Purley Sustainability Group

How can we be more sustainable when we go on holiday?

As we edge towards holiday season, we thought we would give you some tips.

 •        Making a Booking – there are so many ways to book holidays but spend a few minutes looking at the operations and try to select tour operators that invest in the local communities and try and use sustainable accommodation. Do your research ahead to ensure you are using reputable companies.

•        Travel responsibly - Use most appropriate method of transport - if you can, use public transport as much as possible. It may even be more fun to explore the local area using local transport or on foot once you arrive.

•        Pack Light – check what your holiday accommodation has already provided so you do not need to take extra items, which add unnecessary weight. This may also save you money and avoid extra baggage fees. If you only take what you need, your case will be lighter, and journey will be more comfortable. Be ruthless and ask yourself – do I need ten t-shirts for a week? Do I need a litre of shampoo? Many of us will often return with half the case of clothes unworn or items not even removed from the case! Remember to pack your reusable shopping bag to use when away.

•        Try to use Environmentally Friendly Travel Products – check the labels if you can. There are some items that are better than others.

•        Think ahead and try to use reusable containers and bottles. Many holiday venues go through tons of disposable paper plates, cutlery, and cups – try to limit if you can.

•        Before you leave the home, think about the Power used at home – turn off those appliances that are not in use – turn off the standby buttons, unplug the items that just display with a clock, like the microwave for example. Unplug the charger cables for safety reasons.

•        Reduce food waste – have a good think and try and only buy what you need when away. Holidays are a wonderful time to have the treats, but it loses appeal if there are too many that end up wasted. Before you leave, try, and use up food you already have to limit food waste. There are great recipes that focus on using up “bits.”

•        When you are away, think about limiting your energy use in the holiday accommodation – ideas may be taking shorter showers, reducing air-conditioning use, sensible/necessary towel use, unplugging electrical items when not in use, not leaving on standby etc.

•        Recycle when you can whilst away from home – look for the right bins to dispose of any waste.

•        When away, think about staying local – walk to the local shops and restaurants rather than using cars. You will also be giving the local economy a bit of a boost.

•        Think twice about holiday gifts – if a gift is necessary, could it be reusable and kinder to the environment?

•        Try out eco-friendly, outdoor activities that can be fun and rewarding and embrace the fresh air and the views. They may even save a bit of money. Do remember to protect yourself from the sun.

•        Respect nature – as you would do when at home, never drop litter, (always use bins or take away with you) stick to established footpaths, respect wildlife and leave nothing behind except footprints and memories.

 Finally – enjoy the holiday, reconnect with yourself and travel companions, take deep breaths and enjoy the different views and perspectives. We know we cannot do everything, but small steps make an enormous difference.