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Work and travel don't go hand-in-hand for many Americans. Traveling, in all its glory, is something most of us get to do for maybe 2 weeks in the year. But with telecommuting jobs on the rise, learning to juggle work and travel is a becoming a sought-after skill. However, simply learning to work while traveling isn't enough. The tricky part is learning how to swing it all the green and efficient way.
Traveling often leaves a nasty footprint on its own if not approached the green way. Here are tips to make your work and travel schedules fit together, all while reducing that carbon footprint.
- If you need a coffee shop for internet access, choose the right coffee shop.
There's a difference between a big coffee shop chain and a small shop that focuses on fair trade coffee and organic, local, and even vegan baked goods. Get your internet from coffee shops along your journey that are trying to make a difference.
- Carpool.
If you're sharing driving duties with someone, you're not only helping to reduce your CO2 emissions, but you'll have time to work while they drive and vice versa.
- Use the travel-related papers you can't avoid for notes.
Sometimes you can't avoid receiving meaningless paper. From the envelopes your airline tickets are handed to you in to the paper on your restaurant table that dirty just a bit, take the paper you can along the way for note-taking. Chances are that if you don't use this paper, no one will.
- Make your phone battery last.
We've got some great tips here on how to make your phone battery last. The longer you can make this last while traveling, the fewer times you'll have to stop to charge your phone and the more energy you'll save by doing so.
- Don't drink too much.
Traveling is all about unwinding for some people and for some people that includes consuming alcohol. If you're one of those people, make sure you don't go overboard. Not only is excess alcohol a burden to your body, the planet, and your wallet, but you'll have an unnecessarily difficult time getting up to work—or do anything else—in the morning if you drink too much at night.
- Keep your focus.
I'll be the first one to tell you that focusing on work while traveling is challenging. It's important that you meditate, do yoga, or do whatever else you have to do to keep your brain focused and sharp so you work efficiently. Working efficiently means working green.
- Keep up your exercise routine.
Exercise isn't just for your body—it's for your mind, too. And it isn't just for when you're home, either. It's important to make time for eco-friendly exercise, no matter where you are. If you don't, you'll feel weaker and won't work as efficiently.
- Keep your meals healthy.
For the same reasons listed above, eating right while traveling is incredibly important. Traveling shouldn't give you a license to eat crap. And if you're trying to get work done while traveling, feeding your body crap won't help you out. And as it turns out, this 'crap' food is usually a lot less green in its production that food that will actually fuel your body successfully.
- If you don't have a laptop, get one.
Trying to work while traveling without a laptop will make your traveling experience a lot more complicated than it has to be. Trying to find libraries, etc. where you can use someone else's computer is tough. It's tough because there's almost always a time limit and you might just find yourself stressed out and unable to work efficiently. Invest in a laptop now if you don't already have one. Tip: buy refurbished or green laptops.
Figuring out how to get the most out of your resources, time, and money while working during travel can be tricky. I'm a sucker for soaking up window-views on buses and drifting off into daydreams during that long taxiing time at the airport. But focusing is important. It's important for the impact on the planet and your enjoyment of your travels.
More on green travel:
10 Tips for Avoiding a Shark Attack
Top 10 Ways to Make Your Hotel Stay Greener
Are New Hotels Greener Than Old Ones?
Know Your Endangered Species Before You Travel
