Help the Environment, Even when you’re on holiday!

Making a Positive Impact on Your Holiday

Traveling and holidays are one of life’s great pleasures, offering us the chance to explore, relax, and create memories that last a lifetime. However, it’s important to recognize that our travel choices can have significant impacts on the environment.

With an increased need to protect our planet, eco-tourism has never been more popular. But having a greener holiday is maybe less hassle than you think! There are a lot of easy things you can do while on holiday to make a difference. By making mindful decisions, we can minimize our ecological footprint and ensure that the beautiful places we visit remain vibrant for years to come.

Holiday in the UK

It may sound obvious, but forgoing carbon-producing overseas flights in favour of the good old staycation is an easy way to help the environment on holiday. In fact, one 4-hour flight is equivalent to the amount of carbon emissions your car releases in 10 weeks.

So, if you’re already considering staying in Whitby and driving – or even better, taking public transport, it’s already a great way of helping the environment before your holiday has even started.

Choose Sustainable Transport

Transport is one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions. When planning your holiday, consider eco-friendlier options such as trains or buses. You can find details of Train and bus services to Whitby Here.  Of course you may already have an electric or Hybrid vehicle. If so then check out our properties with their own EV chargers.     There are also 4  EV charging points at Aldi supermarket in Whitby.  Once you’re here, use public transport, rent a bike, or walk when possible. Not only does this reduce emissions, but it gives you the change to enjoy the fresh air and some amazing views without taking the car.

Take part in a beach clean

If you’re visiting Whitby on holiday, a beach clean is a great way to help the seaside environment and get involved with the local community too. Whether you take part in an organised beach clean or do a little bit to help with an impromptu 2-minute beach clean yourselves, it all adds up to keep our coastlines free of plastic. Not only will you be making the landscape look better, but you will also be helping local marine life and, in turn, ourselves. – 70% of the oxygen we breathe is produced by marine plants, and one in three fish caught for human consumption now contains plastic!

Be Mindful of Wildlife and Natural Habitats

Respect the natural habitats and wildlife where you visit. Stick to marked trails, avoid disturbing animals, birds  and  sea life, and never feed the wildlife (Especially the seagulls!!). Choose activities that are conducted in an ethical manner that prioritise the well-being of the environment and its inhabitants. Don’t drop litter, leaving no trace ensures these places stay wild for future explorers!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Reduce, reuse, and recycle even while on holiday. Carry a reusable water bottle, avoid single-use plastics, and bring your own shopping bags.

Reduce what you buy and throw away. Skip single-use items like plastic cutlery for picnics and opt for reusables.

Reuse what you have. Reusable shopping bags are great for souvenirs and groceries. Travel mugs and water bottles for while you’re out and about rather than take away drinks. Pack refillable containers for toiletries to avoid those tiny travel bottles.

Recycle when you can. Look for packaging with recycling symbols and dispose of it properly. Even if recycling options are limited, reducing and reusing will significantly lessen your waste footprint.

Just a little planning goes a long way in creating a happy holiday for both you and the planet.

Eat Locally and Seasonally

Eating locally-sourced and seasonal food reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and supports local farmers. Whitby has some great eateries providing local produce and offering Vegetarian and vegan options. You could also try shopping at one of the local Farmers Markets

By incorporating these simple practices into your holiday routine, you can help protect the environment. Remember, every small action counts, and together, we can make a big difference.

Over the last few years Shoreline have been working on reducing our impact on the environment, aiming to lower our carbon footprint and making changes to our work practices and our thinking on ‘green’ matters. If you would like to know what changes we have made then go over to our Blog article on ‘Doing our bit for the Environment’