Green mortgages and property-linked energy efficiency upgrade finance

Green mortgages have been around for years for building energy-efficient properties or improving existing homes. Green mortgages incentivise homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to environmental sustainability. They work similarly to standard mortgages but can be more affordable, making it easier and cheaper for homeowners to make their properties more energy-efficient. Lenders such as Barclays, Nationwide, NatWest, Virgin Money, and others already offer green mortgage products or benefits, providing homeowners with numerous options. By opting for a green mortgage, homeowners can invest in energy-efficient homes and contribute to a more sustainable future while enjoying preferential fees, interest rates, and cashback on larger loans. 

Green Mortgages Property Linked Finance

These Green mortgage products are often linked to properties achieving specific energy efficiency standards once upgraded, such as A or B-rated for energy performance. EPC’s Energy Performance Certificates help homeowners identify potential energy-saving opportunities, which not only help the environment but also save them money. 

According to research by the Green Finance Institute in 2021, 83% of respondents viewed energy efficiency as important. The primary reason was to reduce energy bills, though environmental concerns were also significant. In early 2022, due to rising energy costs and international events like COP26, held in Glasgow in November 2021, energy efficiency and the urgency of climate change became hot topics for UK homeowners. Nearly 90% now consider the energy efficiency of their property as necessary, a substantial rise from Spring 2021.

2023 saw a tripling of energy bills, leaving many households struggling to pay them. This financial strain is a significant factor driving the heightened importance of energy efficiency. Suddenly, saving energy became sexy! In Spring 2021, only about 25% of respondents were likely to use traditional Finance for energy efficiency upgrades, while nearly 50% were unlikely to use it, citing reasons such as not needing Finance or concerns about using it. Rising interest rates and inflation have also driven up the cost of energy-efficient upgrades, impacting household budgets and leading to a vicious circle of growing energy bills and the cost to mitigate these increasing simultaneously.    

So, whilst the Green Finance Institute (GFI) research indicates a growing consumer interest in energy efficiency, especially amidst the energy crisis, upgrading UK homes for energy efficiency is a significant challenge. Current estimates forecast a bill of £250 billion by 2050. Mobilising private capital alongside public funds is seen as a transformative solution.

Why have previous energy-efficiency government initiatives failed?

The UK Green Deal was a government initiative introduced in 2013 to help people make energy-saving improvements to their homes or businesses without paying all the costs upfront. It aimed to increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. One of its fundamental principles, known as the “Golden Rule,” states that the charge attached to the energy bill should not exceed the expected savings, and the payment period should not exceed the expected lifetime of the measures. A challenging concept to sell! It is even more problematic when the Finance is paid for through your energy supplier. 

This “Golden Rule” intended to guarantee that the financing for energy efficiency improvements was cost-effective and fair. It protected consumers by ensuring that the loan repayments did not exceed the expected savings on their energy bills. The Green Deal was designed to enable households to improve their properties’ energy efficiency, creating warmer and cheaper homes to run.

Why did the UK Green Deal fail?

The UK Green Deal failed for various reasons, including poor policy design, unattractive financial propositions, complexity of the process, and a lack of marketing and information. The Department of Energy and Climate Change’s (DECC) design and implementation failed to persuade householders that energy efficiency measures were worth paying for, leading to a lack of demand and low uptake. The scheme’s failure also resulted from the “Golden Rule,” which led to an unattractive financial proposition for most households. Also, there needed to be more effective marketing and information, which was not surprising when those promoting the scheme were the same energy companies that profited from selling energy. All in all, this contributed to low household participation. The scheme’s failure damaged confidence in government efforts to improve energy efficiency in private domestic homes in the UK.

The future of home energy efficiency finance 

In the last year, there’s been a decline in the likelihood of homeowners considering third-party Finance for property energy improvements, coinciding with broader affordability issues and energy bills, interest rates and inflation pressures.

The GFI analysis highlights a critical challenge – while energy efficiency is increasingly essential to consumers, traditional finance choices may need to align with the needs or desires of all those looking to boost their home efficiency rating.

In response, the UK government is also considering measures to facilitate by offering Property-Linked Finance for Home Energy Efficiency, demonstrating the country’s commitment to reducing emissions, achieving environmental targets, and releasing billions of pounds of private investment.   

What are Property-linked Finance (PLF) financial solutions? 

PLF solutions are yet to be available in the UK. Yet, they are thriving in the US and globally, showing promise in meeting the rising consumer interest in energy efficiency. It offers a way of linking long-term energy efficiency investment finance that stays with the property when it changes hands. 

