Reducing Your Carbon Footprint While Travelling*

For most of us, going on holiday at least once a year is imperative to our mental health. As it really helps us escape the stresses of every day life and relax for a week or so. When you’re trying to live more sustainably, many of us can start feeling guilty about our holidays – particularly when we’re flying overseas.

Well, worry not, as here at Kwiksweep we’ve put you together a guide on reducing your carbon footprint while travelling. Which means you can enjoy your holiday guilt-free!

1: Carefully Choose Your Airline and Pick Economy 

Flying first class or business might feel luxurious, but due to the space these seats take, it will increase the fuel used per passenger on that plane. Instead, try to book flights where you’ll both be in economy seating and where your flight is a non-stop route. As these will both keep fuel consumption down.

It’s also worth looking into the airline you’re planning on using to see what that company is doing for the environment. As while budget airlines like Ryanair might save you some money, airlines such as British Airways recycle all their cabin waste.

2: Consider a Longer Holiday 

Rather than taking two holidays a year, it makes sense for the environment if you instead choose to take one longer holiday abroad – as that will reduce the number of flights you are taking a year. Or, if you have your heart set on two holidays, choose one holiday here in the UK, where you can take a bus or train to your destination.

While a holiday in the UK might not feel as warm or glamorous as other places, there are actually hundreds of super destinations across the UK that make for wonderful holidays.

3: Avoid Taxis to the Airport 

If you need to travel to your airport or your hotel while on holiday, you can be much more sustainable by avoiding taxis. That’s because, when you use a taxi, you’re using much more fuel per person than you would be on public transport. So, if you can, use a train or bus to get to and from airports – it will also be much cheaper!

4: Turn off Everything at Home While Away 

We often think about our actions on holiday while trying to more sustainable, yet we forget that there’s lots at home that could be wasting energy while we’re away. This includes turning all electronics off at the plug and reducing your temperature settings on your heating. By doing this you will be reducing your carbon footprint at home, leaving you to enjoy your holiday.

5: Stay Sustainable All Year Round!  

It is possible to offset your holiday. Think of it like this, if you try to keep your carbon footprint down while on holiday and you work all year to recycle and other sustainable ways of living, there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy your holiday to the fullest. As, let’s face it, we all need a good holiday from time to time!