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How to take part in zero waste week whilst staying in Devon

16th August 2019

Categories: Visitor News

Zero waste week is upon us, from 2^{nd -}6^th September people around the country will be attempting to live more sustainably and create less waste. This may seem like an impossible task if you are planning a holiday, but in Devon there are many ways to reduce your waste without reducing your fun and relaxation.

There are many accommodation options in Devon available for the more ecologically minded. If you want to get back in touch with nature there are a number of camping facilities with sustainable practices in place, from using solar power to encouraging conscious use of water. Roadford Lake camping has a Green Tourism Gold Award, as well as offering an escape from modern life with on-site water sports and nature walks to help you unwind.

Image: Roadford Lake.

If you want to feel a little more comfortable but still be in the heart of nature, you could opt for a lodge at Green Tourism Silver and David Bellamy Conservation Gold award-winning Bovisand Holiday Park nestled in an unspoilt wooded valley and offering breath-taking views over Plymouth Sound. Or maybe Higher Wiscombe is more up your street with cosy cottages in Southleigh Valley. Having worked with the Green Tourism Board since opening, Higher Winscombe have an impressive list of eco accolades to their name and have implemented such eco practices as a biomass boiler, a no chemicals policy and even used recycled materials in building their beautiful accommodation.

Image: Higher Wiscombe.

If indulgence is more your style there are many options in Devon for a luxury eco holiday. You could choose from any of the Green Tourism award-winners such as Pentillie Castle, with local produce being served in its restaurant, in fact, many ingredients have zero food miles because they are grown or raised on the estate including: fresh herbs, apple juice, venison and pheasant. Even the water in your room will be sustainable with glass water bottles sterilised, filled and carbonated on site. Alternatively, you could luxuriate at the Duke of Cornwall Hotel, safe in the knowledge of its Green Tourism Silver Award. Or enjoy a creative course with your stay at The Loft Apartment at The Old Kennels, while electric cars charge at their onsite charging station and your phone charges from their solar powered generators.

Image: Duke of Cornwall Hotel.

When venturing out of your sustainable and comfortable accommodation, you might be wondering how to spend your days without blemishing your zero waste record. Well Devon will not disappoint.

Image: Tamar Trails

You could start your week with a trip into the wilderness with Tamar Trails, enjoying mountain biking and walking or even a geocaching treasure hunt! You could test your nerves with Tree Surfers, letting your inner orangutan out as you swing around their tree top activities. Take the children (or your inner child) to Pennywell Farm, winner of Best Sustainable Business South Devon Tourism and Hospitality Awards, for a day of piggy cuddles, goat walking and egg collecting, as well as a host of seasonal activities.

Image: RHS Rosemoor.

If you prefer a calming experience, why not take a trip to RHS Rosemoor and enjoy their beautiful rose gardens or dine at their restaurant, eating fruits and vegetables grown in the gardens. If the rain hits, you could venture into the National Marine Aquarium, a Green Tourism Gold Award winner, where as well as spending time with starfish and baby cat sharks, you can learn all about sustainable fishing, marine protected areas and the importance of seagrass.

If you like to learn a new skill on your holiday, why not book a course at The Old Kennels. Here you can take short courses throughout the year in a variety of heritage arts, skills and traditional crafts, including glass bead making and cartography. On top of your new skill you can also take pride in knowing that The Old Kennels operate an entirely zero waste policy!

Of course, even in your everyday travels there are many ways to reduce your waste; take your own water bottle as most businesses will happily refill it for you. Eat in one of Devon’s many restaurants instead of buying plastic wrapped take away foods. And, of course, enjoy the wide range of natural attractions on offer from beaches to moors there is always somewhere to explore.

Find more ways to be an eco-tourist by taking a look at our eco accommodation providers here and the many eco-friendly attractions here.