As the IMN Solutions team is gearing up for our upcoming staff retreat in Miami, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to think about how we can all make our travels more eco-friendly. Whether you’re heading to a conference, staff retreat, or other work-related events, the IMN Solutions Environmental/Sustainability Special Interest Group has compiled nine simple, sustainable tips to help you pack and travel with the planet in mind.

What is Environmental Sustainability?

Environmental sustainability is all about making responsible choices that ensure the long-term health of our planet. It’s about making intentional decisions that conserve natural resources and support the well-being of people and the planet now and in the future. Remember, being “green” isn’t an all-or-nothing game. Every small effort counts. This journey is about progress, not perfection.

Green Wardrobe Tips

According to the World Economic Forum, “The fashion industry produces 10% of all humanity’s carbon emissions and is the second-largest consumer of the world’s water supply.” Fast fashion, while affordable, comes at a high environmental cost. So, when preparing for your trip, your suitcase is the first place to make eco-friendly choices.

With a little planning, your wardrobe can reflect your commitment to the environment. Here are some tips to keep your wardrobe green:

  1. Shop Your Closet: The most eco-friendly clothing is what you already own. Try mixing and matching pieces you haven’t worn in a while to create new outfits.
  2. Swap and Thrift: Visit a friend’s house to peruse their closet, then hit up local thrift stores. Additionally, secondhand websites like Poshmark, ThreadUp, and The RealReal are a great way to shop gently loved items.
  3. Rent Instead of Buy: Rental services like Rent the Runway and nuuly are excellent options if you need something specific.
  4. Buy Ethically: If you must buy new, research brands that practice ethical and sustainable habits. Quality over quantity is key.

Eco-Friendly Travel Tips

Traveling green is easier than you might think! Many of the sustainable practices you already follow at home can be effortlessly applied to your trips. From reducing waste to conserving energy, these simple tips can help you maintain an eco-friendly lifestyle even when you’re on the go.

Let’s explore how you can stay green while traveling and at the hotel. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  1. Avoid Single-Use Items: Bring a reusable water bottle and reusable travel-sized bottles for shampoos and lotions.
  2. Pack Toiletries: Bring your own toiletries to avoid using hotel-provided ones, which are often low-quality and get discarded after one use.
  3. Save Water: Hang up your towels to reuse them, and try to take shorter showers. Aim for eight minutes to conserve water and protect your skin.
  4. Energy Saving: Turn off lights and the TV when you’re not in the room. Consider bumping up the temperature before you leave and closing the curtains to keep the room cool.
  5. Minimize Housekeeping: Use the “do not disturb” sign to reduce the frequency of housekeeping visits, saving energy and cleaning products.

Every small effort towards sustainability helps. If sustainable practices are new to you, start with a few tips and gradually incorporate more into your routine. Remember, it’s about making progress, not achieving perfection all at once. We hope you find this guide helpful to make your next trip a little more green!