At Maguires Country Parks, we’re committed to maintaining the natural beauty of our surroundings while offering luxury holiday homes. As a holiday home owner, you can help support us with this by adopting sustainable practices during your stay. From small lifestyle changes to conscious resource usage, here’s how you can enjoy an environmentally friendly holiday at Maguires.
Travel Sustainably to Your Holiday Home
The first step in creating a more sustainable holiday is how you travel. Consider your carbon footprint when planning trips to your holiday home.
- Carpooling: If you’re travelling with family or friends, choose carpooling to reduce emissions.
- Use Public Transport: When possible, take advantage of the local bus or train services near our parks. This is particularly easy at Swainby Country Park, which is close to local transport links.
- Electric Vehicles: If you own an electric car, check with your park about charging facilities.
Conserve Energy in Your Holiday Home
Your holiday home is equipped with the modern comforts of home, but being mindful of energy usage can make a big difference in reducing your environmental impact.
- Efficient Heating: Set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature and turn it off when you leave the home. In winter, ensuring your holiday home is well-insulated will conserve heat and reduce energy usage.
- Switch Off Appliances: When you’re not using appliances, switch them off at the mains. This includes televisions, kitchen appliances, and chargers. These small actions can prevent unnecessary energy drain.
- Use Energy-Efficient Lighting: Ensure your holiday home uses energy-saving lightbulbs. Many of our static caravans for sale come equipped with eco-friendly lighting options, but you can always upgrade where needed.
Reduce Water Usage
Water conservation is another key aspect of enjoying an environmentally friendly holiday at your holiday home.
- Fix Leaks: Regularly check taps and shower heads for leaks. Even small drips can waste large amounts of water over time.
- Shower Responsibly: Shorten your showers and opt for water-efficient shower heads, which can significantly reduce water usage without sacrificing comfort.
- Dishwashing and Laundry: Only run the dishwasher or washing machine with full loads. This ensures that you’re making the most of water and energy with each use.
Embrace Local Produce and Sustainable Shopping
Shopping locally not only supports the community but also reduces the environmental impact associated with transporting goods.
- Farmers Markets: Many of our parks are located near vibrant markets selling local produce, such as Berwick upon Tweed and Darlington. Shop for locally grown fruits, vegetables, and products to support regional businesses and reduce food miles.
- Eco-Friendly Products: When buying goods for your holiday home, such as cleaning products and toiletries, look for environmentally friendly options that use sustainable packaging and fewer chemicals.
Dispose of Waste Responsibly
Recycling and proper waste management are crucial for maintaining the beauty of our parks and their surroundings.
- Use Recycling Facilities: All of our parks, from Ord House to Swaleside, offer comprehensive recycling facilities. Make sure to separate your waste correctly and dispose of it in the designated bins.
- Compost When Possible: If your holiday home has the facilities, consider composting food scraps. This reduces landfill waste and contributes to a healthier garden or landscape around your home.
Limit the Use of Plastics
Reducing plastic consumption is one of the easiest ways to lessen your environmental impact while staying at your holiday home.
- Reusable Bags: Bring reusable shopping bags with you on holiday to avoid single-use plastic.
- Eco-Friendly Water Bottles: Instead of purchasing plastic water bottles, bring a refillable water bottle.
- Avoid Single-Use Plastics: Cut down on disposable items like cutlery, plates, and cups by using reusable alternatives during your stay.
Respect Nature and Wildlife
Many of our parks are set within Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including Swaleside Country Park along the River Swale. Preserving this natural environment is essential for future generations to enjoy.
- Stay on Designated Paths: While exploring the stunning landscapes around parks like The Kaims or Swainby, stick to marked trails to avoid disturbing local ecosystems.
- Wildlife Spotting: Many of our parks are home to a wide variety of wildlife. Enjoy observing animals from a distance, but avoid feeding them as it can disrupt their natural habits.
- Bee-Friendly Habitats: At parks like Ord House, we are involved in the Honey Bee Friendly Park Project. Plant bee-friendly flowers or purchase wildflower seeds from the park reception to help create a sustainable environment for pollinators.
Take Part in Eco-Friendly Activities
Enjoy activities that are gentle on the environment and help you connect with nature.
- Cycling and Walking: Instead of driving, explore the nearby villages and countryside on foot or by bike. Parks like Forget Me Not are close to spectacular hiking trails.
- Wildlife Watching: Northumberland is home to rich wildlife. Spend time birdwatching or simply observing the natural beauty around your park without impacting the environment.
Make Every Stay an Eco-Friendly One
By adopting these environmentally friendly practices during your holiday, you’re not only helping to protect the stunning landscapes surrounding our parks, but you’re also contributing to the global effort to reduce environmental impact.
So next time you visit your holiday home, remember to take these simple steps towards sustainability and enjoy your holiday knowing you’re helping to protect the planet.
