A Sustainable Return to Travel

While the pandemic has had a huge impact on everyone, it has also made people stop and slowdown, giving the planet time to recover from the demands and expectations of humans.

According to The Guardian, Industrial emissions in China were down about 18% between early February and mid-March 2020, (the world’s biggest source of carbon) and road traffic in the UK was reduced by more than 70%.

It was clear that our fast-paced lives were having a negative impact on the world when reductions in smog belts over Wuhan in China and Turin in Italy were visible from space and residents were able to make out Mount Everest for the first time in decades. The Sierra Madre in Manila also became visible again. However, these perks of the lockdown were short-lived as once lockdown eased contamination levels rose and mountain tops became a distant memory.

As a result of the pandemic, it is clear that we need to change our habits to protect our planet and travelling can have a massive impact on our carbon footprint. This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t travel, it just means that we should do everything we can to reduce our wastage and carbon footprint when travelling.

How can you reduce your waste when travelling?

Due to Covid-19, health and safety has increased the level of disposables we use. Therefore, carrying reusables as often as possible will allow you to reduce your own personal waste. Businesses could also take the opportunity to give employees branded reusables to carry, which would not only increase promotion for the business and its services, but also help people identify that your business is mindful of its waste.

Being eco-friendly could not be more possible now with reusable options including silicon, bamboo and metal for utensils and food containers. While it may seem expensive at first, reusables are long lasting, and you will know you are helping the environment.

Another thing to be mindful of is where your waste goes and to make sure you use the correct bins provided in airports. Anything that is recyclable but has grease or food remains on it is no longer recyclable and must be put in the general waste bin, so carrying a reusable food container could also reduce your food packaging waste. Being aware of what is and what isn’t recyclable will also help you reduce your carbon footprint.

Reducing the amount of transport, you use when travelling can help reduce your carbon footprint too. If your business trip is planned efficiently with extra time for travel to and from the places you want to go, grabbing a last-minute taxi won’t be the only option. If you can walk somewhere try and do this instead or use public transport as an alternative.

Greener travel cannot be expected to happen overnight. It will be a gradual process and will only be achievable if everyone is mindful of their habits. Moving forward businesses will need to be more cautious and aware of their carbon footprint.

How we can help

At Selective Travel Management we continue to meet the industry’s highest standards by achieving business excellence and sustainability through ISO 14001. The certification provides assurance to our clients that our company’s environmental impact is continuously being measured and improved in line with clear objectives.

As an ethical supplier, we can provide carbon friendly options that will support you in achieving your carbon targets through a range of reports, all of which conforms to DEFRA standards. We can help reduce your carbon footprint, one step at a time.

Selective Travel Management has a team of experts on-hand to provide help and reassurance 24/7. We can support and manage your (eco-friendly) travel from A to B, stress-free.

If you would like to have your Business Travel Simplified, then speak with a member of our team on (028) 9038 9007 or email hello@selective-travel.co.uk