As summer approaches, planning for sun-soaked holidays and beach getaways is in full swing. But this season, why not make your vacation a little greener? At Meaningful Planet, we’re all about transforming everyday choices into opportunities for positive impact.
That’s why we’ve put together this sustainable summer holiday guide to help you plan, travel and shop sustainably for your summer holidays, highlighting some fantastic eco-friendly UK brands along the way!
In this article we will cover:
- How to make sustainable choices when you buy summer fashion and summer holiday products and why it’s important
- Some great recommendations of eco-friendly and ethical brands to do some of your summer holiday shopping at
- Useful tips on how to make your holiday - whether in the UK or abroad - more sustainable
- How to shop and pack for your summer holiday in a more eco-conscious way
- How to minimise your carbon footprint when travelling
Disclosure: Some links in this article are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. We choose partners who align with our eco-friendly values, and 10% of all our revenue supports UK nature restoration projects.
Sustainable Summer: Your Guide to a more Eco-Friendly Summer Holiday in 2024 - Advice, Products, & Tips
Why Choose Sustainable Fashion and Products for your Summer Clothes and Holiday Shopping?
Choosing sustainable fashion isn't just about following a trend; it's part of a larger commitment to protect and preserve the natural beauty we all enjoy. It’s a commitment that we at Meaningful Planet embody every day, from the services we offer to the choices we make. By selecting brands that prioritise eco-friendly practices, you're helping to:
- Reduce waste and pollution: Every sustainable swimsuit or pair of sunglasses means less plastic in our landfills and oceans.
- Support ethical labour practices: Fair working conditions and fair wages are just as important as the materials used.
- Conserve natural resources: Sustainable brands often use materials that are kinder to the planet, requiring less water and energy to produce.
Recommended Sustainable Brands for Your Summer Holiday
When preparing for a greener holiday, choosing the right products can make all the difference. Here are some eco-friendly brands that offer high-quality, responsible options for your travel essentials:
Aspiga
Preworn
Findra Clothing
Veo
Jungle Culture
Bare Kind
Fussy Deodorant
Greener Getaways : Tips on How to Make Your Summer Holiday in the UK More Environmentally Friendly
1. Choose Eco-friendly Accommodations
Seek out accommodations that have a proven commitment to sustainability. Many hotels and B&Bs across the UK are now certified by eco-friendly programs and use practices such as solar power, water-saving devices, and organic toiletries. Look for the Green Tourism certification or other similar endorsements to ensure your stay is helping the planet.
2. Travel Light
Packing light not only saves your back but also reduces carbon emissions when travelling. Heavier vehicles emit more CO2, so by packing only what you need, you're directly contributing to lessening this impact. Plus, it makes moving around easier and more flexible.
3. Use Public Transport
The UK boasts an extensive and effective public transport network. From trains to buses, there are plenty of options to explore that are more environmentally friendly than driving. Services like the National Rail, local trams, and buses can take you almost anywhere you want to go, often offering scenic routes that add to your holiday experience.
4. Support Local Economy
One of the joys of travelling is experiencing local culture, including food and crafts. Choose to eat at local restaurants that source their ingredients locally, and shop from local artisans and farmers' markets. This not only reduces your carbon footprint but also supports the local economy.
5. Respect Nature
Whether you’re hiking in the Lake District, camping in the Scottish Highlands, or walking the coastal paths of Cornwall, remember to leave no trace. Stick to marked paths, take your rubbish with you, and respect wildlife habitats. Preservation of these beautiful places means future generations can also enjoy them.
6. Pack Reusables
Bring reusable items such as water bottles, shopping bags, and food containers. This helps reduce the demand for single-use plastics that often end up polluting our landscapes and oceans. There are stylish and practical options available that can make being eco-friendly effortless and chic.
7. Choose Low-Impact Activities
Opt for activities that don’t harm the environment. Kayaking, cycling, sailing, and hiking are great ways to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Many local businesses offer eco-tours and rentals that ensure you have a minimal impact on the environment.
Pack Smart, Travel Light: Your Guide to Packing in a More Environmentally Conscious Way
Preparing for a summer holiday offers the perfect opportunity to rethink our travel habits from the ground up, starting with what we pack. Embracing sustainability in our packing choices not only lightens the load on our environment but also sets a positive example for eco-conscious travelling. This guide provides practical tips and recommendations for packing sustainably, ensuring you have everything you need for an eco-friendly holiday.
1.Consider Your Luggage Options
- Eco-Friendly Bags: Opt for luggage made from recycled or natural materials. Brands like Patagonia and Samsonite offer options made from recycled plastics and other sustainable materials.
2. Essential Sustainable Travel Items
- Clothing: Pack light and choose versatile, durable clothing items that can be mixed and matched. Look for garments made from organic cotton, hemp, or recycled materials.
- Toiletries: Bring along biodegradable soaps, shampoos, and toothpaste. Consider solid toiletries, including shampoo bars and toothpaste tablets, which reduce plastic packaging and are travel-friendly.
- Reusable Water Bottle and Coffee Cup: Cut down on single-use plastics by carrying a reusable water bottle and a coffee cup. Stainless steel or bamboo options are durable and sustainable.
- Sun Protection: Opt for reef-safe sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat to protect against the sun without harming marine life.
