The National Caravan council has set up a new website highlighting the green credentials of caravan holidays. Holidaymakers can use greencaravanning.co.uk to estimate the carbon footprint of their trip by entering the distance they are travelling and what type of car and caravan they are using. They can then compare the carbon dioxide emissions of their journey with those of air, rail or coach travel.

Emissions for a 1,100 mile journey from London to Inverness with a family of four in a Ford Focus towing a small caravan produces only 38% (0.36 tonnes) of the CO2 output of a similar distance flight, which would produce emissions of nearly a tonne (0.96 tonnes).

For a family of four that takes a short break every quarter, turning to caravanning rather than flying would produce significant savings.

Furthermore, caravanning offers what research shows consumers want – to enjoy the environment while minimising their carbon footprint.

Other green aspects of caravanning include: 90% of caravans on UK roads are made in Britain, unlike some manufactured items that have already clocked up air or sea miles before reaching the end user; and many holiday parks pay great attention to protecting the environment through the use of solar power, recycling points and other green initiatives.

There are about 500,000 touring caravans in use in the UK and 3,000 holiday parks across the country. Some 2m Britons take a touring caravan holiday each year.

Source: E-tid.com, 2.1.08