Expanding Home Energy Efficiency with Property-Linked Finance 

PLF is an innovative financial model that offers a promising solution for enhancing home energy efficiency in the UK. This model, inspired by the success of the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program in the United States, presents numerous benefits for homeowners, the environment, and the economy.

Financial Innovation and Consumer Benefits:

  • Flexible Financing: PLF allows homeowners to finance the total cost of energy efficiency upgrades, easing the financial burden.
  • Property-Linked Approach: The unique aspect of the Finance tied to the property and not the owner ensures that the investment continues to pay off even if the property changes hands.
  • Attractive for Property Buyers: Properties with energy efficiency upgrades will likely be more attractive to buyers, potentially increasing their market value.

Addressing the Payback Period Barrier:

  • Immediate Benefits, Long-Term Payoff: Homeowners can enjoy the primary benefits of energy efficiency without worrying about the payback period, as the financial obligation transfers with property ownership.

Enhanced Home Comfort and Health:

  • Combatting Poor Living Conditions: PLF addresses issues like dampness, mould, and excessive cold, which affect a significant portion of renters in England, including many households with children. Improved building efficiency means healthier living environments.
  • Reducing Healthcare Costs: By mitigating health issues related to poor housing conditions, PLF can also reduce healthcare costs.

Economic and Employment Benefits:

  • Job Creation: Similar to its impact in the US, PLF can stimulate the creation of green jobs in the UK. The US example showed substantial job creation through investment in commercial and residential building upgrades.
  • Market Growth: The potential market size in the UK for energy retrofitting financed through PLF is estimated between £52 billion and £70 billion, indicating a significant opportunity for economic growth.

Environmental Impact:

  • Reducing Carbon Footprint: By funding energy-efficient upgrades, PLF helps lower greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, which are a significant contributor to the UK’s carbon footprint.
  • Supporting Net-Zero Goals: The initiative is aligned with the UK’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions, especially considering the substantial investment required to upgrade the country’s building stock by 2050.

Security for Financial Providers:

  • New Investment Opportunities: Financial institutions have the chance to participate in a growing and potentially lucrative market.
  • Reducing Risks: Enhanced energy efficiency can reduce risks for lenders by increasing the value and resilience of the property portfolio.

Policy and Regulatory Support:

  • Leveraging Public and Private Funds: PLF schemes can be capitalised by public funds and institutional investment, allowing a transition to private financing as the market scales.
  • Consumer-Centric Design: PLF must be designed with strong consumer protections and in alignment with existing legislative frameworks.

Property-linked Finance could be a solution. 

PLF represents a transformative approach to addressing the energy efficiency of buildings in the UK. Its potential to improve living conditions, stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions makes it a key component in the UK’s strategy to tackle climate change and energy challenges. The success of PLF, however, hinges on effective collaboration among stakeholders, including financial institutions, government bodies, and the retrofit industry, to ensure its widespread adoption and impact.

For more information, visit Green Finance Institute.

“Eco-Friendly Travel: The Large Discrepancy Between Travelers’ Beliefs and Actions”

A recent study by Phocuswright reveals a significant gap between what travellers believe about Sustainable Tourism and their actual practices. The research, presented at a conference in Florida, focused on six Western markets: the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. Through an online survey conducted from June 2 to June 26, 2023, and in-depth interviews with various travel industry participants, the study gathered insights from over 5,000 respondents and 21 organisations. None of the participants knew they were being surveyed regarding Sustainable Travel. This underlines the differences between what travellers say and do without the focus on the environmental spotlight. 

Sustainable Travel – Tourists Intentions and Actual Behaviours

The presentation thoroughly explored the disparity between travellers’ sustainable intentions and actual behaviours. This insightful research, designed to uncover authentic travel patterns without the bias of sustainability as a focus, combined surveys and in-depth interviews with industry experts.

Traveller’s Understanding of Sustainability

The study found general confusion among travellers about what constitutes sustainable Travel. They are familiar with basic environmental measures, such as littering, recycling, using public transport (less so in the US), conserving energy in hotels, avoiding single-use plastics, and opting out daily hotel linen changes. Their grasp of cultural and economic sustainability is limited.

Green Transportation Choices

About half of the travellers in the US and Europe claimed they would prefer transportation options based on their carbon footprint rather than convenience. However, the number of those making eco-friendly transportation choices was closer to one in ten.

Lodging and Accommodation Selection

A similar pattern was observed in lodging choices. Despite a significant proportion of travellers expressing a preference for environmentally friendly accommodations, only 6% to 13% actually considered such factors among their top priorities when selecting lodging.

