Blogging again from Montreal.
Actually, I don't travel nearly as much as I used to, but when I do I'm
amazed at how much travel contributes to pollution, waste and the use
of non-renewable resources. If we had to pay the fully loaded cost of
energy (including the cost of replacing exhausted reserves, remediation
for pollution damage and other 'externalities' that neither consumers
nor producers currently pay -- part of the Tragedy of the Commons),
the whole travel industry would grind to a halt. Even if we stopped
allowing these wasteful travel costs to be deducted as a business
expense, there would be much less needless travel.
But sometimes, face to face meetings are essential, and sometimes you
just need a vacation. When that happens, here are some ideas to at
least mitigate the damage you do to the environment as a result of your
travels away from home (and save some money in the process):
- If possible, take the train. It consumes less energy and
produces less pollution per passenger-mile than driving, boating,
cruising or flying. And it's an interesting way to travel. Plus it
allows you to get things done, if you have to, during the voyage.
- If you stay in a hotel, minimize your footprint. Reuse your
towels, minimize use of your room heater/air conditioner, and don't
waste water. Better yet, stay with a local -- you'll learn more,
conserve more, and save more, and probably have more fun.
- Use recyclables and reusables. Take your own travel mug.
Avoid disposable dishes. Don't contribute unnecessarily to garbage, and
recycle whenever possible.
- Buy local, natural, organic, vegan foods. And buy other local goods instead of imports, including crafts and souvenirs.
- If you're on vacation consider cycling, sailing, hiking,
cross-country skiing, walking tours or eco-vacations instead of
combustion-engine powered trips. At your destination, take a coach or
public transit (if it's safe) instead of a car or taxi.
- Turn stuff off at home. Don't waste a lot of heat or electricity if there's no one there.
- If you have to drive, use cruise control, don't speed, make
sure your tires are properly inflated, and ensure that your car's tuned
up. Dress appropriately rather than using car air conditioning or heat
unnecessarily.
- If you have to take your computer, use it sparingly and turn it off when not in use.
- If you're visiting businesses, help them save energy, money
and the environment by conserving resources, especially by turning off
or down heat, air conditioning and electricity at night and when
otherwise not in use.
- Buy stuff that lasts. Avoid disposables, cheap clothing,
poorly-made souvenirs, overpackaged goods, non-rechargeable batteries,
and stuff in non-recyclable containers.
When you follow these steps, let the suppliers -- train companies,
hotels, restaurants, stores, travel companies -- know that you're doing
so, and why, and that you care about the environment. Give them some
extra incentive to care too. By educating others, you multiply the
benefits and savings you receive yourself.
Thank you!
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MADE IN CANADA
trust your
instincts 
