Sustainability in Corona time
These are uncertain times with the global coronavirus crisis. The pandemic has a major impact on the economy and a recession is in sight. Yet, the crisis may not only have negative consequences.
Time for reflection
I, Marieke Bosch, Business Travel Consultant at UNIGLOBE Alliance Travel, am currently working from home as much as possible, just like the rest of the company. We are all living in uncertainty right now, as the Corona crisis impacts the health of those around us, and ultimately our income. It is precisely now that sustainability might be pushed to the background.
Feelings of haste and time pressure have given way to calm and space, allowing thoughts that were always present somewhere to now come very clearly to the forefront. For example, as a huge nature lover, I've long had thoughts about the food industry and a better environment, and what certain choices have consequences for people and nature. Fortunately, sustainability is also an important topic within our company, and we try to consider the climate on a small scale. For instance, we separate waste, purchase as sustainably as possible, often commute by public transport or bicycle, regularly order vegetarian lunches, etc.
Sustainable travel
Given the industry I work in, I've naturally also examined my own travel behavior. The conclusion is that a number of vacations which I made by plane or car could have been perfectly replaced by train. I also realize that experiencing new adventures doesn't necessarily have to take place on the other side of the world, but that it can also happen closer to home. This doesn't necessarily make the adventure any less grand.
For business travelers, the choice of transportation is again entirely different. Speed is often the most important condition. from traveling. Of course, as Business Travel Consultants, we proactively assist with planning a business trip and sometimes it turns out that upon further investigation, the train is also a possibility. And every flight that can be replaced by a train journey contributes to a better environment. Additionally, can a taxi ride often also by electric car, are there hotel chains that focus on sustainability and can we gladly advise you on the possibilities for CO2 compensation.
Small steps, big impact
After watching a program about sustainability, I was determined to really do something myself! Because my mind was always in a rush and in the ‘no time’ mode, this never really amounted to anything. At most, I would buy fair trade rice instead of regular rice.
Before the coronavirus outbreak, my family and I were already trying to eat less meat, and now we've made it permanent! We are almost 3 months in, and this attempt has become a lifestyle that we will not give up. Currently, meat is only on the menu once a week. The condition is that we know it's ethical meat and where it comes from.
After taking this first important step, the subsequent steps seem to follow automatically: switching to wind energy, shortening shower times, leaving the car parked more often, buying more fair trade and local products, delving into certifications, waste grabbers have been purchased, and I now regularly (to the applause of neighbors) go on a “waste walk” through the neighborhood with my daughter.
What small steps will you take?
I hope this blog will make as many people as possible think and get excited to also start working for a better world. Because the planet will be around longer than us, and together we can now ensure that the consequences of climate change, also for future generations, remain limited!
Travel Well
Marieke Bosch
Business Travel Consultant