Although this week my green tips have a holiday theme, they can be followed at home, as well as when away.
Green Travel
If you can, use train, bus, bike or foot for as much as you can. Check out bus and train times. Find places to walk. Download a walking app or borrow an OS map and explore on foot or bike. This will help you to really appreciate the rich ecology and history of where you are.
A good place for train information is www.greatscenicrailways.co.uk. For buses visitÂ
Day-trip locally
There’s rarely any need to travel far. If you do drive, set yourself a fifteen mile limit for day trips.
Stay for longer
When you do go on holiday, a longer stay will mean the impact of your journey to and from your destination becomes more worthwhile.
Buy local
Rather than buying from a supermarket, why not shop at a local farm shop? Buy meaningful gifts from local crafts-people, or second-hand shops. Eat out at pubs and restaurants that offer a locally sourced menu.
Support local events
Enjoy the plethora of live music and theatre that can be found locally. Many local pubs hold open mic nights and jam sessions.
Save energy
Turn down the heating when you go out for the day and turn off any lights or electrical appliances you are not needing.
Use water wisely
Opt for a shower, and turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. If you are staying in a hotel, do reuse your towels to reduce the washing load.
Go for a #2minutebeachclean
Plastic always makes its way to the sea. If you go to the beach, take a bag and fill it with plastic jetsam. You can help keep landscapes tidy by picking up any loose litter to prevent it from reaching water courses. I keep a bag on me for this purpose.
Carry a reusable cup and water bottle
Many cafes now give discount for bringing your own cup.
Holiday outside the peak periods
If you are not restricted by school holidays, then holidaying out of season helps to support local businesses and keep them viable. There are advantages too; the magic of empty beaches or open moorland on a crisp winters day. Few things beat glorious autumn colour, or springtime gardens. Some of the best time-out can be enjoyed in a cosy space, curled up by a fire playing games or reading a book.
Love the weather, however wild
Invest in a decent raincoat and walking boots, so you are prepared for exhilarating wind and rain.
Immerse yourself in nature
Enjoy and celebrate wild spaces. Find the local nature reserve. Bring some binoculars; take time to sit and observe. If you are lucky you might even spot a rare bird, water voles, migrating birds or beaver activity.
Think about changes you want to make when you return home
Top of the list should be changing your bank to an ethical one. This is probably the most powerful action you can do, as without investment fossil fuel industries will flounder. You may also your time out to plan; is there somewhere you would like to volunteer? Could you make your garden more wildlife friendly? Observe what you think works well when you are away, and action it at home. Having time out is a great way of recharging our energy banks and thinking about how we can shape the world we love to live in.
