Sustainable exploration in the UK, for the climate conscious traveller.
As politicians debate the best way to battle climate change what can we as individuals do? Well for those bit by the travel bug here are the best sustainable destinations, right here on your doorstep.
Photo taken by Zachary Morris
With summer holidays just around the corner you might be scrolling through holiday booking sites longing for the release of a tropical beach or exotic city break. But while you pine for your next break from work or education the planet itself could suffer from the choices you make.
At the end of last year, the leaders of the world gathered in Dubai at the 28th annual United Nations climate meeting (COP28) to discuss how we as nations are tackling the issues of climate change. While they outline plans to make changes on international levels some key points emerged that outline ways that we as holiday makers and world travellers can reduce our personal carbon footprint. Unsurprisingly air travel accounts for the largest amount of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions, reaching levels close to 200 grams per passenger for every kilometre travelled on long hall flights. Further figures from COP28 show that travelling by rail accounts for much less CO2 emissions, only reaching 41 grams per passenger per kilometre travelled.
With that in mind making more educated decisions on mode of transport can make a massive difference. But we can take this further. For many of us the allure of international travel springs from a desire to escape the hustle and bustle of the cities and towns we live in. For TikTok travel blogger Emily Charlie this was all to true, remarking on her own travels she had this to say,
“As a TikTok travel blogger I have always felt pressured to show people the most exotic destinations. As a result, I flew to seven different countries last year.”
Looking too far off lands for escape may be the obvious answer but as Emily says,
“I also need to consider my personal impact on the environment. Can I find better ways to travel and encourage my followers to do the same.”
So, what do we do? How can we scratch the travel itch while still reducing our carbon footprint? Well simple changes are the very first step. Choosing to stay in the British Isles is a great start and taking a train or coach will further reduce your impact on the environment. Now what of your digs? Where will you be staying? Opting for an Airbnb over a traditional hotel will massively help the environment. A report published by Cleantech Group shows that Airbnb users in Europe saved enough water to fill 9000 Olympic swimming pools.
But that’s not all. Taking this even further, many accommodations are becoming specialist eco-stays, opting for green energy supplies, sustainable materials and mouth-watering veggie and vegan menus. The Bull Inn, Totnes is just one of many locations that make it their mission to be ethical and sustainable. Located just south of the Dartmoor National Park the Bull Inn is ideally placed for travellers to experience stunning walks along Devon’s iconic coastlines.
Photo taken by Zachary Morris
Another brilliantly environmentally conscious accommodation is the High Tren House residential retreat centre. Positioned deep in the North Yorkshire Dales National Park, this site is offers stunning landscapes and even links to Hollywood. The Head Chef, Joshua, told me about his life after moving from the South of England to North Yorkshire, stating that “There's lots of people who probably never leave the big cities, and possibly the South of England. That don't realize that there's places that are comparable with bits of Iceland or Norway.”
He also described the “Malham Cove, which is just a large natural limestone cliff side.” That has become popular with Harry Potter fans since it was included in the Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows Part 1 film. In addition to this there are “2 waterfalls” in the area “that run down the same stream that are very different to each other one called Gordale Scar, and one called Janice Foss.” Gordale Scar is the second point of interest with links to Hollywood. Featured in the hit Netflix series The Witcher, giving this area even more artistic merit.
While all of that is lovely, we needed to get down to the serious stuff, asking Joshua how he and his company work to reduce their carbon footprint he had this to say, “all of the food that is possible to be brought locally is. A surprising amount of fruit and vegetables and things can be obtained from locally grown sources.” He went on to describe how they also get their meat, poultry and most importantly beer comes from local farms and breweries. Therefore, reducing the CO2 production from transportation and shipping. High Tren House also boasts a natural clean water spring that supplies the whole site with fresh, clean water.
Having stayed there myself for a couple nights I can say it was an amazing trip, filled with good food and stunning views. But most importantly a clear conscience, knowing by spending my holiday there rather than abroad I positively impacted my carbon footprint. And on his day off Joshua took me on an amazing walk to see the stunning landscapes.
