You've already made a great first step by choosing one of our holiday homes - All of our self-catering cottages provide all the equipment you need for your stay, so there is no need to buy any additional supplies other than the all important food and drink. We have provided seven tips on how you can do some small acts of kindness that'll make a big difference to our local environments and help to protect the wildlife and world around us. So here goes!

Around the home 

1. Recycle. It is super easy to get use recycling facilities at your holiday home, when available. The Recycle Now website details recycling centres near your cottage if there are not any facilities available at your property. Oh, and remember to take reusable water bottles and avoid single use plastic when possible too!

2. Be energy aware. Simply closing windows and turning off heating and appliances when you are out makes an enormous difference. It is good for the environment and will delight your hosts. Plus, by reducing the amount of lights on and switching off unnecessary devices, you'll be able to appreciate the beautifully dark sky even more, when you're sat out on a warm summer's evening.

3. Water. Be a little conscious of your water use when you're in your holiday cottage. 

Hosepipe Ban in Cornwall: There is currently a Hosepipe Ban in Cornwall. There are some more details on the South West Water website here. We know you'll be conscious of your water usage anyway, but we just wanted to make you aware that there are additional regulations in place for Cornwall at the moment.

4. Owner suggestions. Not only will our owners think of the expected ways to help you protect our natural environment during your stay by providing things like recycling facilities for example, but they may have other ways for you to help. Check the information folders upon arrival and, if you meet them during your stay, why not ask if there is anything else you can do or ways you can access places on foot? It will be a great way to find out more about 'living like a local' during your stay, but it could give you some ideas of green efforts to apply to your home life too!

Out and about

5. Keep it local. Find local shops and farmers' markets. Over the last few years the nation has really stepped up a gear and in most corners of the country you'll be able to find a decent farm shop selling a full range of delicious locally sourced products. You can always use our Classic Guide website to find a local farm shop near you.

6. Enjoy life in the slow lane. Explore the local countryside on foot or by bicycle. It is a great way to enjoy your surroundings without adding to the traffic. Use public transport if you need to travel, but try exploring near to where you are staying, there are nearly always some fantastic places to see from your doorstep! If you fancy cycling, Beryl is a fantastic shared bike scheme based in a number of locations around the UK, offering both electric bikes and pedal bikes for you to enjoy on holiday.

7. Take it home with you. Please leave only your footprints and, if you see any litter and are feeling brave, put it in the bin.

Check out our local holiday guides!

Not only do we recommend the closest walk, pub, town and beach to each holiday home listed on our site, but we also put together blogs to help with your holiday inspiration. There are some great guides on here to help you find ways to holiday in a more eco-friendly way. Take Cornwall, for example. Browse our blog on 'The best local farm shops to visit in Cornwall' or browse our guide to 'Antique shops in  Cornwall', to help you find some second hand steals!

Perhaps you're more interested in where you can travel to by public transport? Check out our collection of holiday cottages close to London and read up on the best beaches near London too, here.

To browse all of our holiday guides, take a look at our Notes and Stories page. We keep this regularly topped up with new holiday tips and ideas!

Thank you for taking the time to read our green guide. If you have any suggestions on other ways you can help the environment at all, please get in touch. We'd love to here them.