GOING GREEN

From packing tips before you o to steps you can take on your return home, here are some inspirational ideas to help make your travels more responsible.

BEFORE YOU GO

There’s plenty you can do to help offset the effects of your travel before you even leave the house – from reducing energy waste in your home to what to pack and where you choose to go...

Eco-proof your home

Make sure your home isn’t wasting energy while you’re away. Unplug all your electronics – just not your fridge or freezer – or ensure switches are off. You can also turn down the thermostat as there’s no point keeping the temperature high while you’re not around. If you have a newspaper or magazine delivered to your house, why not suspend the service for the time you’re away to save on paper and delivery?

Finally, make sure you’ve recycled everything. If you’re packing new toiletries or medication, leave any packaging at home. Land waste in foreign countries can be problematic so it’s best to reduce the amount of waste you produce abroad. It may not be as easy to recycle overseas as it is in the UK and you don’t want to add to a landfill.

Choose an eco-friendly destination

When planning your journey let your conscience be your guide; choose somewhere with a green ethos. Do your research. Is there a public transport system, a cycle network, local food markets or volunteer programmes? There are an increasing number of destinations working to become more eco-friendly.