Does Business Travel Have To Compromise Your Company’s Eco-focus?
In this age of high competition and easy access to behind-scenes information, consumers are more liable than ever only to shop with companies that show good ethics. And, since eco-conscious activists have come more and more to the fore, eco company focuses play a considerable role in this.
Nowadays, a business that doesn’t recycle or at least try to off-set their carbon footprint using PVC Valves to control oil leaks, etc. is likely a company that many won’t even consider. Hence why, as a caring business owner, you’ve gotten fully on board with as many eco improvements as you can. There’s just one problem; you’re still falling foul to business travel.
You simply can’t run your company without meeting international clients. Yet, a business that claims to be eco-conscious and is proven otherwise is worse than a company that never claimed to care in the first place.
It’s a catch 22, but there is a path out of this dilemma, and we’re going to consider what it looks like here.
No more short flights
Most often, your business travel needs involve short distances in the grand scheme of things. Yet, flying from one state to another is sure to be your fastest option. The trouble is that short distance aviation like this causes the most pollution per kilometer of any transportation method. That’s an issue, and it’s one you can negate by choosing alternative public transportation methods, such as trains. This may take an hour or so longer to tackle, but trust us when we say that the damage you’ll avoid with this alternative is more than worthwhile.
Work with fair-trade travel companies
Though they’re few and far between, fair-trade travel agencies like Better Places Travel do exist, and they could also come to the rescue in this situation. With their focus on local, sustainable travel plans, such a company can work wonders for improving the overall damage your business trips cause. What’s more, forming long-term working bonds with such a company is sure to help rather than hinder your support of the eco cause.
Always off-set damage
It’s also worth noting that, as a company, you should always aim to off-set any damage your travel might cause. Again, there are fantastic companies out there like FlyGRN, who take care of this for you by planting trees or investing in solar panels after every purchased flight ticket. Equally, hosting a large-scale eco event, or even donating money to fantastic green causes off your own back could be enough here. It’s not ideal, but it does at least show that you’re aware of the issue and doing whatever you can to lessen impact on a trip-by-trip basis.
Sticking to your morales across all business processes is, honestly, the only way to keep clients and popular opinion on board. Whatever you do, don’t claim to be an eco-conscious company and then send employees on one-hour flights across state. It’s not going to reflect well on you or your profits for the season!