As scientists, we are constantly striving to find new and innovative ways to reduce our environmental impact. But even with the best of intentions, sometimes it's easy to forget about the little things that can add up. When it comes to travel, there are many ways to be sustainable – here are some tips to keep in mind as you head out to your next tradeshow or conference.
1. Fly less
Air travel has been shown to contribute substantially towards academics’ emissions. A recent case study revealed that 70% of a single 4-year PhD's carbon footprint comes from flying – and surprisingly, skipping one roundtrip transatlantic flight saves more carbon than eating plant-based for an entire year!1
One of the best ways to help the environment is to choose sustainable transportation options whenever possible. Try opting for trains instead of flying – not only is this mode of transport more fuel-efficient, but it also generates less carbon emissions. Walking and biking are even better options, as they produce zero emissions, while promoting overall well-being. Taking public transportation and carpooling are also effective as it decreases the number of cars on the road, reducing both pollution and traffic congestion.
Excited to be on my way to present @CFATG in Besançon. The great work by @GreenBabraham @BabrahamInst has persuaded me to let the train take the strain #flyless #carbonfootprint pic.twitter.com/XSmNgEJKH7
— Oliver Florey (@FloreyLab) May 30, 2022
2. Go virtual
Traveling to scientific conferences is an important part of a scientist's work. To conduct research effectively, you need to build networks and collaborations, and learn about cutting-edge developments in your field. However, it can also be taxing on the environment and the career benefits need to be weighed against the environmental costs of attending conferences and meetings.(2,3)
The overwhelming majority of conferences are not environmentally sustainable and lack clear green strategies or climate policies. Undoubtedly, the scientific community that is supposed to understand the problem should contribute to reducing their travel-related CO2 emissions.(4)
One way to overcome this is hurdle is by going virtual. Hosting online meetings eliminates nearly all of their carbon footprint. Although there is energy cost in hosting and streaming, these fees are miniscule compared to the aviation footprint needed for an offline meeting. This new trend has many innovations that can make our lives easier—from upvoting questions, ensuring that the most insightful vs. the loudest are heard, as well as immersive virtual reality where conference participants meet ”in person” via avatars.(5)
Virtual meetings, however, are not a one size fits all approach. Many struggle with the exhaustion of video calls, and have difficulty balancing meetings with ongoing demands at home or in the lab. And most importantly, humans crave in-person social interaction, scientific debate, and collaboration.(5)
But what if you could have the best of both worlds? Now is a perfect time to re-evaluate how you interact and integrate virtual components into your post-COVID-19 scientific meetings. One obvious approach that has been gaining traction in recent years involves hybrid meetings with an interactive component through video or web conference calls combined with physical face-to-face sessions— increasing accessibility while reducing long distance flights.(5)
3. Pool conferences
Imagine if meeting organizers established agreed-upon timeframes for a series of meetings for particular fields each year? Scientists traveling long distances could attend several meetings in just one trip. Traveling across continents to give one presentation could become a more sustainable alternative. (6)
4. Bring your own water bottle and coffee mug
We all know that our disposable coffee cups and water bottles are bad for the environment. They're made from plastic, which is a non-renewable resource that ends up in landfills, taking years to break down. By bringing your own water bottle and coffee mug, you can avoid using disposable cups. It's better for the environment, and bonus—it will save you money.
5. Stay at ecofriendly hotels
When you travel, one of the best things you can do for the environment is to choose eco-friendly accommodations. By staying at a hotel that prioritizes sustainability, you can help to reduce your carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the planet. Ecofriendly hotels often use energy-efficient lighting and appliances, source locally grown food, and use recycled materials in their construction. They may also offer amenities like electric car charging stations and bicycles for guests to use.
Conclusion
There are many ways scientists can reduce their carbon footprint, but in order to do so, habits need to shift. Changing travel routines requires a departure from an element of academia that has been considered an integral part of a scientist’s career since graduate school. But traveling less often and more deliberately, being mindful of what actions can be taken to be eco-friendly, we can make a difference without entirely giving up what has made academia so special.7
Have you tried any of these sustainable travel tips? What small steps have you taken to reduce your carbon footprint while on the go? Let us know in the comments!
References
1. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/23982128221075430
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S009286742030934X
3. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-02747-6
4. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-021-01067-y
5. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/23982128221075430
6. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-02747-6
7. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S009286742030934X
