Are Go-Pods an eco-friendly alternative to traditional holidaying?
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"Photo via Magnuscmd.com"
With the recent pandemic grounding most international flights, major changes to the way we travel and holiday seem to be on the horizon. Some will be mourning the loss of their overseas summer getaways but a growing number are embracing the idea of holidaying domestically for the foreseeable future at least - and the good news is, that it’s better for the environment too!
It's been some years since the day of black, soot-spewing car exhausts or air-polluting steam trains churning out endless clouds of smoke - however there are still many ways that we all contribute to, which some consider far worse.
Whether it be choosing to drive to the local store, instead of walking or perhaps unnecessarily having the odd amazon package sent directly to your door - we are all responsible for putting out a bit too much carbon from time to time.
This might leave us to think exactly how much carbon are we putting out and where can we help to make a positive change?
"Graphic via carboncalculator.co.uk"
Well, first of all we need to look at the statistics and figure out roughly how much the average person in the UK is responsible for.
According to the Department of Energy and Climate Change in 2017, it was estimated that the average person in the UK is responsible for producing 9 tonnes of carbon emissions every single year. Of that, roughly 4.6 tonnes are emitted by our cars.
You may be a little shocked at just how much carbon we actually produce and it is evident where we can make some cuts that will benefit the world - and likely our pockets too!
With the Coronavirus sweeping across the world this year, it's really unlikely that any international flights will return to a normal standard of operation anytime soon - which although means you amy not be able to go on your favourite trip this year, you may at least actually be doing the world a much needed favour!
"Taking a long-haul flight generates more carbon emissions than the average person in dozens of countries around the world produces in a whole year." a new Guardian newspaper report has found. The figures highlight the disproportionate carbon footprint of those who can afford to fly, with even a short-haul return flight from London to Edinburgh contributing more CO2 than the mean annual emissions of a person in Uganda or Somalia."
If commercial air travel stays absent this year, it could actually reduce up to 6.2% of our entire yearly emissions - that's an extremely radical improvement for a single change. So with that in mind, the conscious thinking, eco-friendly person may well take the stance that they will go on holidays abroad less often, in name of the environmental benefits.
That's all very well of course but it would be a great shame to forgoe having any holidays at all! After all, going away on trips and holidaysare amongst our most pleasurable times of our year and giving them up would be giving up our quality of life. Thankfully something which we don't have to do.
There are many alternatives to holidaying abroad, and the great news is that there's plenty of beautiful places that you can visit within your own borders! Places like the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Devon, Ireland, Wales & Scotland hold some absolutely breath taking spots which may even make you forget that you're still fairly close to home. And there's no currency exchange to worry about or language barriers to overcome.
"A photo of the Lake District - via the Telegraph,co.uk'
Unfortunately with increased demand, hotel prices may increase as hoteliers understandably try to recoupe lost income. Camping will be the more cost effective option but tents are not everyones idea of luxury.
Many people are already seeking more comfortable options for that eco-friendly getaway.
However, they could really save themselves the hassle by checking out our awesome little 2 berth, mico-tourer caravans - Go Pods!
Go-Pods are probably the most eco-friendly carvans around, being made out of a one piece fibreglass shell - the Go-Pods are extremely lightweight, and economically efficient! Being lighter & aerodynamic (reducing drag) means they use far much less fuel than the average convential caravan or campervan - something which is ideal for anyone shopping consciously this year.
Looking at other alternatives; motorhomes have commercial van engines and so produce lots of emissions, and even campervans use larger engines than the average car towing a Go Pod! So they're definitely a no go in that regard.
One of the benefits of having a Go Pod, is that you will still have use of your car once set up at a camp site - meaning you wont have to take any public transport or taxis, and can safely socially distance whilst away holidaying. No constant unpacking & repacking!
Go-Pods can also be used off hook-up / off grid - with our solar panel upgrade running to a 12v battery, it keeps power going round the pod and even keeps your fridge / freezer cold while travelling! You can connect a gas bottle to your pod so that you can cook and heat up your pod while away, meaning you can be self efficient and use less energy as and when it's needed - it's really an eco friendly adventures dream!
"Photo provided by proud Go-Pod owner, Mike Beach"
Unlike other caravans, Go Pods can be towed by some hybrid cards and they have a MTPLM (Maximum Permissible Laden Mass) of up to 750kg. (That's almost 1 ton!).
Many people have realised lately the adverse affect that petrol and diesel cars can have on our environment, and our health directly in terms of pollution. With the recent lockdown in countries such as Italy, India and the United Kingdom, there has been a noticeable decrease in smog clouds and pollution levels in general. Due to the limited use of motor travel, many animals have returned to previously uninhabited areas and it has to be said that this is one of the few very positive changes to come out of this pandemic.
Going ahead, I'm sure there will be a great deal of people that will want to do their best to keep doing their part. Electric cars and hybrids have usually been labeled things of the future, however it seems that they now well be things of the present.
Caravan owners may be concerned that a hybrid or electric car would be incapable of towing, but this is actually a common misconception that is easily forgiven.
Electric vehicles are still general the most limited at towing, mostly hatchbacks or superminis, however hybrids have now developed to a point where many are capabale of towing up to 750kg or more! This is the same as most petrol & diesel cars,
There are a couple of exceptions with electric cars that can tow such as the Tesla Model X, the Audi E-Tron, the Mercedes ECQ & the Jaguar I-Pace.
"Photo source from Wikipedia - Jaguar I Pace"
I'm sure we can all agree that towing will be an essential feature to be included on cars going into the future, especially in the current climate where we can never be sure about international travel. With the above mentioned hybrid & electric cars, you'll be able to tow your caravan - having enviromentally conscious holidays & safe travels.
Go Pods are great for this, being 2 berth micro-tourer caravans they're super compact and light weight - meaning that almost any car can tow them, including hybrids & electrics.
Why not have a look at our gallery page to see some happy podders on adventures of their own?
If you're interested and have any questions at all, please feel free to contact Go Pods on the following page.