Do your bit to keep it green

Many holidaymakers are looking to do their bit for the planet on a getaway.

And while you might not think there’s much you can do on a 2022 staycation on Britain’s canals, there are some opportunities to go greener and cleaner on the 2,000-plus miles of waterways.

Check out these tips from Anglo Welsh boat hire firm:

Green clean: use the eco cleaning products provided on board Anglo Welsh boats, and bring along microbead-free toiletries.

Bring your own hot drink cups: if you stop off to buy a coffee you won’t need to have it in a difficult-to-recycle disposable cup.

Reduce plastic bottles: use water from the boat’s tank to make a cuppa, but for fresh drinking water, bring one large bottle or canteen to top up at water points.

PlasticsChallenge: each year an estimated 14 million pieces of plastic rubbish end up in Britain’s canals and rivers, with around 500,000 flowing into the sea. The Canal & River Trust is asking everyone who visits waterways to pledge to pick up at least one piece of plastic litter each time they go.

Shop locally: look out for farm shops and local stores selling locally grown produce that are walking distance from your canal boat holiday route, as well as pubs with menus using locally sourced ingredients. Also, bring your own reusable shopping bags to carry your purchases.

Bag all rubbish: make sure all your bin bags are tied securely so they can’t spill open, and make use of canalside recycling facilities that are provided along the way.

Greener fuels: if you book a boat with a multi-fuel stove, burn the fire logs provided made from recycled sawdust and wax instead of coal.

Anglo Welsh’s Matt Lucas Stern said: “Canal boats travel at just 4mph, so this form of slow travel staycation uses less fuel.

‘’All our new boats have been fitted with LED lighting and the latest engines with lower emissions.

“By 2030 we aim to have solar panels on all our new boats.”