Navigating the Carbon Conundrum: A Travel Company’s Perspective
Author: Polly, Conservationist and Travel Enthusiast
Read time: 2 minutes
Flooglebinder are travel experts and a certified B Corporation with tour experience in over 75 countries. We curate sustainable bespoke adventures that incorporate sustainability, conservation and wellness. As a BCorp organisation we use business as a force for good, meet the highest standards of verified performance, accountability and transparency, whilst tracking and monitoring our social and environmental impact.
As a travel company, our journey through the world comes with a paradox – the carbon footprint left by our travel emissions.
“We are leaders in the sector for sustainable tourism and proud to be the first certified B Corp travel company in the UK”
Travel emissions are like silent companions on every adventure, trailing our wanderlust with their environmental implications. Yet, as a travel company, we find ourselves in a unique position - we don't bear the financial burden of these emissions; they are shouldered by our clients. Acknowledging that these emissions are not ours to claim doesn't absolve us from the ethical considerations that come with organising journeys around the world.
We recognise the imperative to do what we can to look after the beautiful landscapes and cultures we showcase, and that extends to mitigating the impact of travel emissions. It's a commitment born out of a genuine desire to encourage awareness and empower our clients to make informed choices. We are leaders in the sector for sustainable tourism and proud to be: the first certified B Corp travel company in the UK (since 2016); one of the highest scoring; one of the first companies in the UK to declare a climate emergency; a Travelife Partner; and use eDNA metabarcoding to monitor biodiversity. In addition, we have formulated a climate action plan with the aim of doing all we can to improve our own sustainability.
Our Climate action plan is as follows:
Carbon Footprint Assessment - we conduct an annual comprehensive analysis of the company's carbon footprint, considering all aspects of operations, including transportation, accommodations, and office activities.
Energy Efficiency Measures - We implement energy-saving initiatives within our shared office spaces, such as using: energy-efficient appliances and lighting; sustainable, local and seasonal products; good waste and recycling methods, and promoting a culture of energy conservation among employees, such as the elimination of single-use plastics.
Renewable Energy Sources - Where possible (i.e. if working from home regularly) transition to renewable energy sources for company operations, and incentivise accommodation partners to adopt sustainable energy practices.
Green Transportation - Avoid all internal domestic flights unless essential and encourage the use of eco-friendly transportation modes for both employees and customers, prioritising low-emission vehicles
Offset Programmes - Monitor, measure and reduce to a gold standard through the UN Climate Neutral Now Initiative and offset unavoidable emissions through the Green Future Project. Investing in projects that promote reforestation and conservation efforts that contribute to carbon neutrality.
Sustainable Accommodations - Collaborate with environmentally conscious accommodations and promote properties that adhere to sustainable practices, such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, and responsible water usage.
Promotion of Sustainable Travel - Educate customers on responsible travel practices, emphasising the importance of minimising environmental impact.
Community Engagement - Foster partnerships with local communities at travel destinations to support sustainable tourism initiatives. Encourage responsible tourism practices that benefit local economies and ecosystems.
Employee Training - Train employees on sustainable practices and the importance of climate action. Foster a company culture that values and integrates environmentally friendly choices.
Customer Engagement and Feedback - Solicit feedback from customers on sustainable initiatives and use their input to refine and improve the company's climate action plan. Engage customers in the journey towards a more sustainable travel experience.
“Wanderlust can coexist harmoniously with environmental stewardship”
We are very proud of our offset programme, as mentioned above in Climate Plan 5, and our partnership with Green Future Project, a fellow B Corp. Our work with the project is centred in the Tapichalaca Reserve - located in a bio-geographically important area in the Andes in Ecuador. The reserve hosts more than 800 species of bird and 340 species of plant, and the money we invest helps to protect and regenerate the area - increasing biodiversity and achieving optimal results in CO2 capture and absorption.
In essence, our role as a travel and conservation company involves navigating the delicate balance between encouraging exploration and minimising our own environmental impact. While travel emissions may not be our direct cost, they are a necessary part of our industry's collective responsibility. By openly addressing and actively mitigating these emissions, we strive to redefine the narrative, demonstrating that wanderlust can coexist harmoniously with environmental stewardship.
