5 top tips for a more responsible road trip
Are you planning on having a road trip adventure anytime soon? If so, make sure to consider the following five tips to make your getaway a responsible one, courtesy of Mark Barclay from PartsForAllCars.com.
2021 has become the year of the staycation, as evidenced by the number of searches for ‘staycation UK’ increasing by 173% between June 2020 and June 2021 (Simply Business). While some of us have spent the past year longing for an international getaway, the beauty of a holiday in the UK should not be underestimated. In fact, the UK was voted as the third most beautiful nation in the world just this year (Rough Guides)!
If you want to see all that the country has to offer, there's no better way of doing that than by taking a road trip! But before you do, it's important to consider how to be responsible on your journey. The following tips will help you both be respectful of the areas your visiting and stay eco-conscious while travelling.
Prepare your car for the trip
One of the best ways to ensure that your road trip is eco-friendly is done before you even hit the road. Making sure that your car is in top condition for your journey doesn't just make the trip safer for you, but it can lessen the environmental impact too. This is because cars use less energy and release less harmful fumes when they're working at their optimum level.
Before you set off on your journey, make sure to do the following:
- Check the tyres: Tyre pressures that are at the correct level can improve your mileage by up to 3.3%, so it's important to check them before you set off (Treehugger).
- Top up the oil: Make sure to top the car up with the best quality engine oil to improve fuel efficiency.
- Get top quality brake pads: Brake pads that are in good condition can also lower fuel consumption, so it may be time to give yours an update.
Pack light
Many people see travelling by car as an excuse to take everything under the sun with them, even if they won't use it on their trip. However, the heavier your vehicle load is, the larger the carbon footprint (and the more you spend on fuel too). So rather than packing your whole wardrobe, try to only take what you truly need, and lighten your load when driving.
The good news is that packing light isn't too difficult. Instead of opting for bulky clothes, pack light layers that can be added if the temperature turns chilly. You can also keep your suitcase small by opting for a few simple yet classic items of clothing that go with pretty much anything. And if you're looking to cut down on toiletries, consider purchasing a shampoo bar so you don't have to lug bulky bottles around. As a bonus, this will also be more eco-friendly than bottled shampoo, as it uses less packaging.
Obey the rules of the road
Road signs are there for a reason, so don't forget to pay close attention to any that you come across. Obeying them is important not just for the environment, but for the safety of yourself, your passengers, and other road users too.
Even if the speed limits or warning signs seem overly cautious, they would not have been put there if they weren't necessary. For example, a speed limit may be lower than you expect due to a nearby school or hidden entrances. Plus, sticking to the speed limit, or below it, can lower the emissions your car produces and keep your carbon footprint small.
Support local business
Many small, local businesses suffered through the period of lockdown restrictions. In fact, the pandemic has cost small businesses over £126.6 billion, and 82% of small business owners have found that their mental health has been negatively impacted as a result (Simply Business).
So to help them thrive again, take your trip as an opportunity to spend your money at small, local businesses. There are plenty of ways you can do this, such as buying your essentials from a small corner shop rather than a large supermarket chain, getting your souvenirs from local trinket shops or boutiques, and eating and drinking in independent establishments. Not only does dining at independent eateries support the local economy, but as these businesses often use products from the local area, it can reduce the environmental impact of your meal too.
Respect your surroundings
Remember that you are a guest to the areas that you visit, so make sure to pay your surroundings with respect. This isn't a difficult job, and will make life for the locals so much easier. Even the smallest of things, such as picking up your rubbish and disposing of it correctly, or leaving gates how you find them when taking a walk in the countryside, can have a big impact on the surroundings.
Make sure to have plenty of fun on your UK road trip, but remember to be responsible for your actions too. The tips above should help you make eco-friendly travel choices that benefit both the local residents and the planet. For more advice on all things travel, make sure to check out the rest of the articles at The Travel Daily!
