Improving Eco-Friendly Travel Options
(Reducing the Carbon Footprint)
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If you don’t recycle, or car pool, or know what the term “carbon footprint” refers too it’s time for you to have a little chat with Google. Some of you may laugh but the sad reality is that many of us, despite the mass movement, are completely unaware of the devastating effect we, as humans, have on our environment. Global warming, Carbon emissions, renewable energy all of these are terms we should be familiar with. You might be thinking, but I do recycle, I do car pool or take public transportation when necessary and that is great, the earth appreciates it, but there is a lot more we can do especially from the perspective of a corporation or business.
First lets talk about travel. Commuting and traveling in general on Long Island or in New York is, at best, a harrowing experience. There are very few places in the world that understand a New Yorkers commute, Los Angels, Beijing and really not too many other areas have even close to the population density we have in the greater New York Metropolitan area. The good news is that because of the extensive mass transit system and a general migration towards being eco-friendly by New Yorkers, we have decreased our over all carbon emissions by about 21% since the year 2000. The bad news is that there are many states and more importantly many countries that have increased there over all carbon emissions.
The best solution to this problem is renewable energy; things like geo-thermal energy, wind turbines and solar power are a good start. All Star Limousine is currently entertaining the idea of installing a solar array on our Lindenhurst location. This will not only benefit us but the region as a whole.
Understandably not everyone is in a position to construct or implement such a system. Here are three things that can be done by business owners and individuals that are easy, inexpensive, and will not only help said individual but the environment as well:
1) For business owners consider flexible work arrangements. Google has a very interesting and non-traditional business model especially when it comes to managing their employees. At Google many of their people work from home, this saves gas and time and minimizes the impact on the environment by eliminating travel for the employee all together (they also encourage their employees to dress comfortably in sweats and hoodies in an effort to increase productivity). Now the work from home program is not realistic for many businesses and employers but some things that all business owners can enforce or encourage are the use of mass-transit and car-pools. This greatly decreases carbon emissions and saves the employee money.
2) Doing business in person is important, especially when it comes to certain elements involved in business or certain situations. There is nothing like those face to face interactions, sales especially still needs that personal touch (sometimes the only way to ensure that you can provide a promised service or product is with a hand shake). However there are many interactions that do not require the individuals to physically be present. With the advent of the communication age we have so many options available, skype, e-mail, video conferencing, and all manner of expeditious mobile communication options. So next time it is not absolutely imperative that you get that flesh to flesh interaction try one of these new age methods, it will save time, money and of course the environment.
3) Communication is the key to so much these days. Without proper communication on all levels businesses today just won’t work. It is no different when it comes to minimizing that pesky carbon footprint. Proper communication can prevent wasting time and money; it can also prevent unnecessary travel. Things like GPS will prevent one from making a wrong turn or getting lost effectively minimizing the time spent on the road and pumping those harmful fumes into the air. Confirmation of appointments and meetings so that when you absolutely have to drive somewhere (and again try to use public transportation and mass- transit that’s what its for) it is not travel time wasted. Of course there are a multitude of situations where proper communication mitigates those harmful carbon emissions, just be smart and remember to keep the environment and the world we live in at the forefront of your mind as much as is possible.
All Star Limousine is a Long Island, New York based company with an extensive global reach; we provide expert Wedding, Special Event and Executive Travel services throughout the Tri-State area and the world. We have over 30 years of experience in the travel industry; our attention to detail, 2013 top-of-the-line vehicles and professional trained Chauffeurs set us apart from the rest!
by Jarrad Kulick