If you know Newquay, then you know that it is an area of incredible natural beauty. We know you want to keep this area as lovely as you found it, but it’s not always easy to find the best way to have an eco-conscious stay in new surroundings. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide, to help you have a sustainable holiday in Newquay.
Leave packaging at home
Packing your suitcase for holiday can happen in a rush! We understand it is sometimes easier to throw new goodies for your holiday in your suitcase and open them when you get here! Leaving packaging at home will help to reduce the extra waste that comes through Cornwall during peak seasons. It also means you might free up some room for an extra pair of shoes!
Take your litter home with you!
This one really does have the largest impact! We’re sure you’ve seen the scenes, overflowing bins on the beach at the end of a long day lying in the sun. What do you do when you encounter this? Does it affect what you do with your own rubbish? Maybe you try to stack it on top? Or place it neatly beside the bin? Or take it home to bin it or recycle it? This is one of those everyday scenarios where the ultimate power lies with the people. The solution is not bigger than you, the solution is you. Even if you’ve tried to get it in or next to the bin, it’s important to remember it won’t stay there! The combination of the wind and the seagulls means it will end up in the sea. If you take your rubbish home with you after a beach day – we salute you!
If you see it, pick it up
Alas, it seems there will always be those who are happy to leave their rubbish on the beach. As locals, it’s general practice to pick up abandoned litter and help it find its way to the nearest bin. We love to see our visitors joining in! This keeps Cornwall beautiful and clean and means less litter ends up in the sea. Always try to take your own rubbish home with you. In summer especially, the beach bins fill up and overflow faster than they can be emptied! This means rubbish blows back onto the beach and into the sea.
Buy local
Go on, treat yourself – you’re on holiday! In Cornwall, we have a plethora of independent businesses producing locally-made goodies. If you choose to buy local, most of the items will require limited packaging, especially if you bring your own canvas bags out with you! Food at farmers markets usually comes directly from local farms, which means transportation time is greatly reduced. Buying locally also helps to boost our economy and creates jobs in our communities, meaning we can keep providing you with an awesome Cornish holiday time and again!
This way, you’ll have the perfect items and the feel-good factor of knowing your choice helped make a difference.
Check out Fresh Point local and Newquay Farmers market for your locally-sourced self-catering supplies!
No need to drive
Newquay is well connected, with easy access to gorgeous walks along the South West Coast path to a great bus system that can take you on an adventure further afield. Check out our blog on the best apps to download ready for your stay in Cornwall for tips on walking routes and the local Cornwall bus app.
Spread the word!
If you’re on board with the above, spread the word! Share your experiences on social media, tag local businesses and let the people know why a sustainable holiday is a better holiday.
We can’t wait to see you in Cornwall!