Survey shows Ireland is green at home but not away

In the current economic and environmental climate, a large emphasis has been placed on our individual carbon footprints. As an Irish population we are actively being encouraged by multiple initiatives to reduce waste, reuse as much as possible and recycle what can be recycled. We are also encouraged to walk, use public transportation, take our bicycle and leave the car at home.

A recent study was carried out into the travel habits of the Irish population with a focus on how green we are when we travel. Questions were asked on the topics of air miles, offsetting CO2 omissions, recycling while at home and abroad, conserving energy, the importance of environmentally friendly hotels and the consumption of locally produced produce.

The Findings

• Of the 162 respondents, 73.58% were female and 26.42% were male
• 50% of respondents were between 26-45 with the remaining 50% 46-66+
• 77.78% of those surveyed take between 0 and 5 flights per annum
• 77.46% take between 6-8 flights per annum
• 68% of those surveyed said they would reduce the number of flights they take per annum to reduce their carbon footprint
• However 80% of respondents said they would not pay extra to offset their carbon footprint
• 38% of those surveyed said that they actively look for environmentally friendly hotels when going on holidays
• 96% of those surveyed regularly recycle, however only 81% recycle whilst on holiday
• 19% said it was “very important” to book an environmentally friendly hotel whilst 5% don’t think it’s important at all
• 96.83% of people surveyed conserve energy at home, whilst only 73% of people conserve energy when on holiday
• 70% of respondents think its important that organic or locally produced food is available on holiday

A few interesting correlations can be seen in the above findings. Although individuals seem happy enough to reduce the amount of flights they take per annum to reduce their carbon footprint, they are not willing to pay extra to offset the emissions produced by the flights that they do take. This could be a sign of the recessionary times we are living in where individuals would rather save money by not flying at all instead of paying extra to offset emissions produced by the flight.

Another interesting finding from the study shows that although 96% of those surveyed recycle whilst at home, only 81% recycle on holidays. There are a number of possible reasons for this. Recycling facilities may not be available or hotels may not provide separate waste bins for paper and plastics etc.

This research was carried out by Westport Woods Hotel and Spa in Co. Mayo Ireland which is currently Ireland’s greenest hotel. Westport Woods has put a lot of time and effort into making their operation as carbon neutral as possible and prides itself on respecting the environment in which it stands. “This research has proved invaluable to us in helping us to understand how the people of Ireland feel about the environment and how they can effect it whilst on holiday” - Michael Lennon - Westport Woods Hotel.