Destination Choices and Overcrowding

Many travellers expressed a desire to avoid overcrowded, famous destinations in favour of less crowded ones. While this area had a slightly better follow-through, a substantial gap between belief and behaviour existed.

Support for Local Communities

A notable discrepancy was found between travellers’ professed desire to support local communities and their actual practices. Less than a quarter inquired or verified if their choices (like food or lodging) were locally sourced or owned.

Perception of Responsibility and Impact

Many travellers do not see sustainability as their individual responsibility and believe that governments, destination organisations, or travel providers should lead sustainability efforts. This perception contributes to the gap between their sustainable intentions and actions.

Cost Concerns and Premium Tolerance

Many travellers perceive sustainable travel options as more expensive. However, they are willing to pay a premium (10-15% more) for recognisable sustainable choices.

Recommendations for Bridging the Gap

  • Increase and Highlight Sustainable Options: Travel providers need to offer more sustainable choices that are clearly marked and easily accessible.
  • Affordable Sustainability: Introduce options at various prices to ensure sustainability is not perceived as a luxury.
  • Education on Sustainability: There’s a critical need for comprehensive education about all aspects of sustainability, including over-tourism and cultural impacts.
  • Meeting Travelers Where They Are: The industry should work towards building a deeper understanding of sustainability among travellers, starting from their current level of awareness and misconceptions.

The presentation highlighted the urgent need to bridge the gap between what travellers believe about sustainable Travel and what they practice. This requires a concerted effort from travel providers to offer viable, sustainable options, clear communication, and education to help travellers make informed decisions that align with their sustainable intentions. 

There is no mention of attitudes toward flying. 

Nevertheless, the research didn’t touch on attitudes to the general concept of reducing air travel. This is a hard sell if your business model relies on carbon-intensive transport. According to the research, numerous travellers are prepared to pay more to make greener choices, which is positive news. Perhaps communicating the environmental benefits of reducing short-haul flights, particularly in Europe, may help spread a message of sustainable tourism.   

This study underscores the need for increased awareness and education about sustainable travel practices among consumers and the role of travel providers in promoting eco-friendly options.    

The Jevons Paradox: When Efficiency Leads to Increased Consumption

In today’s world, pursuing efficiency has become a primary goal in various fields, including energy consumption, technology, and resource management. We constantly strive to develop more efficient technologies, hoping to reduce our environmental impact and enhance overall sustainability. However, a fascinating phenomenon, the Jevons Paradox, suggests that efficiency improvements can sometimes lead to increased consumption rather than the intended conservation. Here, we will delve into the concept of the Jevons Paradox, explore its origins, and examine real-world examples that illustrate its effects.

Understanding the Jevons Paradox

The Jevons Paradox is named after the English economist William Stanley Jevons, who first observed this phenomenon in the mid-19th century. Jevons noticed that improved steam engine efficiency resulted in higher coal consumption rather than conservation. He argued that as the efficiency of steam engines increased, their usage expanded, offsetting any gains made in energy conservation.

The concept of rebound effects can explain the underlying mechanism of the Jevons Paradox. 

When the cost of using a resource decreases due to increased efficiency, it becomes more attractive for consumers and industries to utilise it. Consequently, this increased affordability leads to higher consumption and can potentially offset the initial gains in efficiency.

Real-World Examples

Fuel Efficiency and Vehicle Usage:

Like the energy sector, vehicle fuel efficiency improvements can also increase consumption. When cars become more fuel-efficient, the cost of driving per mile decreases, making it more affordable for individuals to use their vehicles — often increasing vehicle miles travelled, offsetting any energy conservation benefits from improved fuel efficiency. Research conducted by Nissan found Electric Vehicle (EV) drivers yearly travel over 370 miles further than petrol/diesel car users. 

Energy Efficiency and Consumption:

The most prominent example of the Jevons Paradox can be seen in the energy sector. As energy-efficient technologies emerge, individuals and businesses are motivated to increase their consumption due to reduced costs. For instance, the advent of energy-efficient lighting, such as LED bulbs, has led to widespread adoption. However, the overall energy consumption for lighting has not decreased significantly because the reduced cost per light unit has prompted people to install or use more lights for extended periods. Hence the proliferation of outdoor lighting products and the number of homes lit up at Christmas.   

Digital Technology and Energy Consumption:

The rise of digital technology and the internet has undoubtedly brought numerous benefits to society. Yet, the proliferation of intelligent devices and data centres has substantially increased energy consumption. Despite the improved efficiency of individual devices, the overall energy demand has surged due to the expanding usage of digital technologies.

