Travelling for work is a common occurrence in today’s fast-paced world, but what if we told you that you could make a difference with even the tiniest of changes? Sustainable and responsible tourism has become increasingly important as we become more conscious of our impact on the environment.
In this blog post, we will explore some eco-friendly ways to incorporate sustainability in your business travel.
1. Choose Sustainable Accommodations
When you’re travelling for business, you’re likely to spend a lot of time in your hotel room. Choosing an eco-friendly hotel can make a significant difference. Look for properties that have implemented sustainable practices in their operations. Many green hotels offer services that encourage conservation and are generally located near public transportation to reduce CO2 emissions.
2. Offset your Carbon Footprint
Air travel is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. So, if you need to fly, make sure to offset your carbon footprint by supporting projects that reduce carbon emissions or by investing in renewable energy. Many airlines offer carbon offset programmes, make sure to check if your airline has any such programme before booking.
3. Pack Light
When packing for your business trip, opt for a minimalist approach. Only pack what you will need for your meetings instead of bringing everything just in case. The lighter you pack, the less fuel your transportation will use, and the smaller your carbon footprint will be. Additionally, packing only a carry-on can save you both time and money, making your trip more efficient and budget friendly.
4. Practice Sustainable Habits
Numerous sustainable travel practices can be adopted to minimise your environmental impact while on a business trip. For instance, turn off the lights and air conditioning when you leave the hotel room, avoid using plastic cups and straws, bring along your own refillable water bottle, carry a reusable coffee mug, and use public transportation or bike rental services instead of cars.
5. Use Public Transportation
When travelling for business, it’s convenient to use taxis or other car services, but it’s not the most sustainable option. Instead, opt for public transportation or ride-sharing services like UberPool or Lyft. This cuts down on emissions and can also help you save money on your travels.
6. Support Sustainable Businesses
One way to promote sustainable and responsible tourism is to prioritise businesses that follow sustainable practices. Choose restaurants that source their ingredients locally, hotels that use renewable energy, and shops that promote recycled or upcycled products. Supporting such businesses financially ensures that they continue to provide sustainable services and can lead to the spread of sustainable practices in the tourism industry.
Travelling sustainably doesn’t have to be complicated and can even save you money on your business trips. These top tips are simple yet effective ways to make your travels more eco-friendly. By implementing these changes, we can prioritise sustainability in travel while still achieving our business goals. So, take the conscious approach on your next business trip and be a responsible traveller.
Thompsons Travel is your one-stop-shop corporate travel agent, making your company travel program a secure and seamless contributor to meeting your overall business goals. Chat to us about tailoring a business travel management program to suit your needs.
