Traveling to exciting places for work can be great. But how can we do this in an environmental way?
Tip 1:
- Flight – Is it necessary? Can you get a train?
- I tried to do some research on eco-friendly flying options and currently there really isn’t a good way to fly. So avoid it if you can consider train options if possible.
- Can you offset your flight? Some airlines will let you donate the airmiles you’ve earned with them to offsetting the emissions, this won’t fully offset the environmental impact. You can often pay to offset the emissions, this will help the environment but is far from a fix.
- Some flight comparison sites will tell you which option is the most environmentally friendly. This could be due to a full plane, newer plane or less stops (a large proportion of the fuel used in a flight is used in take off and landing, less stops less fuel – bare in mind that if your direct flight is empty then your CO2 contribution could be significantly higher though).
- If you are driving is anyone else from nearby also going? Can you car share?
- Two conferences close together? Perhaps you can work away for the gap and avoid two lots of flights.
- Is there someone in the area you were planning to collaborate with? Try to fit this in to the same trip.
Unfortunately the environmental impact of flying is the hardest part to prevent but also the one with the biggest environmental impact. A lot of research has been done to reduce the emissions from aviation. Sadly these small changes are not enough, we need to dramatically improve ground travel, and some big breakthroughs in aeronautical engineering to be able to travel environmentally.
Tip 2:
- Travel light – Better for the plane and it makes your life easier when you’re wondering a new city. Take just hand luggage and you can speed through the airport too.
Less luggage -> lighter plane -> less fuel. It’s a small impact but it’s something!
Tip 3:
This one should be easy but for some reason it seems to be the one we all fail to do.
- Reusables – Coffee cup, spork, lunch box.
It’d be great if conference organisers took more note of this one. Think of the volume of single use waste from a week’s conference of single use plates and coffee cups! Help to reduce this by bringing your own. I have a foldable lunch box I carry in my backpack to prevent the plate, and I’m never without my coffee cup and water bottle.
My SAMBa coffee cup also makes a great promo focus for my centre for doctoral training too.
Tip 4:
- Toiletries – Solid bars of soap and shampoo make airport security easier and reduce the plastic waste.
Most hotels will pass on the tiny toiletries they give you if you leave them unopened. If you open the bottles take them home with you, otherwise that half a bottle hits the bin.
Tip 5:
- Walk the city if you can.
- If you can’t walk use local transport. If you must get a taxi speak to the conference organiser about other delegates arriving at the same time.
You can see an exciting city and get some exercise in.
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