Implications and Solutions

The Jevons Paradox has significant implications for policymakers, businesses, and individuals concerned about resource conservation and sustainability. It suggests that relying solely on improving efficiency may not be sufficient to achieve the desired environmental outcomes. While efficiency gains can undoubtedly contribute to reducing our impact, they must be complemented by measures that address the rebound effects.

Awareness and Education:

Raising awareness about the Jevons Paradox is crucial. By understanding the potential pitfalls of efficiency gains, individuals and organisations can make informed decisions and avoid falling into the consumption trap. Education can help promote more conscious consumption habits and encourage long-term thinking.

Policy Measures:

Governments can implement policies that incentivise sustainable behaviour beyond efficiency improvements alone. These policies may include measures like carbon pricing, stricter energy standards, and regulations that encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources. By considering both efficiency gains and consumption patterns, policymakers can create a more comprehensive approach to tackle resource depletion and environmental degradation.

Systemic Changes:

To address the Jevons Paradox effectively, we must examine the underlying systems that drive consumption. Transitioning towards circular economies, promoting sharing and collaborative consumption models, and encouraging the development of sustainable technologies can help break the cycle of increased consumption resulting from efficiency gains.

The Jevons Paradox serves as a reminder that the relationship between efficiency and consumption is complex. 

While efficiency improvements are crucial in reducing our ecological footprint, they may not achieve the desired conservation outcomes. The phenomenon highlights the need for a holistic approach considering both efficiency gains and the behavioural and systemic factors influencing consumption patterns.

By understanding the Jevons Paradox and its implications, we can strive for a more sustainable future. Through awareness, education, policy measures, and systemic changes, we can break the cycle of increased consumption and achieve genuine environmental sustainability. Only by addressing the complex dynamics between efficiency and consumption can we effectively navigate the challenges of resource depletion and climate change in the years to come.

Knowledge gaps, charging infrastructure and battery longevity worries hinder used Electric Vehicle (EV) takeup.

Transportation accounts for a significant portion of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, with road transport being the most important contributor. It is crucial to transform mobility patterns to achieve net-zero emissions and prioritise electric vehicles (EVs) in the road transport sector. Yet, the high upfront costs of new EVs have impeded their accessibility for many households. In this context, the used EV market is vital in democratising the shift to net-zero transportation — analysis conducted by Green Finance Institute offers solutions to boost consumer trust and accelerate secondhand EV sales.

The Green Finance Institute’s research sheds light on the untapped potential of the UK’s pre-owned EV market. 

Electric vehicles research key findings:

  1. Strong Demand for EVs: The research indicates that 61% of non-EV drivers in the UK, equivalent to over 25 million drivers, are willing to buy an EV today.
  2. Massive Demand for Used EVs: Among those willing to buy an EV, 73% expressed their preference for a used EV; this represents a significant opportunity to scale up EV uptake.
  3. Barriers to Adoption: Approximately 27% of drivers, equivalent to 6.75 million UK drivers, have concerns and knowledge gaps that need addressing to convince them to switch to a used EV.
  4. Battery Longevity Concerns: The primary concern among hesitant EV buyers is battery lifespan. Introducing battery health certificates and extended battery value guarantees were identified as critical solutions to boost confidence.
  5. Affordability Concerns: Upfront costs of used EVs remain higher than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, discouraging potential buyers. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) calculators and salary sacrifice schemes can help address affordability concerns.
  6. Charging Infrastructure: Access to reliable charging infrastructure is a crucial factor influencing consumer confidence. Increasing the availability of charging infrastructure and providing transparency on charging costs can encourage EV adoption.

Potential solutions to consumer EV anxieties:

  1. Battery Health Certificates & Guarantees: Standardised battery health certification schemes and extended battery value guarantees to instil confidence in the remaining battery health of used EVs. These solutions are crucial for both buyers and dealerships.
  2. Total Cost of Ownership Calculators: TCO calculators provide a holistic view of owning an EV, including purchase costs, maintenance, and charging/refuelling expenses. Standardisation of metrics and definitions is necessary to enhance consumer trust.
  3. Salary Sacrifice Schemes: Collaborating with employers to offer salary sacrifice schemes can significantly reduce monthly costs for EVs, making them more financially viable for a more significant number of drivers.
  4. Multiple Products in One Monthly Payment: Bundling various products, such as the vehicle and home charging installation, into a single monthly payment simplifies the customer journey and reduces upfront costs.
  5. Increasing Public Charging Infrastructure: Expanding public charging infrastructure is essential to alleviate concerns regarding access to charging points. Reducing the VAT rate on public charging and offering affordable financing options for home charging installation can further support EV adoption.

