyes peeled for attractions and activities that bear the Green Tourism badge for peace of mind that you’re supporting tourism that actively works to reduce its carbon footprint. You’ll find this badge displayed on websites as well as in person.
Find ways to help
Giving something back while you travel is a fantastic way to offset the environmental cost of your journey while also giving you the inner glow that comes with doing good.
Organised volunteering holidays are available in most areas of the UK, with accommodation provided or subsidised as part of your package. You can also choose to dedicate just some of your holiday to helping by finding a local beach clean up day or a tree planting drive near your chosen destination or by taking part in a nature survey, some of which require only a little of your time.
YHA itself offers a range of volunteering opportunities throughout the year, giving visitors the chance to help out with the running and upkeep of hostels, from cleaning, painting and decorating to gardening and DIY tasks. Accommodation is provided and you may even be able to claim back some of your travel costs. Most of these working parties are just a few days long, leaving you with loads of lovely time to enjoy your surroundings.
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