In the UK, we are lucky enough to have access to beautiful landscapes, vibrant and bustling cities, historic buildings with a deep history, which makes it a spellbinding holiday destination for many travellers. There’s nothing stopping us from exploring these wonders while minimising our environmental carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions.
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If you’re looking to explore the UK, whether it’s for a long weekend, a road trip, or even a family holiday, here are some tips that will help you embrace sustainable travel in the UK.
Transport
Closer to home
Although we are on a small island, the UK is a treasure trove of a variety of diverse experiences. From the rolling hills in the Cotswolds to the dramatic Cornish coastlines to exploring national parks like the Lake District and the New Forest, you won’t have any issues with finding something for everyone, without racking up the air miles from domestic flights. You’ll never know what you could discover on your doorstep. Not only will this help reduce your carbon emissions and environmental impact, it will also be kinder to your wallet. Not only that, it’s a great way to contribute to the local economy.
Public Transport
The UK has a huge network of trains, buses and coaches. Opting for public transport instead of air travel means your responsible travel habits will have a positive impact. We have a number of tour operators in the UK if you’re looking for a day trip somewhere while you’re away.
There are also a number of discounted travel cards available for frequent travellers, some where you could at least a third off of your travel. I have been wearing hearing aids for 8 years and I only recently discovered that I was eligible for a Disabled Person’s Railcard. With this card, I get a third off rail travel and if I travel with someone else, they can enjoy the benefit too.
Cars
If travelling using public transport isn’t a viable option for you, consider sharing cars or you could even hire an electric vehicle. The UK has been upgrading its infrastructure to accommodate electric vehicle charging points making sustainable tourism easier.
Accommodation
Eco-conscious stays
With the rise of Airbnb and other similar sites, it’s easier to research accommodations that prioritises sustainable practices. These could include eco-friendly accommodation such as eco-lodges, farm stays, or even hotels with green credentials like solar panels. Many businesses love to promote how they are reducing their single-use plastics, embracing renewable energy, and sourcing from local communities and local businesses. It highlights their sustainability ethics by taking climate change seriously and want to reduce their negative impact.
Responsible practices
When you’re in a your hotel room, think about the amenities available. Turn off lights when they’re not in use, don’t opt for unnecessary linen changes or fresh towels if you haven’t used the towels. Many hotels offer facilities where you can recycle easily. When charging your phone, put it in ‘airplane mode’, this will charge a lot quicker (which will use less energy) because it’s not using any power to run any background apps.
Food and Activities
Time for your tastebuds
Don’t be scared to immerse yourself in to the local culture and the culinary delights. Local restaurants will likely source their produce locally. As food hasn’t travelled over long distances, the carbon footprint from transportation will be greatly reduced, while enjoying farm-to-table dining experiences.
Reduce waste
When eating, ensure you order what you need, there’s nothing worse than food waste. I’m sure you’ve heard this before but I will say it again, take a reusable water bottle with you everywhere you go and make a conscious effort to reduce your plastic waste.
Sustainable activities
There are many activities available that minimise our environmental impact. The best way to appreciate could natural environment is to explore the landscapes the UK has to offer, while respecting wildlife and adhering to all designated trails. You could even take part in activities that promote conservation efforts, usually set up by the local community.
Clothes and souvenirs
Durability
Pack clothes and footwear that are good quality. There’s nothing worse than an item of clothing falling apart while you’re away, and the additional expense of having to replace it. A good way to avoid this is to opt for high-quality and durable items of clothing that will last long, this also avoids clothing ending up in landfill. Charity shops are a really good place to buy new clothes and you can sometimes find some gems at a fraction of the original price.
Souvenirs
Us Brits love our souvenirs. My Mum buys a fridge magnet for my daughter whenever she travels to a new place. These are handy because, as every parent will appreciate, we tend to display our children’s artwork on the fridge. Rather than opting for mass-produced items that will probably end up sitting in a draw gathering dust the minute you get home, look at purchasing handcrafted gifts made by local people and from sustainable materials avoiding those that exploit natural resources and don’t support positive animal welfare.
Sustainable Travel in the UK
By incorporating some of these green travel and sustainable tips into your next trip, you’re not only exploring the beauty the UK has to offer, you’re also contributing to a more sustainable way of life for future generations to enjoy. Sustainable living isn’t about being perfect, there’s not such thing as perfect, but every conscious decision you make does adds up. This may seem small but your small changes towards responsible tourism does make a huge difference.
This has been written by Raakhee Stratton, a UK based eco-blogger and author of Easy Peasy Greeny. Currently studying towards a BSc Environmental Science and passionate about working towards sustainable living by learning and sharing ideas.
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