Eco-living: Taking the staycation to its extreme

When I was little, the main reason for going to the airport was to watch the "big airies" take off and land. When it came to innovative ways of entertaining children, my mum was the best. I'll never forget the day we went round and round on the Glasgow Underground, hoping to catch sight of Glen Michael (of Cavalcade fame) at Cowcaddens.

These days, a prolonged visit to the airport, staring fervently at the planes yet being in possession of neither ticket nor passport, would probably get you dragged off to the interrogation room. Regardless, this joyous childhood memory forms the springboard for this week's eco-living notion: holidaying at home.

Admittedly, spending your precious week off work at the airport, watching other people, with suitcases in hand, jetting off to warmer climes might be a bit too much to bear if you've elected to indulge in a staycation. You could revel in a moment of superiority, thinking about how much smaller your carbon footprint is than theirs, but I think we can find better ways to spend your time.

As you may have guessed, I intend to remain within the confines of the British Isles for the duration of 2010. That old favourite, a week in the Highlands, has already been discussed, along with the even more exotic long weekend in the Lake District. Waterproofs at the ready.

But need I go that far? What about taking holidaying at home literally? I'm talking about a tent in the back garden, day trips to local attractions and sampling regional culinary specialities. What's taking me a while to warm to this one is the notion of having to do the dishes while having a week off. I've tried self-catering breaks, but there's something about the unbearable burden of having to do the washing up that seriously dampens the holiday spirit. Perhaps I will invest in a banana plant and use the leaves as plates.

The serious point in all this is that there are probably a host of interesting features on your doorstep that you've never thought of investigating. So, in the interests of green travel, let's become tourists in our own backyards. Have I ever been to Jedburgh Castle Jail or Mary Queen of Scots House? No. Gone for a skate round Kelso ice rink? Nein. Walked the Borders Abbey Way? Mais non.

In the UK, the Green Tourism Business Scheme (www.green-business.co.uk) has grown out of a VisitScotland initiative and has listings of green places to visit. My region has 37 possibilities, ranging from a health spa to ruined abbeys and historic gardens. To win a gold, silver or bronze rating, the business has to meet a rigorous series of criteria, including energy and water efficiency, waste management and biodiversity. Meanwhile, we're continually being advised to shop and eat locally, so check out the Scottish Food Guide (www.scottishfoodguide.com) for tips on the best producers and places to eat in your area.

Still sceptical? Then think of it as your patriotic duty. Just last year the Local Government Association championed holidaying in Britain as a way of beating the recession and helping local businesses. Then again, aren't holidays meant to be about forgetting our cares and getting away from it all? I'll leave it to you to decide.

I'm filled with a sudden urge to watch the big airies take off. But perhaps I'll take a detour en route to make some inquiries at the local tourist office.

This article was first published in Scotland on Sunday, March 14, 2010