Practical ways to care for the planet while travelling for business

Travelling for business doesn’t have to come at the expense of our planet. As responsible travellers, we can care for the environment in various ways while still fulfilling our professional obligations. 

At Rennies BCD, we go beyond offering eco-friendly options for flights and accommodations. We collaborate with hotels and airlines that have established sustainable practices, ensuring that corporate travellers can make conscious choices that align with their sustainability goals. By partnering with eco-certified accommodations and transportation providers, we encourage responsible consumption, reduce environmental impact, and support local economies.

We take this a step further by promoting responsible business travel by providing valuable insights, reporting tools, and resources to corporate clients. Our technology assists in measuring and managing carbon footprints, enabling businesses to track their environmental impact and make informed decisions to reduce emissions. Rennies BCD also educates travellers about sustainable travel practices, empowering them to make responsible choices while on the go. Through these initiatives, we foster a culture of sustainability within the business travel industry, driving positive change and contributing to a more sustainable future. 

Here is a list of practical tips for corporate travellers to minimise their ecological footprint and promote sustainability. By making conscious choices and incorporating eco-friendly practices into our travel routines, we can positively impact the planet while on business trips. 

Transportation tips: 

Opt for Public Transportation: Consider using public transportation, walking, biking, or trains whenever feasible for your business trips. This reduces emissions and promotes greener modes of travel. 

Purchase Carbon Offsets: Offset the environmental impact of your flights or car travel by purchasing carbon offsets. These investments contribute to projects that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, balancing out your transportation-related carbon footprint. 

Choose Eco-Friendly Hotels: Select accommodations with eco-friendly practices, such as locally sourced food, furniture made from recycled materials, and water conservation initiatives. Reuse towels and take shorter showers to conserve resources during your stay. 

Support Green Airports: If you can choose your airport, consider selecting “green” airports that actively implement sustainable practices to reduce their environmental impact. 

Responsible spending tips:

By being responsible with your buying and giving practices, you can support local communities, preserve cultural heritage, and make a meaningful difference during your business travels. 

Support Local Businesses: Opt for locally owned restaurants, lodges, hotels, and bed and breakfast accommodations during your business travels. Doing so contributes to the local economy and fosters a more authentic cultural experience. 

Choose Locally Made Products: Purchase handicrafts and products that are locally made. This supports local artisans and helps preserve traditional craftsmanship while providing unique souvenirs. 

Avoid Endangered Animal Products: Ensure that any crafts or products you purchase do not come from protected or endangered animals. By refraining from buying these items, you actively discourage illegal wildlife trade and contribute to preserving biodiversity.

Hire Local Guides: Consider hiring licensed local guides when exploring new destinations. They possess valuable knowledge about the area, its culture, and its attractions. Supporting local guides helps create employment opportunities within the community. 

Pay Fair Prices: Engage in respectful and fair transactions by paying the appropriate price for goods and services. Avoid overly aggressive bargaining, as it can undermine local livelihoods and create an unsustainable cycle of haggling.

Environmental preservation tips:

Respect Natural Sites: Preserve the beauty of natural sites by refraining from taking seashells, coral, or other natural objects as souvenirs. Leave these treasures for others to enjoy and maintain the ecological balance. 

Proper Waste Disposal: Always carry your trash away from natural sites and dispose of it properly. Be mindful of the impact our waste can have on the environment and ensure it is disposed of in designated receptacles.

Embrace Recycling: Whenever possible, recycle waste. Opt for recycling bins to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.

Carry Reusable Items: Bring your own water bottles, bags, straws, utensils, and takeaway containers. Avoiding single-use plastics and disposable items can significantly reduce your waste footprint during business travel.

Conserve Resources: Use limited resources wisely, such as water, fuel, and electricity. Practice water conservation by taking shorter showers and turning off taps when not in use. Opt for energy-efficient accommodations and minimise energy consumption whenever possible.

Tips for perpetuating responsible travel:

By sharing our experiences and supporting local initiatives, we can contribute to a more sustainable and socially responsible travel landscape. 

Share Responsible Travel Experiences: Share your travel experiences and promote responsible practices to your networks on social media. By sharing stories, photos, and insights, you can inspire others to make more sustainable choices in their own travels.

Donate to Responsible Programs: Consider donating to responsible programs that give back to and benefit the local communities you have visited. Support initiatives focused on education, conservation, or socio-economic development to make a meaningful and lasting impact. 

By incorporating these tips into your business travel routine, you can actively contribute to a more sustainable future. Let’s prioritise caring for the planet while fulfilling our professional obligations. Together, we can make a difference, one responsible business trip at a time.