Holidays
Adopting a more sustainable approach to travel isn’t about never taking a flight or only visiting off-radar locations, it can be about choosing destinations and activities which promote sustainability.
Flights account for around 2.5% of global carbon dioxide production at the moment, but the industry’s growing rapidly. And because planes fly high in the atmosphere, the greenhouse gases they emit do more damage than on the ground. Some of the big airlines and holiday companies are now investing in carbon-efficient planes, which consume 20% less jet-fuel than a normal plane.
If you want to look at reducing your carbon footprint whilst travelling, why not take a look at a carbon offsetting scheme (many airlines have them) or holiday right here in the UK and enjoy an eco-friendly holiday at home!
We know that sustainability might not be at the top of your checklist when booking a holiday but here are some tips and advice to help you make some smarter choices when booking your trips:
- Make the travel part of your holiday, if holidaying in the UK then take a look at whether you could use a more sustainable mode of transport to get to your destination such as the train or coach.
- Be mindful and do your bit – on holiday, many of us switch off and forget our everyday lives and so it’s easy to switch off to things like recycling or water saving but it’s important that we do this whilst away from home too.
- Look for hotels with sustainability certifications
- Consider switching one of your overseas holidays for a UK break – there are thousands of unique destinations and experiences to explore on our doorstep.
Packing for a holiday seems to be a love or hate relationship! I’m going to put it out there and predict that many households have a few words over how the cases are packed, when the process should begin and how many pairs of shoes are really needed for a fortnight away! Before the cases are packed most of us prepare a list (go on be honest, lists) which include all the new products that we want to buy for our trip, mini products to save space, water bottles for the whole family, beach essentials and in some cases a whole new wardrobe. In our excitement to have what we need and feel pampered and 100% prepared while we’re away perhaps we don’t always consider the impact on the environment of all these purchases. Here’s a few ideas to help you make more sustainable choices as you shop for your holiday.
SUNCREAM
When choosing sun cream there’s many things to consider, first and foremost being the level of protection that the cream gives you and your family from the sun. Beyond that the price is possibly the next thing that you would consider and perhaps if it’s waterproof. Some of us have switched to natural and or organic sun protection and products that aren’t harmful to wildlife including coral. Have you ever factored in the packaging and the volume of disposable plastic that the holiday season creates? Don’t forget that these quick swaps and choices you can make extend to after sun and lip balm too.
Here’s a few alternatives to the plastic pump bottle when shopping for your suncream:
Sweet Bee Organic Sunscreen – Sweet Bee Organics UK
Sol De Ibiza, vegan sunscreen stick SPF50. Plastic Free Sun Protection – Eco Market Store
Sol de Ibiza, vegan sunscreen cream SPF30. Plastic Free Sun Protection – Eco Market Store
This vegan, cruelty free, praben free sunream from Ecooking is all you need this summer.
One for the kids:Organic and paraben free from Bambo Nature.
TOILETRIES
Saving space and keeping the weight down in your suitcase is essential. Do you buy a mini version of each of your “I can’t live without” beauty products? Why not invest in a set of refillable mini bottles? They are an investment that won’t need replacing every holiday so next year you won’t need to buy more toiletries. Simply decant your favourite shampoo from your usual bottle into you refillable mini and away you go. These mini refills come in all shapes and sizes, perfect for your lotions, potions and creams. Plus, if you want to remove plastic altogether there’s always glass as an option. The example below and manufactured from recycled glass and boast carbon neutral delivery.
6pcs Empty Bottle Set Shampoo Shower Gel Dispenser Refillable Toiletry Bottles | eBay
Refillable Travel Toiletry Bottles | Reusable Travel Bottle Set (wearthlondon.com)
If you love to buy new products for you holiday, maybe consider buying a shampoo bar that isn’t packaged in plastic. Some brands make mini versions that come in handy cube sized pieces, perfect for a weekend away.
Natural Shampoo and Soap Bars | Silicone And SLS Free | The Good Soap (the-good-soap.co.uk)
Travel Minis – Plastic Freedom
Both sustainable and reusable, these silicone travel bottles have multiple purposes and travel well.
STRAWS
Cocktails, mocktails and anything cool and refreshing are the choice on holiday. Most places these days will provide you with a paper straw as opposed to a plastic one. To reduce the volume of disposable products even further why not take your own stainless steel straw with you? They’re small and light to pack and can be rinsed easily (some come with a special brush) between uses. There are so many options to choose from, plain and simple, coloured, telescopic keyring options and even personalised engraving so there will be no arguments over which is which, the whole family is covered.
Personalised Stainless Steel Metal Drinking Straws FREE | Etsy
Reusable Metal Straws – 4Pk | Mountain Warehouse GB
SUNGLASSES
They are not just essential to our summer style but also important to protect your eyes and skin from the glorious sunny summer we are all going to have this summer.
If you buy vintage or second hand the energy used to produce them has already been consumed so keep an eye out on the highstreet for a hidden gem. Or visit Peep online where they have a huge selection of pre-loved glasses that can be personalised with new lenses to fit your personal style.
https://www.peepeyewear.co.uk/
If you want to find a new pair that are made from sustainable products like bio-based acetate, renewable cork and recycled aluminium you can try Bird. They work to provide solar light to communities in Malawi and Zambia donating to the cause through every pair sold.
Offering a stylish and practical alternative to plastic frames, they also do prescription lenses for the all round sustainable look.
We love a biodegradable option and Pela have even managed to get the hinges on their stylish frames to be part of their sustainable design. Working in a closed loop model that use old plastic sunglasses to develop their new frames this brand is really pushing the sustainable message hard and trying to be part of the solution, so far they claim to have kept over 500,000 pounds of plastic from ever being produced.
Buy second hand branded and non-branded sunnies from Dubizzle.com
CLOTHES
We all love a new outfit for our annual getaway but why not look this year to buy second hand or delve into last years wardrobe for inspiration.