How to protect the environment while travelling for work

You have taken the decision to be more environmentally friendly when on business and travelling, but where do you start and how do you keep it up?

There are a number of steps to making sure you are helping the environment, and you need to be aware of the mode of transport you use.  We all know that walking is the best way, and cycling is one of the best ways to protecting the environment, so your first step would be to see if any small changes can happen to walk or cycle more.

If walking and bikes aren’t an option then look deeper into your vehicle, if your vehicle is a gas guzzling beast then you are going to have to delve deep into how you can help the environment, and if you drive something small and nifty then check the emissions to see if it is an environmentally friendly vehicle.  If you have the capacity to purchase an electric car then do so, from an environmental perspective this wins on the vehicle front.

Many of us travel via train or underground for work, either to and from the office, or whilst on business around the world.  Train companies in the UK are working towards a better and more carbon-efficient train system for the future.  For a few we travel by plane, and this may be a necessity that can’t be changed.  

So, how do we help to protect the environment while travelling for work?

Step One

Use your legs, walk further, climb the steps and don’t use the escalator or lift, not only are you helping the environment but you are also keeping fit.

Step Two

Use a bike for travelling to and from work, this won’t give off any harmful CO2 emissions, there are millions of free parking spaces for bicycles in towns and cities, and again you’ll be helping yourself by exercising.

Step Three

Our choice of vehicle is now at the forefront of the mind, but did you know that hybrid and electric environmentally friendly cars both have massive advantages?

Step Four

If you drive a van there are a range of plug-in hybrid electric vans currently in the market place.  You can specify to have only environmentally friendly vans when you renew your company lease hire agreement.

Step Five

Catching the train or underground may be unavoidable, do some research into your train company and check to see if they have been taking active steps in reducing their carbon emissions.  

Step Six

Flying may be a necessity with work, but there are ways that you can protect the environment while you are travelling.  

Don’t fly first class, it costs more per person in carbon emissions by flying first class than it does in economy.  Take less luggage, that way you don’t add to the weight in the plane.  

Laptops, phones, tablets etc can be upgraded or exchanged for eco-friendly versions, and your cosmetic/beauty/haircare travel products can all be organic and cruelty free.  

Step Seven

Keep hold of your trash and recycle.  Bottles, paper, and plastic recycling bins are easily accessible these days.  Check that your public transport has recycling options, if there are recycling bins then use them.

You are already on the correct path to helping the environment, even if you only put one of these steps into practice.