Maplin has launched its second National Solar Week. Following on from last year, we are looking at everyone doing their little bit to make a difference to the environment. This year, we are targeting holidaymakers.

A surprising 45 per cent of British holiday makers switch off from going green on their travels and take no steps to help the environment. Our study found that although people are increasingly adopting energy-saving measures in the home – thinking about the state of the planet is the last thing on our mind, when getting away from it all.

Nearly a third (29 percent) believe the environmental cost of their trip away should be covered by the overall cost of their package holiday, travel or accommodation.

A further 30 per cent only think about protecting the environment when at home, whilst 78 per cent of holiday makers believe there is not enough advice or information available to those who want to green when travelling.

To make matters worse, holidaymakers are increasingly cramming more and more gadgets into their suitcase, with 85 per cent packing a digital camera and 26 per cent squeezing a laptop into their baggage. A further 56 per cent take a pocket TV on their travels, whilst 80 per cent can’t leave home without their mobile.

And with millions of British and Irish holiday makers set to travel this year, millions of watts of electricity could be saved, if each traveller used just one solar charger to power their iPod, mobile phone or camera during their typical 10 day trip.

National Solar Week is therefore designed to encourage more people to adopt a few simple eco-lifestyle changes when on holiday, so that collectively we can all make a real difference to the future of the planet.

Of course, it’s not just about doing our bit abroad, it’s about doing it at home as well, so if you have any questions regarding solar power and doing your bit for the environment – pop in to your local store or read on!