Greenhouse gas emissions have become a major threat to the environment, especially over the past decade. However, there is some positive news regarding reducing these emissions. Due to a bill that was recently passed, some large companies in California will soon have to report their greenhouse gas emissions, including emissions from business travel. This could keep these companies in check and work towards helping better the environment.
Why Will Businesses Have to Report Their Greenhouse Gas Emissions?
Greenhouse gas emissions have increased significantly, which has become a major threat to our planet. And if companies don’t start keeping track of their emissions, future generations could be in a world of trouble. This is especially true when it comes to tracking greenhouse gas emissions from business travel. Transportation accounts for 29% of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, including transportation used during business travel. So, if companies have to start tracking and reporting their emissions (including emissions from business travel), they can become more conscious of their emissions and find ways to offset them.
What Companies Will Have to Report Their Greenhouse Gas Emissions?
California Governor Gavin Newsom plans to sign multiple bills into law in the near future. These bills require large companies to report greenhouse gas emissions, including those emitted during business travel. This means that thousands of companies across California that make over $1 billion annually must disclose their carbon emissions, which could help companies be more aware of their greenhouse gas emissions and, hopefully, encourage them to find ways to reduce or offset them.
How Can Companies Offset Their Emissions From Business Travel?
Business travel is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and companies should try to find ways to reduce these emissions. Fortunately, there are many ways that companies can offset their emissions from business travel, including:Â
- Donating money to environmentally friendly nonprofit organizations.
- Booking economy seats and sending employees on nonstop flights.
- Booking flights on eco-friendly airlines.
- Having their employees stay at eco-friendly hotels.
- Offsetting carbon emissions from business travel.
Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint While Traveling
Use Public Transportation
The first thing you can do to reduce your carbon footprint while traveling is to use public transportation or walk around your destination. Renting your own vehicle uses more carbon emissions than if you were to use public transport or walk. So, if you are in a big city or somewhere where you can take the subway or bus, we recommend doing so.
Take Nonstop Flights When Possible
Another way to reduce your carbon footprint while traveling is to take nonstop flights when possible. Although sometimes you may have to take numerous flights to get to your destination, it’s better if you can find a nonstop flight. If the airport you usually fly out of doesn’t offer nonstop flights, consider looking at other airports close to you to see if they offer nonstop flights.
Pack Reusable Utensils
Single-use plastics are all around us, and they are typically not environmentally friendly. And when traveling, single-use plastics are all around; forks, spoons, knives, cups, and straws are everywhere you go. To help lower the number of single-use plastics used while you’re away, consider bringing your own reusable utensils to help reduce your carbon footprint and help save the environment.
Reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions is crucial for our planet. It’s essential that large businesses are taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint and show that they care about the environment, as they may influence other companies to do the same. If we all work together, we can help work towards saving the planet and making it better for future generations.
If you have an upcoming business trip and need a passport, visa, or business visa, our team of travel experts would be happy to help. Start by going to our website to complete your application. Our team will then process your application and send your travel documents to you when they are ready. We will do whatever we can to ensure that the process goes smoothly for you so you can focus on preparing for your business trip.