- Towels: Bring a lightweight, quick-dry towel made from bamboo or microfiber, which is often made from recycled materials.
3. Minimise Tech and Gadgets
- Multi-use Devices: Instead of packing multiple gadgets, bring items that can serve multiple purposes, such as a smartphone with a good camera.
- Solar Charger: Consider a solar-powered charger for your devices, which reduces reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
4. Eco-Friendly Travel Accessories
- Reusable Travel Utensils and Containers: Pack a set of reusable utensils and containers for meals on the go, reducing your dependency on disposable plastics.
- Eco Bags: Carry a few reusable shopping bags or tote bags for any purchases made during your travels.
- Natural Insect Repellent: Choose insect repellents made from natural ingredients to avoid the harmful effects of DEET on both your body and the environment.
5. Responsible Souvenirs
- EthicalSouvenirs: Choose locally made, ethically made souvenirs. Avoid items made from endangered materials or that promote animal cruelty.
- Support Local Artisans: Buying from local artisans not only provides you with a unique and meaningful memento but also supports the local economy.
Packing sustainably for your summer holiday helps reduce your environmental impact and promotes a more mindful and fulfilling travel experience. By choosing eco-friendly products and packing efficiently, you ensure that your travel habits contribute positively to the places you visit.
Keep Exploring Our Wonderful Planet, but without the Guilt: Tips for Travel to Minimise Your Carbon Footprint and Impact
With the devastating effects of climate change becoming increasingly more real and impactful, many of us are rethinking our travel habits. From weekend getaways to international travel, every trip we take leaves a mark on the planet.
But exploring the world around us and learning and connecting with nature and other cultures can give amazing benefits to your wellbeing. We shouldn’t sacrifice those experiences, but what if we could have them while treading lighter?
Carbon less-intensive or even carbon neutral travel isn't just a possibility; it's a path towards a more sustainable world. Here, we explore practical tips to help you travel in ways that balance enjoying the world with preserving it.
1. Choose Greener Transportation
- Prefer Trains Over Planes: Whenever possible, opt for train travel over flying. Trains significantly reduce per-passenger CO2 emissions compared to airplanes. Europe’s extensive rail network, for example, offers scenic and efficient alternatives to short-haul flights.
- Public Transport and Carpooling: In urban areas, take advantage of public transport systems or carpool. Sharing rides can drastically cut down your carbon emissions while also offering a chance to meet new people.
- Electric and Hybrid Rentals: If renting a vehicle is necessary, choose electric or hybrid options. Many rental companies now offer these, and they are a great way to reduce your travel emissions.
2. Stay at Eco-Friendly Accommodations
- Look for Green Certifications: Choose hotels or hostels that have been certified for their environmental practices, such as those awarded by Green Key or LEED.
- Support Local Businesses: Often, locally owned properties are smaller and use less energy compared to larger chain hotels. They also tend to invest back into the local community.
3. Offset Your Carbon Emissions
- Use Carbon Offset Programs: Many airlines, travel agencies, and booking platforms offer carbon offset programs where you can pay a little extra to fund environmental projects that reduce greenhouse gases.
- DIY Offsetting: Alternatively, calculate your trip’s carbon footprint and donate directly to environmental projects or renewable energy initiatives.
4. Pack Light
- Reduce Luggage Weight: The heavier your load, the more fuel your transport needs. Packing lighter not only saves energy but also makes traveling more comfortable.
- Choose Eco-Positive Products: Pack items that are durable, reusable, and eco-friendly, such as biodegradable toiletries, a reusable water bottle, and solar-powered devices.
5. Practise Responsible Tourism
- Respect Natural Habitats: Stick to marked trails and maintain a safe distance from wildlife. Avoid activities that harm the environment or contribute to unsustainable tourism.
- Leave No Trace: Always clean up after yourself. Dispose of waste properly and recycle whenever possible.
6. Educate Yourself and Others
- Learn About Destinations: Understand the environmental issues faced by the places you visit. Awareness can drive more respectful and informed choices.
- Share Your Practices: Inspire others by sharing your carbon-neutral travel practices on social media or blogs. Education is a powerful tool in spreading sustainability.
Don’t Stop Exploring the World Around Us
Travelling carbon-neutral doesn't mean giving up the joy of discovery—it means enhancing it by preserving the world we love to explore. By choosing sustainable practices, we not only enrich our own lives but also ensure that future generations can enjoy the same beautiful planet.
Here’s to a Great, More Eco-Conscious Summer Holiday!
Planning a sustainable summer holiday in the UK is not only beneficial for the planet but also enriches your travel experience. By choosing eco-friendly options, you’re contributing to the conservation of the wonderful landscapes and communities that make the UK unique.
At Meaningful Planet, we’re committed to helping it easier to make better choices that align with our shared aim to protect and preserve our planet, one action at a time.
If you care about the future of our planet, we hope you’ll check out more about us and consider joining our mobile network.
We offer:
- A green choice for your mobile network, without a green cost premium
- Superfast data and great coverage on the UK’s best rated mobile phone network (as assessed by Uswitch and RootMetrics)
- 10% of all our revenue goes directly to helping protect the environment and restore the nature
You can find more about our mission and impact, and the amazing projects we are supporting here.
As you pack your bags and set off on your adventures, remember that every small choice can make a big difference. Here’s to a summer filled with discovery, relaxation, and responsibility!
