With the environment and eco-consciousness increasingly important in our lives, many people are seeking more sustainable ways to travel.
A staycation in Cornwall is better for the environment than many holidays abroad, due to not needing to fly, but there are still lots of small changes you can make to enjoy a more sustainable holiday.
Using Public Transport
There are many different options available to you when it comes to travel within the UK.
You could enjoy your entire holiday relying on buses and trains; you could drive down to Cornwall and then use public transport and bikes to get around within the county, or you could travel here on public transport and then rent a car for the duration of your trip.
Whatever you decide, there are plenty of ways in which you can reduce the fuel emissions of your journey.
Shop Local
Instead of heading straight for national chain stores, help support local businesses by visiting our independent stores, boutiques, and markets.
Cornwall is also packed full of independent restaurants and cafes, run by local families and using local produce.
As well as helping to support local businesses, by choosing Cornish-made produce you’re also helping to reduce your carbon footprint, by shortening the journey your goods have had to make to get to you!
Bring a Reusable Bottle
The tap water in Cornwall is completely safe to drink, so simply bring along a reusable bottle and refill when you need. It’s a great idea to bring a bottle along anyway when you’re visiting Cornwall, especially if you’re up for more active outdoor experiences, like hiking the moors or exploring the beaches and forests.
Take Rubbish With You
Cornwall’s idyllic coastline makes it a prime spot for days at the beach, camping trips and picnics. Unfortunately, with this comes a few bad eggs who ruin the experience for the rest of us by leaving their litter behind.
Not only does this make Cornwall’s beauty spots look a little less beautiful, but it can have a really harmful impact on the local wildlife, or add to the masses of plastic in the sea.
Do your bit when visiting Cornwall by ensuring that all packaging goes home with you, or straight into a bin!
Stay in Self-Catered Accommodation
By choosing a self-catered accommodation, you have control of the food you choose and the amount of rubbish you produce. Self-catering means that you can bring your own food with you from home; so you could use Tupperware and reusable packaging to transport food.
Alternatively, you could visit one of the many zero waste shops in Cornwall to pick up any food supplies you need during your holiday, without contributing to landfill waste.
Unplug
Why not take the chance to have a break from electronics on your holiday? Cornwall is brimming with things to do and nature to enjoy, so keep your phone in your pocket and take in all that the county has to offer.
In the evening, keep the TV turned off, and instead enjoy some quality time together as a family, playing board games or stargazing.
Whether you’re charging your phone overnight or watching the TV for hours, all of these little actions add up to extra energy usage. While switching off devices may seem insignificant; every little really does help when it comes to saving the planet!
If you are looking for a more sustainable holiday, our dog-friendly cottages in Cornwall could be the perfect spot for you! As self-catered accommodation, you’ll have full control of the food you eat, allowing you to bring your own or shop local and zero waste. Surrounded by nature, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ditch the car altogether and explore the local area on bike or foot.