How to practice sustainable business travel
04/02/2019
Do you drive an electric car, use public transportation or take part in ride-sharing services in your hometown? Are you consciously and consistently engaging in environmentally friendly practices? If so, why not continue to go green when traveling for business? When we celebrate Earth Day on April 22, consider how you can to continue environmentally responsible habits when traveling for business. Try to implement the following practices during your business travels to be more sustainable:
Consider your means of travel
Your carbon footprint could very well depend on what method of transportation you choose. The National Geographic reported that trains, buses and electric cars often have less of an environmentally harmful impact than other means of travel.
When you fly, do your best to book a non-stop flight. The majority of carbon emissions are created when planes are landing and taking off during multiple layovers so opting for a direct flight is the most environmentally friendly option, according to Go Green Travel Green.
If traveling with co-workers, consider sharing a rental car or ride service. This can minimize emissions and is a sustainable choice, unless of course you all choose to walk or use public transportation to get around.
Continue your recycling efforts
Just because you are in a rush or on-the-go in a foreign city doesn't mean your recycling efforts should go down the drain. Though establishing where to put your plastics may take an extra moment or two in a new metropolis, doing so is important. Better yet, say no to plastic bottles and straws, especially when traveling, bring your own reusable bottle. Avoid plastic bags by bringing your own foldable shopping bag or tote.
Select sustainable accommodations
It's probably unsurprising to see an astronomically high figure representing the thousands of gallons of water used in washing hotel towels. However, you may be shocked to know that the smallest reminder on a card placed in hotel rooms to reuse towels has been shown to have the potential to save up to 72,000 gallons of water per 150-room hotel annually, according to The Scientific American.
Using solar power, reducing hot water use and adopting other environmentally conservative practices is growing more and more popular throughout hotel chains. When booking, be sure to ask how hotels embrace these sustainable initiatives.
Support local
No matter where you travel, supporting the local community is the most responsible and sustainable option. If you have extra time to explore in between or after business meetings, consider only selecting tours from local community-based tourism and guides, Roaming the Americas explained. Not only does this support the local tourism industry, it also gives you the most authentic experience as well.
Contact your travel insurance provider for further assistance.
The information contained here is provided by Brafton. AIG Travel assumes no responsibility for the use, accuracy, or interpretation of the information contained herein.