Creating a booming used EV marketplace 

Transitioning to EVs is critical to achieving net-zero emissions in the transportation sector. The research conducted by the Green Finance Institute highlights the immense potential of the used EV market. It identifies key barriers and solutions to accelerate EV adoption. Battery health certificates, TCO calculators, salary sacrifice schemes, and improved charging infrastructure can address concerns related to battery longevity, affordability, and charging accessibility. By implementing these solutions, we can boost consumer confidence and democratise the transition to EVs, making it accessible and affordable for all. The thriving used EV market and supportive measures are pivotal in achieving sustainable growth to a net-zero transport system.

View full report here:

Environmental documentary – MATTER OUT OF PLACE – film review

At first, you wonder what will happen as the film’s carefully considered cinematography draws your attention. Unusually, the imagery, editing and script lack all the cues of contemporary filmmaking. It’s slow. The cameras are static, and there are no close-ups. Yet, these beautiful, thought-provoking landscapes hold your attention. Then abruptly, the reality dawns. This pristine environment you are viewing is full of rubbish. Finally, the narrative is set, and you unexpectedly spend precious time considering something you would rather ignore – and chuck in an instance. Waste! A mesmerising film.

Austrian documentary filmmaker Nikolaus Geyrhalter takes you worldwide on a beautiful, startling expedition. He traces our waste across the earth – from the mountain tops of Switzerland to the shores of Greece and Albania, into an Austrian refuse incinerator and then to Nepal and the Maldives, and finally to the deserts of Nevada – and sheds light on the ongoing grind of people to gain control over rubbish.

In Switzerland, you experience the sanitised, out-of-sight, out-of-mind of waste management of wealthy nations. The striking image of a garbage truck dangling from a cable car looks more like a James Bond film than an environmental documentary. In contrast, Nepal sees the waste collection as a dirty haphazard, dangerous task where physical labour rather than machines rule. Here, the director’s skill is to draw you into the process. Long static shots allow you to watch the transporting, sorting, and dumping of plastic waste. Somehow, this deliberate locked-off view of the world focuses your attention on the realities of those scavaging a living in such horrendous circumstances while highlighting the toxic leaching out of pollutants into the local environment.

The film highlights the impact of waste in marine environments and demonstrates the immensity of the problems. For instance, you see divers in Greece wrestling with extracting seabed garbage, an extraordinary manual task. In Albania, beach clean-up of plastic takes on a monumental task powered by a rickety tractor and enthusiastic recruits.

By contrast, the dystopian world of The Burning Man festival, Nevada, gives you a MadMax conclusion. Leaving without a trace is somewhat challenging for those tech entrepreneurs who have arrived by helicopter!

The Austrian Film Festival, running 23-26 March 2023 at London’s Ciné Lumière. #watchAUT 

Counting what matters will Covid make us greener?

Whilst coronavirus has cut many lives short and robbed families of precious time to be together, the lockdowns have given many of us, something we were short of, TIME. Okay, not if you’re juggling home-schooling with working from home, but if you’re on furlough, chances are you’ve had the opportunity to have a good declutter! 

Declutter like Marie Kondo? or crush it like Michael Landy?

Perhaps you’ve adopted the Marie Kondo approach — looked for the joy in every item, or it’s given the heave-ho! It’s surprising how much stuff we accumulate. Twenty years ago, artist Michael Landy, famously set about destroying all his 7,227 possessions in public view. Project “Break Down” sent six tonnes of rubbish to landfill having catalogued everything and then systematically deconstructed it all. It also highlighted the extraordinary number of materials used in products, challenged our thoughts on consumption and consumerism, and sparked debate on what items we value. What would you save from a burning building? I am what I own? You can only wear one pair of shoes at a time! A strange problem — to have too much ‘stuff’ to cause us stress, whilst others struggle for warmth, shelter and food.  

Make Do and Mend

We’ve come along way from making things last, mending, reusing or repurposing items in the way the war generation did. My Gran would save every scrap of paper, foil, every elastic band, jam jar, paper bag, piece of string, wrapping paper, all neatly filed ready for reuse. Socks would be darned, and knickers restrung with elastic — who buys knicker elastic now? We are better at recycling, and upcycling and buying vintage are fashionable. Living in lockdown has made us more resourceful — using up those packets and tins hanging about at the back of the cupboard; skilfully rustling up meals from half-opened packs of buckwheat; wearing the same clothes for days on end to save on the washing! We’ve even resorted to cutting our own hair!

