GUILT-FREE HOLIDAYS
We love getting away. But how can we enjoy exploring our planet without harming it?
Now that the world is opening up again, many of us can’t wait to take that well-deserved break. But, hang on, a silver lining of Covid was the drop in carbon-producing flights. Should we really all be heading for the airport again? Find out how to enjoy holiday fun and leave a lighter footprint.
Carbon offsetting
Flights are undoubtedly bad news for the planet, with approximately 2% of all man-made carbon dioxide emissions coming from planes, according to the International Air Transport Association. Flying less is really the target, but most of us still hanker after low-cost foreign travel. Offsetting is one answer. Initiatives such as Climate Care (climatecare.org) calculate the cost of your travel emissions and help you to compensate by donating to environmental projects abroad. For example, two return economy seats from Manchester to Malaga would produce 1.16 tonnes of CO2. Via Climate
Care, £12.50 for every
tonne you produce goes to a project in Ghana making cookstoves that reduce smoke emissions. Your Spanish flight offset would, therefore, cost £14.50.*
Fly smarter
The heavier the plane, the more fuel it uses, so pack light and feel smug in economy – a larger upgraded seat increases your carbon footprint by up to three times. Budget airlines generally rank higher in green league tables as packed-out flights lower emissions per passenger.
Choose the eco option
Think of your travel budget as a vote: find out which countries are doing the right thing for their people and environment by checking out the Green Destinations Top 100 (greendestinations. org). Winning projects in 2021 included Bitez in Turkey for its sea floor cleaning campaign, or visit Paphos in Cyprus for its electric city bus project. Look for trips that support communities and don’t exploit the wildlife and scenery or threaten endangered species. ‘Many countries rely on tourism – it’s essential,’ says Alison Burgh of sustainable tourism consultant Acorn Tourism. ‘When you are away, spend locally and behave in ways that benefit local people.’
Mind how you go
Don’t leave lights on, run unnecessary air conditioning, waste water or demand that towels and bed linen be washed daily. Ask staff not to replace half-used shampoo bottles, recycle according to local rules, and don’t always assume you have to buy bottled water. Choose sunscreen carefully so that it doesn’t upset the ocean ecosystems. Sun lotion UV filters oxybenzone and octinoxate bleach coral reefs and, therefore, harm the fish that feed and shelter in them. Choose products, such as Nivea Protect & Moisture Lotion,
£10.79 (200ml).
And finally…
Don’t forget the destinations on our doorstep. By exploring our own island, you can avoid air – and road – travel altogether. One full train takes several hundred cars off the road, and from the Scottish highlands to the Cornish coast, the options are endless. Need inspiration? Head to thetrainline.com for ideas such as the Caledonian Sleeper from London to Scotland or the Blaenau Ffestiniog to Porthmadog route in Wales.