Hen dos and stag dos are getting ever more extravagant.
Gone are the days of a rowdy night out in Blackpool with sashes, penis straws and tying the groom to a lamppost. Now, we want far-flung, exotic locations, luxury accommodation, sunshine and white sands.
Not only is this trend for overseas stag and hen dos expensive for duty-bound bridal parties and best men, it’s also having a serious impact on the environment.
New research commissioned by environmental charity Hubbub reveals that just under half (49%) of all flights taken by men aged 20-45 in 2019 were for stag dos. Just over a third (35%) of flights taken by women in the same age group were for hen dos.
But making a switch to a UK location could have a huge positive impact on the environment. By choosing Brighton over Barcelona, a group of 10 hen or stag do travellers from London could reduce their carbon emissions by 98%.
This is the equivalent of one person in the group going vegan for 2.2 years or not driving a car for 1.4 years, according to the comparison research compiled by Carbon Credit Capital.
If the environmental impetus isn’t enough to deter your bride and groom from jetting off – maybe talk to them about the cost instead.
Environmental hen/stag do swaps
• Swapping Las Vegas for Manchester is the equivalent of going vegan for 1.5 years
• Swapping Dubai for Edinburgh is the equivalent of giving up driving for 7 months
• Swapping Barcelona for Brighton is the equivalent of going vegan for 2.5 months
• Swapping Dublin for Cardiff is the equivalent of reducing meat intake from a high to low meat diet for 1.5 months
• Swapping Amsterdam for Newquay is the equivalent of giving up driving for 1.5 weeks
Carbon Credit Capital
Censuswide, interviewed more than 2,000 20-45-year-olds across the UK and found that 58% feel that hen and stag dos abroad are too long, expensive or involve too much travel. A third (33%) feel resentful towards the bride, groom or trip organiser about the amount of money they’ve had to spend on a hen or stag do.
This isn’t surprising when you consider that the average British man went on four stag dos last year. Those flying overseas spent £421 on each trip, compared with £261 per person for those who chose to avoid the plane and stay in the UK.
Over four trips, one regular stag-goer could save £640 over the course of a year by choosing UK destinations and not flying.
In light of these findings, Hubbub is launching the Why Wing It campaign to raise awareness of the environmental impact of flying. With January and February being peak times for holiday bookings, Hubbub is encouraging people to consider using alternative modes of travel and visit inspiring destinations closer to home instead.
‘When we asked people about their ideal hen or stag do they told us it would involve a short journey, one or two nights away, a good choice of nightlife and access to adventure activities and spas,’ says Jess Wiles, Creative Partner at Hubbub.
‘Our research shows that 43% of young people currently don’t consider the environmental impact of their holidays but we’re optimistic that this will change in 2020 as our flying habits become more of a focus.
‘Instead of flying by default, we’re keen to inspire people to consider alternatives such as travelling by train which is often less hassle and can be a fun way to travel with friends.’
MORE: Experts warn women need to do pelvic floor exercises to prevent leaks – from as young as 18
MORE: Elite Irish dancer diagnosed with agonising incurable illness battles to complete final competition
MORE: Mum reveals how she makes homemade pizza in her slow cooker
source https://metro.co.uk/2020/02/19/not-flying-abroad-hen-good-environment-going-vegan-1-5-years-12266116/
0 Comments