What will we have to hand onto future generations?

As our memories become digital, we still need some connection to items from the past. The popularity of TV shows such as The Repair Shop illustrates the powerful emotions evoked by treasured possessions. Could be a Chopper bike or a wind-up toy; a cocktail cabinet or a pocket watch. What will we have to hand onto future generations? Old mobile phones? Clearing of clutter may inearth some hidden gems. How quickly we’ve moved from VHS to DVD to streaming. From vinyl to cassette tapes (making a collectable comeback?) to CDs to Spotify! Yes, your memories are safe as long as you keep paying the subscription.  

What opportunities for change will Covid bring?

Covid and Climate Change are our big emergencies, and they are linked. Can we seize the opportunities the pandemic has created? Become citizens, not just consumers? or will those that govern want to return to ‘business as usual’ to get re-elected? Or will a new measure of GDP take hold — as The Economics of Biodiversity: The Dasgupta Review advocates and value our ‘natural capital’ as a resource too precious to lose. Our natural environment has been essential during the pandemic to provide fresh air — a place to exercise and connect us to nature.

Investors seeing the greenlight too.

While we know our small green efforts can together make a difference, what needs to make the shift in addressing the impacts of Climate Change and subsequent loss in biodiversity are for the financial institutions to get ‘onboard’. When Larry Fink, co-founder of BlackRock, the world’s largest asset management group, saw first hand the impact climate change was having in Alaska — and spoiling his fishing trip he was enlightened! “Climate transition presents a historic investment opportunity.” In 2015, Mark Carney, the then governor of the Bank of England, gave a speech to financiers claiming that ‘Climate change is the investment opportunity of our generation’.

Watch this space as brown becomes the new green!

No-fly holidays in 2020? Staycations in the UK, there’s a lot on offer

There’s no question that Brits love a holiday, with data from the international trade body for aviation reporting that British passengers made up 1 in 12 of all international travellers in 2018. While many of us are seeking the warmer climates of Caribbean shores or the bustle and buzz of a European city break, staycations are proving to be just as popular. As awareness grows over the impact of air travel on the environment, the choice to holiday at home seems set to increase.

Hazardous holidays – the rise of Flugscham & Flygskam (flight shame) 

 As one of the fastest-growing causes of pollution, aviation is responsible for up to 75% of the tourism industry’s greenhouse gas emissions. Making up 2% of all emissions globally; however, in the UK this figure rises to 7% of the country’s emissions – indicating a need for change in our holiday habits. A roundtrip flight from London to Berlin generates around 290kg of CO2 per passenger – more than the average person in Somalia emits in an entire year. It’s no wonder frequent flyers are starting to feel Flugscham (what the Germans call “fly shame”) or Flygskam if you’re Swedish. 

The staycation nation – no-fly holidays the greener choice 

While more people are vowing to give up flying altogether, even taking just one flightless each year could significantly reduce your carbon footprint. That said, limiting your Airmiles doesn’t have to stop you from getting some much-needed R&R. More Britons are favouring breaks at home as an impressive 3 in 5 of us opt for summer breaks on our doorstep over trips abroad.

The ease of hopping from city to sea to countryside escape all within a short drive offers a variety that’s hard to find elsewhere. With 31 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, over 7,000km of walking trails and some of the best beaches in the world, it’s no surprise our passports are gathering dust.

We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to fantastic destinations within a stone’s throw of our front door. So we’ve run through some of our favourite staycation spots in the UK to help you make the most of your no-fly holiday.

There is an abundance of accommodation, beaches and scenery in the West Country 

You don’t need to travel across the globe in search of relaxing beach getaways. Visit Dorset’s Durdle Door for an escape to one of Europe’s best beaches, tucked under the impressive cliffs of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Seaside charm meets golden sands and turquoise waters in Cornwall where the cheerily coloured buildings light up the seafront in Kingsand. Or, head further along the coast to Kynance Cove whose white sands and lush rocky landscape give Greece’s coastlines a run for their money. For year-round water sports and the UK’s best surfing, head to Devon. Woolacombe and Croyde see some of the biggest waves, though there are beaches to suit all levels of expertise – why not try something new?

