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Suffolk cottage holidays, holiday cottages in Suffolk, East Anglia, Southwold, Aldeburgh, Woodbridge, Orford, England. Self catering accommodation in Suffolk and Norfolk, England

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Suffolk Cottage Holidays

Minimising your Holiday Carbon Footprint

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Most of us will now be familiar with the words “carbon footprint”. But what does it mean for anyone planning a holiday and what can we do to minimise our own carbon footprint when travelling?

A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact that human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of green house gases produced; so flying, driving, caravaning etc are going to raise your carbon footprint considerably.

Having said that, holidaying does not have to be a major guilt trip. There are a number of ways we can minimise our detrimental effects on the environment and one of them is to take our holidays in our own country. The very fact that you are on a UK website (assuming that you live in the UK) suggests that such thoughts are already in your mind.

Travelling to your holiday cottage:

We are often asked about parking at the property.

"Is there space for two / three / four / five cars?"

Well, yes some properties do have loads of parking space but I can't help wondering whether you really need to bring all those cars?

For many, the decision to bring several cars is made simply out of habit. Four couples, therefore four cars:

  • How about a car share? You like each other enough to spend a week together so why not drive up in one car. It will save fuel costs as well as reducing your environmental impact
  • There are usually good train services to and from Suffolk. From London Liverpool Street, Norwich, Cambridge, Peterborough etc there are regular services and one of your party can collect you from a station on the East Suffolk line.

    We have loads of food to bring!     Really?

  • There are loads of supermarkets in Suffolk, and we provide you with the post code of your property so it is very straightforward to order a delivery on line, just don't order too much because once you have seen the wonderful selection of farm and high street shops in Suffolk you'll want to buy fresh local produce. It is part of the holiday experience.
      We have too much luggage to fit in one car! Do you?

    1. Almost all our cottages provide bed linen and towels, so you really only need to bring a beach towel each
    2. The majority of our properties have washing machines so there is no need to take clean clothes for every day of your holiday - do a light wash at the cottage instead
    3. The weather in the UK can be variable but several layers of light clothing can be far warmer than a thick jumper or bulky coat.
    4. If cots and high chairs are not already available at your cottage they can be hired from Charlie Bears Childrens' Wear in Framlingham, 01728 723777, so if space is tight give the shop a call and collect your baby equipment when you get to Suffolk.

      When you reach your holiday cottage follow the simple rules set by environmental agencies, which apply whether at home or on holiday:

      1. Turn off electrical appliances when not in use (lights, television, DVD player, Hi Fi, computer etc)
      2. Turn down the central heating slightly (try just 1 to 2 degrees C)
      3. Turn down the water heating setting (just 2 degrees will make a significant saving)
      4. Check the central heating timer setting - remember there is no point heating the house when you are out and about.
      5. Fill the dishwasher and washing machine with a full load - this will save water, electricity, and washing powder.
      6. Fill the kettle with only as much water as you need.
      7. Unplug your mobile phone as soon as it has finished charging.
      8. Hang out the washing to dry rather than tumble drying it.

      Additionally when visiting holiday cottages you can

      • Recycle your rubbish wherever possible
      • Buy local produce (Suffolk has some of the best)
      • Bring or hire bikes, use the trains and buses and enjoy the fantastic walking opportunities.

      Follow the links to find out just how easy it is to increase your enjoyment of your holiday in Suffolk and at the same time minimise your carbon footprint.