Summer is over and the #MeetGreenChat is back! To get back into the swing of things we talked about “Tips & Tricks for Sustainable Traveling”. Great topic personally and professionally. Here’s a recap of what we learned:
Is traveling sustainably presently a part of your trip planning?
A1: Yes indeed! Both in terms of packing for a trip and overall travel planning for an event.#MeetGreenChat
— Eric Wallinger (@EricWallinger) September 4, 2019
A1 Yes I’m trying to “green up” my travel but would live to do more in the future #MeetGreenChat
— Roger Lehner (@IMEXrog) September 4, 2019
A1) I'm glad we're having this topic. I have to say that my goal has been to be more EFFICIENT when packing for travel (and to be self-sufficient while onsite) but as I learn more about sustainability, I can apply it better to all areas of work (and life).#MeetGreenChat
— Sonia Harris (@harrisonia) September 4, 2019
What are some items you could pack for your trip to help you travel more sustainably?
A2 my favourite is laundry detergent so you can wash while you travel and pack less. #MeetGreenChat
— Roger Lehner (@IMEXrog) September 4, 2019
A2. Reusable water bottles and coffee mugs are super easy to bring along. I also like to pack reusable grocery bags that can be used to carry gifts or whatever I purchase during the trip. #MeetGreenChat
— April Hammel (@aprilhammel) September 4, 2019
A2) your own toiletries so you don't have to use hotel miniature plastic bottles. #MeetGreenChat
— Legacy (@LegacyTheTeam) September 4, 2019
Do you think packing 1 less pair of shoes would make a difference on sustainable traveling?
A3: I do! While not always viable, in general try to pack as little as possible on trips to minimize carbon impact. #MeetGreenChat
— Eric Wallinger (@EricWallinger) September 4, 2019
A3. Absolutely! Attempting to travel as light as possible reduces your weight and carbon footprint. #MeetGreenChat
— April Hammel (@aprilhammel) September 4, 2019
A3) I don't carry that many pairs of shoes when traveling so I think those who are more fashion forward would have the biggest concern here. One less pair can help – especially if all of your shoes are heavy. #MeetGreenChat pic.twitter.com/TviXmhGczs
— Sonia Harris (@harrisonia) September 4, 2019
If you bring a reusable coffee mug, what are some other ways you could use it?
A4 A reusable coffee mug can be used for other beverages. It's also a good way to corral little, breakable and easily lost things in your bag. #MeetGreenChat
— Della Green (@MeetGreenDella) September 4, 2019
A4) Other ways I have used my travel mugs and cups beyond hot beverages include:
✅ water
✅ dry snacks
✅ oatmeal!#MeetGreenChat— Sonia Harris (@harrisonia) September 4, 2019
Great idea, I never thought of that! Or what about hiding your foreign currency? Just need to remember to take it out before putting the next drink in 😉 #MeetGreenChat
— Roger Lehner (@IMEXrog) September 4, 2019
What sustainable programs should you look for at your hotel that you could participate in?
A5) not washing towels or changing bedding every day #MeetGreenChat
— Legacy (@LegacyTheTeam) September 4, 2019
A5: From the planner perspective I like to request hotels donate applicable food during our event and communicate about their property's support of sustainability on one digital screen- usually in the lobby. #MeetGreenChat
— Eric Wallinger (@EricWallinger) September 4, 2019
A5) not offering shoe horns, hair caps, key rings and other single use plastic items to every guest #MeetGreenChat
— Legacy (@LegacyTheTeam) September 4, 2019
When it comes to transportation, what are some other options you could use other than driving?
A6) From an event planner point of view, you could organise shuttles or shared taxis to pick up from public transport hubs #MeetGreenChat
— Legacy (@LegacyTheTeam) September 4, 2019
A6 I adore walkable cities for a lot of reasons! #MeetGreenChat
— Della Green (@MeetGreenDella) September 4, 2019
A6) Using fuel-efficient buses and vans for group transportation can help with sustainability.#MeetGreenChat
— Sonia Harris (@harrisonia) September 4, 2019
A6) we have this solar powered bus company in the UK who are brilliant https://t.co/WBI0I4PfsJ @thebiglemon #MeetGreenChat
— Legacy (@LegacyTheTeam) September 4, 2019
When it comes to eating out, what should you look for when ordering your meal?
A7: (On a humorous note) food you will eat all of and not waste. Sometimes it can be fun to share that large lunch sandwich or salad with you traveling companion rather than a big order you won't finish. Otherwise local and seasonal options! #MeetGreenChat
— Eric Wallinger (@EricWallinger) September 4, 2019
A7 To me, the first decision is to choose a local restaurant. The money stays in the community and you are more likely to find fresh, local food. It also gives a better flavor of the area. #MeetGreenChat
— Della Green (@MeetGreenDella) September 4, 2019
A7. Local and sustainably sourced are ideal. Also choosing plant based over meat products makes for a good choice. #MeetGreenChat
— April Hammel (@aprilhammel) September 4, 2019
Have you considered ordering a vegetarian meal? Why or why not?
A8 vegetarian meals are lower cost and a lower carbon footprint #MeetGreenChat
— nancyjzavada (@nancyjzavada) September 4, 2019
A8: Vegetarian meals also use much less water to produce so you are having a positive environmental impact there too! #MeetGreenChat
— Eric Wallinger (@EricWallinger) September 4, 2019
A8. Sure! I even tried an "impossible burger" yesterday for the first time. Vegetarian meals represent smaller water consumption than animal based items so always good to incorporate them into your weekly meal rotation. #MeetGreenChat
— April Hammel (@aprilhammel) September 4, 2019
Which option is the most sustainable choice: chicken or beef?
A9) absolutely beef has higher impact than chicken. UK government Net Zero strategy says to avoid beef, lamb and dairy since those have highest impact #MeetGreenChat
— Legacy (@LegacyTheTeam) September 4, 2019
A9: Hard to believe, but chicken uses about a 1/4 of the water used to produce beef. The water savings of choosing chicken over beef really adds up in event settings. #MeetGreenChat
— Eric Wallinger (@EricWallinger) September 4, 2019
A9) I couldn't resist! #MeetGreenChat #ChickFilA pic.twitter.com/zLIIIEGMf6
— Sonia Harris (@harrisonia) September 4, 2019
How could you avoid wasting toiletries provided by the hotel in your room?
A10 If the hotel doesn't have toiletry recycling (and sometimes even if they do, if the amenities are really nice) I take the toiletries when I go. They are great for future travel or for the guest bath at home. #MeetGreenChat
— Della Green (@MeetGreenDella) September 4, 2019
A10. There are a lot of donation programs that will happily take them. #MeetGreenChat
— April Hammel (@aprilhammel) September 4, 2019
A10) Avoid wasting toiletries provided by the hotel by:
✅ returning them UNOPENED
✅ asking your fellow attendees to collect them so you can make a group donation to a local shelter. #MeetGreenChat— Sonia Harris (@harrisonia) September 4, 2019
We learned a lot of sustainable traveling tips from one another. There are so many options for each of us when we are traveling and considering sustainable opportunities we can act on. Anything from packing 1 less pair of shoes to choosing a vegetarian option when dining. To calculate your impact when you attend an event we have created the “My Event Footprint“. This tool can be used individually or as an event planner to provide attendees calculated numbers on their impact traveling and attending your event. Try it out for yourself!
Thank you to all of the participants for sharing their knowledge and experience! See you next month on 10/2/19 at 11AM PT.
Leave A Comment