Family-friendly holidays in the North of England

Britain is known for its lush green countryside – and there’s no better place to explore the beauty and variety of England’s rural landscape than Cumbria. Home to the Lake District National Park where sparkling lakes and rolling hillsides have inspired literary greats since the 19th century. Here you can experience some of the best scenic walking trails in the UK. Stay near North Yorkshire’s Yorkshire Dales to enjoy picturesque vistas and engaging experiences, such as family-friendly Forbidden Corner or the dramatic formations of Brimham Rocks. In South Yorkshire, a cottage stay around any of the chocolate-box villages puts you in the proximity of the historic industrial city of Sheffield as well as the beautiful moors and dales of the Peak District – all within an hour’s reach.

Holiday in Scotland – breath-taking natural beauty

From Dumfries to Dundee and Aberdeen to John o’ Groats, Scotland is bursting with breath-taking natural beauty and plenty of lively burghs. Home to Britain’s oldest ski centre. Glencoe has a variety of runs to suit all abilities, though more seasoned pros will be eager to tackle Fly Paper – the steepest black run in Britain. Stay in nearby Argyll, only an hour’s drive to the resort, and warm up in a cosy log cabin set within the tranquil highlands of Loch Lomond. Venture north to the archipelago of Orkney and unravel the mysteries of its great historical sites, such as the towering prehistoric stones of the Ring of Brodgar and the Stone Age ruins of Skara Brae whose history dates back even further than the Pyramids.

Wonderful Wales

What could be better than a cosy staycation in Wales? With three National Parks – the Brecon Beacons, Pembrokeshire and Snowdonia, to choose from and miles of genuinely stunning Heritage Coast a weekend Wales won’t be long enough. It has so much to offer. For the thrill-seekers, there are some fantastic zip-wire experiences – such as in Penrhyn Quarry, North Wales. And who doesn’t want to say they’ve climbed Snowdon? There are opportunities for coasteering, canoeing and horse-riding. Or for something more sedate plenty of castles to visit and fabulous walks to take.  

Explore more of what Britain has to offer with a staycation at one of over 54,600-holiday cottages, log cabins and apartments across the country. Find the stay that works for you.

‘Slow furniture’ – long live ‘shabby chic’

Since my student days of ‘skip raiding’ I have always favoured second-hand, pre-loved furniture over new stuff. Apart from a few beds and a sofa 30 years ago, most of our furniture, and some of our curtains, have been acquired gradually from charity or second-hand shops, given by family, or bought at local auctions. We’ve got an old school art cupboard still smelling of pencils and a dressing table with drawers lined with 1950’s wallpaper. I like that these pieces have ‘lived’ in other places.

Why buy second-hand furniture?

Buying second-hand also avoids the ‘off-gassing’ (VOCs) of new furniture. Utilising natural materials rather than the flat-packed chipboard option. The furniture is better made: more joints and fewer screws! There is pride in the work and craftsmanship. That well-worn phrase of William Morris “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” is part of the appeal. You have theability to create different looks; bespoke looks without bespoke prices! Okay it takes more time, but that becomes part of the fun.

Buying at auction is a lot easier now that you can bid on-line and e-bay has helped revolutionise the second-hand market – whether it’s cars, clothes or cupboards! Sites such as Freecycle link those wanting ‘stuff’ with those looking for it! Auction sites such as Easyliveauction and saleroom websites make finding second-hand gems at local auctions a breeze. All helping re-use items, which in-turn reduces the demand on resources and lessens the amount ending up in landfill or worse still ‘fly-tipped’.

Help charities raise money and help the enviroment

Local furniture recycling projects are great for feeding into the circular economy – often offering training and employment opportunities. Upcycling is fun. Charities such as the British Heart Foundation, the YMCA, and Oxfam have separate shops to sell furniture and electricals. Although a word of caution here – second-hand appliances may not always be as efficient as they could be, so could end up costing more in running costs. Old fridges and freezers, because they are on all the time, can be problematic.

Slow food, Slow fashion… perhaps we need a new movement supporting Slow furniture!

Interior design obviously goes in trends and glossy magazines and social media sites such as pinterest seek to persuade us to get the current look; Stripped pine, minimalist, post war utility, scandi, urban chic, ‘shabby chic’, Bo-Ho, opulent, funky, 50’s, 70’s … we are sold an image – and it’s obviously a growth area as fashion retailers such as H&M and Zara have moved into the homeware market. So just like ‘slow food’ and ‘slow fashion’ perhaps we need a new movement supporting ‘slow furniture’! Who knows what the next trend will be – maybe dark brown antique furniture will come back, or it will be painted white as they did in the seventies, as they say “What goes around comes around”!

