Just what do people read on a bank holiday?

We’ve had six bank holidays in England and Wales this year. As the August bank holidays fades into a distant, fuzzy memory and the yawning bank holiday-free chasm from now until Christmas stretches out in front of us, we take a look at what our readers read, when they should be out doing something else instead.

Back in January (New Year’s Day) our readers were clearly nostalgic for the year just gone, with That was the year that was 2012 topping the day’s content. For reference our ever-popular Guide to Sustainable Investment 2012 topped the content in 2012, although you can read the 2013 version here.

Three months later on Good Friday (March 29), our readers were digesting the request for Tesco to apologise properly over the horsemeat scandal (Post-horsemeat burgers, has Tesco returned to business as usual already?), written by our friends over at Responsible 100.

April Fools’ Day coincided with Easter Monday this year (April 1), but we demonstrated we are no nation of fools. The greatest number of survey respondents (41%) to an independent poll conducted for Carbon Brief, saw no contradiction between addressing climate change whilst also promoting economic growth (Britons want government to tackle climate change and grow economy). Tim Jackson and many others might take a slightly different view. The pervasive view that unsustainable growth and preserving the environment are compatible is a challenging one sustainability-ologists.

The May Day bank holiday (May 6) saw UK firms make it onto a list of the most ethical companies in the world (Seven UK firms make it onto World’s Most Ethical Companies list), and has been a favourite ever since.

Spring bank holiday (May 27) saw Tesco back in the headlines with their leading role in reducing food waste (Tesco to take ‘leading role’ in reducing food waste). Using less horse would be a start.

And yesterday’s summer bank holiday (August 26) saw our readers take an interest in concerns about the lobbying bill heading for parliament, which will limit the freedom of charities and campaign groups to act during an election (Campaign group 38 Degrees faces ‘biggest ever threat’ – from a parliamentary bill).

So that’s what you read on each of this year’s six bank holidays. A heartfelt thank you for joining us on those precious days. Now back to the treadmill.