ad collaborative post // We all know how important it is to be more sustainable in our everyday lives, helping to reduce waste and reuse items as often as we can. So why should this be any different when we take time off and escape with a staycation in the UK?
We’ve collated a few ways you can help out the planet and be more sustainable on your next trip in one of Away Resorts static caravans.
Reuse
When holidaying, there are many ways we can all do our bit for the planet, by opting for reusable rather than single-use items. Things we can take with us include: ·
- Reusable travel cups: If you own your holiday home, you could store these at your accommodation, or use them to transport a drink whilst travelling to your holiday home.
- Always carry a refillable water bottle: Cut out single-use plastic bottles by carrying a reusable bottle. There are likely many places around where you explore that will happily refill your bottle for free, so it saves you money too!
- Reusable containers: Bringing these with you on holiday is a great way to transport food items for picnics etc, without having to rely on single-use food packaging. Plus, once you’ve eaten your picnic, any rubbish can be placed in these boxes to take back to your home away from home and placed in the bin, reducing litter.
- Reusable bags: Whether popping to the shop or buying a souvenir for a friend, we always recommend reusing a bag. This could be a backpack or a reusable shopping bag. Using reusable bags is also a great way to transport any larger items such as pillows etc, to your holiday home.
Local
It’s always a good idea to shop local. In doing so, you’re supporting small, independent businesses within the area you’re staying. Depending on where you are, there may be a great range of local produce they sell. Plus, buying locally grown produce reduces your carbon footprint. You could buy things such as:
- Local wine/beer/cider: Is there a vineyard or orchard near where you are staying?
- Local seafood: Especially if you’re holidaying by the beach!
- Locally made product: Buying a locally crafted souvenir is a great way to remember your trip, whilst also supporting local trade.
Avoid Waste
We all have to do our bit to reduce the amount of waste we produce each year within our homes, so why should this be any different when we escape the mundane nine to five? No matter where you go, there will always be ways in which you can reduce the waste you produce along your travels, such as:
- Only buy what you need: This way, nothing is wasted.
- Use apps and online confirmation bookings: This reduces paper waste.
- Share the resources: Return or pass on maps, brochures and other tourist pamphlets you pick up along your travels to other tourists. This again reduces paper waste.
- Take your rubbish with you: If you plan to spend the day on the beach or hiking the landscape, we suggest taking your rubbish back to your accommodation to reduce the amount of waste produced within these locations. Plus, if take your food with you in food containers, you’ll have less waste to get rid of on your return.
Nature
Looking after nature around us is one way we can be more sustainable and environmentally friendly whilst holidaying anywhere in the world, including the UK. Here are a few ways we can all look after nature whilst still enjoying our surroundings:
- Staying on marked paths: To avoid harming any native flora and the local wildlife. If you explore off the designated pathways, you could disturb local ecosystems.
- Don’t touch or get close to animals: Some animals may bite, or be unwell without your knowledge, which in turn can cause the spread of disease or make you feel unwell. Plus, nobody wants to be poorly on their holiday! Not only this, but some animals may also have a fear or phobia of humans, so getting too close to them could cause upset.
- Feeding animals and wildlife: If you don’t have permission to feed the creatures you find along your travels, don’t give them any food from your bag. They could have a specific dietary requirement and food that’s alien to them could cause pain, or in worse cases, death.
How will you be more sustainable on your next trip?