Becoming a digital nomad is all the rage nowadays. Several countries have already begun offering digital nomad visas to entice remote workers.
Traveling, after all, is exciting—especially if you are the type of digital nomad who enjoys it.
However, working remotely while on a trip does raise a few questions about ethics.
In a way, digital nomads contend with locals for resources. The presence of foreign travelers can cause the prices of goods and housing to skyrocket, much to the chagrin of natives.
Thus, how do you reduce a negative impact on the environment and local communities when you travel as a digital nomad?
Choose Direct Flights
Flights are inevitable (especially if the location is far) but if you can, always fly directly to your travel destination.
Taking direct flights is more environmentally friendly because you only take off once (twice if it’s a roundtrip), which is more fuel-efficient than having several layovers.
Take Advantage of Public Transportation
Since we’re talking about transportation, when you can, always opt to travel via local mass transit options.
Taking the public transportation system is a way to reduce greenhouse emissions per passenger mile, especially when compared to a rented car or even a taxi.
Pack Eco-Friendly Products
Another way to achieve a sustainable digital nomad lifestyle is to bring eco-friendly products on your trip.
Avoid bringing single-use plastic, if you can help it. Swap out plastic bags for tote bags and carry your own reusable utensils and straws.
Bring your own water bottle so you can simply refill it instead of buying individual plastic water bottles.
There are so many other eco-friendly ways to travel if you think about it hard enough.
Use Electronic Devices Responsibly
As a digital nomad, your gadgets are indispensable during your travels.
However, every time you recharge your laptop and phone, you increase your carbon footprint.
Thus, it’s time to look for devices that can help you reduce a negative environmental impact.
Of course, don’t forget to unplug any of your gadgets from the wall outlet when not in use.
Consider Becoming a “Slow-Mad” Instead
Remote workers used to hop from one place to another to experience as many tourist destinations as possible.
But there is an emerging trend in remote work travel called being a “slow-mad.”
These digital nomads stay in one location for more than a few days at a time. This helps bring down your carbon footprint since local public transit generally emits lesser greenhouse gases than air travel.
Plus, you get to explore the area more when you stay there longer.
Support Local Businesses
Lastly, instead of booking a hotel or eating at a chain restaurant, support locally-owned businesses. You can stay at a bed and breakfast and enjoy your meals at a family-run restaurant, for instance.
You can also choose to join activities that promote the regional tourist industry!
Digital Nomadism and Sustainability
Being conscious of your environmental impact shouldn’t just be a trend.
You need to think about how your actions affect the overall state of nature, especially since we are all currently experiencing the devastating effects of climate change.
While it is a perk and a privilege to travel and work simultaneously, don’t forget to be responsible as well.
On that note, if you want to become more environmentally friendly, then becoming a remote worker helps. After all, you don’t have to spend time commuting or driving a car to work, which reduces your carbon footprint.
Check out Remote Staff’s job listings, which are regularly updated to see if any open positions fit your skill set.
Remote Staff has been in the game for 15 years and has provided work-from-home opportunities to countless Filipino remote workers.
If you want to reduce your environmental impact through remote work, then register with us today!
About Rica Jankulovski
As the Co-Founder and General Manager of Remote Staff, Rica Jankulovski has been helping small-to-medium sized companies grow sustainably and steadily by matching them with hard-working, English-speaking Filipino remote talent.
Having been born and raised in the Philippines and currently living in Australia, her unique experiences and perspectives on both cultures allow her to constantly empower both her clients and remote talents to make a meaningful difference in work and in life.
Yogi wanderer. Solitude searcher. Book worm and chill out music tripper.