Counting the cost of clothing – Slow fashion to save the planet – Green Choice’s tips

Waking up to the news that we all need to wake up to the urgency of climate change was unpleasant but not surprising. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) launched a special report on the impact of global warming of 1.5C. It urges rapid action, yet we all twitter whilst the planet burns!

We know that there are many factors contributing to climate change and the report calls for significant action in the four big areas – energy, land use, cities and industry. So is fashion that much of a problem? Well, yes. In the same way as choosing what to eat ultimately determines land-use – what we wear has an impact too. My first thought when seeing a glossy mag full of models wearing the latest trend of oversized jumpers and coats, was “what an unnecessary waste of materials!” And the disgraceful practice of burning of clothes and products by Burberry and the like to protect their ‘brand integrity’ is just the tip of the (melting) iceberg of environmental impact.

The concept of ‘slow fashion’ takes its inspiration from the ‘slow food movement’ – the antidote to ‘fast food’. ‘Slow fashion’ attempts to make us consider the impact of fashion on the environment and the people employed in the industry. It’s staggering to learn that Fashion is the 2nd most polluting industry in the world, after the oil industry! So what can we, as individuals, do about it? Here are some tips to reduce the impact our clothing has on the environment.

Buy less and buy better quality

I find it staggering that you can buy a T-shirt for the same price as a sandwich! It is tempting to buy more than you need and to easily chuck them away when they disintegrate after a few washes. Go for fewer, better-made items that will stand the test of time, but remember that just because something costs more doesn’t mean that it is made ethically or will last longer. Look at the label, and check out it’s credentials using the app ‘Good on you’.

Buy second hand

Pre-loved, vintage, charity shop or jumble sale – even e-bay – shopping can still be fun, just in a different way. Create your own style and work out what suits you. Did ra ra skirts suit anyone?

Keep classics

Keep any classics in your wardrobe, but give anything not needed to charity shops but be aware that a lot of items can end up in landfill or shipped out to developing countries for them to dispose of.

Natural or man-made?

Both have environmental issues. Cotton production uses a staggering amount of water and pesticides, according to WWF cotton accounts for 11% of worldwide pesticide sales and 24% of global insecticide sales. Polyester has another problem in that it sheds microfibers when washed which enter our water systems – so it goes on polluting. Dyeing fabric has implications for workers and for the environment. Organic natural cotton is better but it still requires a lot of water for its production.

Make do and mend

Instead of throwing damaged clothes away, check if you can repair them. Or look out for brands such as Nudie Jeans who offer a lifetime guarantee and repair service.

And finally don’t buy – ask yourself do I really need it? Can I make do with what I have?

What’s really happening to our planet? New book by Tony Juniper

whats-really-going-on-book“What’s in the package?” my teenage daughter shouted excitedly as I opened the envelope containing a copy of Tony Juniper’s ‘What’s Really Happening to our Planet?’ book. And as she feigned interest before returning to the computer to play Sims with her friends I was struck by the irony that Dorling & Kindersley had published this book. Back in the 90’s DK’s educational CD-Roms – known as DK Multimedia, had fascinated and excited my older children. They could get information, on such topics as the human body, without needing to read too much and what’s more they could interact with it! So nearly 20 years on a book, even one with lots of interesting infographics, has to work hard to capture a young audience.

That said, pulling together the complexities of the issues that affect our planet is no mean feat. There are some alarming facts in the book, such as ‘Energy use up five-fold since the 1950’s’; not surprising given our growing population. And in DK style the information is presented crisp and clearly, with bright charts and colourful graphics to communicate the woeful state of our planet.

As well as the changing climate, the rising sea levels and resource depletion, the author covers the problems of world debt and wide spread corruption as well as the rise of consumerism and challenges of the waste we produce.

It’s a great resource to dip and out of for snapshots of the threats posed to our planet. I can see it being useful in schools and colleges.  What’s good about having a good old fashioned book  is that you can flick through and find things without being led by specific Internet searches. Perhaps that’s why sales of books are on the rise.  However, I hope that it will be available in app format too.

whats-really-going-on-book-

It’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by all the fact and figures and to feel powerless to change anything. Some sections of the book do include what individuals and society can do, but I had to look hard to find them. There are simple things such as eating less meat, using energy efficiently; recycling and using greener forms of transport that could help reduce the impact on our planet. But the really big dilemmas such as population expansion, the impact and needs of the developing world and squaring economic growth whilst sustaining a healthy planet, require more than us making green choices.

Perhaps persuading the games developers Maxis that Sims 5 should be ‘Sims Save the Planet’ could help influence the decision makers of the future. If we don’t look after it, mankind and the planet will die.