GlobalBX

An estimated 500 million people travel by plane every year; an overwhelming statistic. However whilst no one would deny a person of a well-deserved holiday or break, many of these travellers are business persons wishing to travel nationally and internationally to different parts of the world to attend meetings, seminars and sales presentations. Not only are they adding to the harmful emissions that are released into the air, effecting animals, plants and, ultimately, people, but they are also racking up huge expenses that all need to be accounted for. It seems silly when video conferencing has been around for several years.

It is a well-known fact that planes, trains and motor vehicles release harmful chemicals and fumes out into the atmosphere which damages the ozone layer, animal life on the ground and affects people who have to deal with the increase in pollution. Cars release around 4 tonnes of carbon dioxide into the air, affecting people’s health and wellbeing, every year.

Unnecessary journeys

Thousands of business people travel by various modes of transport to attend meetings. This means time away from their desk, resulting in a lack of productivity; It means expense, as everything needs to be paid for; It means harming the community, something which nobody wants.

Video conferencing allows for people, in several locations, to engage in conversation and interaction at the same time, provided an internet connection is available. Because the system is performing in real-time, users are exposed to high quality visual and audio elements, which saves money, time and the environment, without ever having to leave their desks.

Businesses remain reluctant to invest in video conferencing equipment, arguing it’s expensive, it’s of low quality and it’s unreliable. However, since 2005, systems have been produced that allow high definition visual representation and high sound quality. Mix that with the increased speed of the internet and the money saved on travel, hotels and general living costs and it’s a real no-brainer.

Think carefully

It isn’t just businesses who are participating in unnecessary journeys and easily avoidable travel. Because of the growth in technology and the globalisation of our world, people are no longer restricted when it comes to mobility. People now commute miles to attend work, to see family, to see friends and to visit places.  It is important for people to thoroughly think about which journeys are completely essential and which ones can be eliminated without causing too much disruption. For example, a 20 minute walk will be beneficial to both yourself and the environment. A 5 day-a-week journey to a different city for work commitments by car alone could be done via public transport. Do something today. Think.