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Living as an expat family can bring with it a host of challenges that non-expat families don’t have to consider. One thing we all need to be more concerned about, regardless of where we live, is the impact we are having on the earth. Expat families often travel extensively, so you may have to become more conscious than most about the size of your carbon footprint.
If your expat family is becoming increasingly concerned about its impact, and would like to contribute to improving the environment, there are a number of ways you can help:
If your expat family is becoming increasingly concerned about its impact, and would like to contribute to improving the environment, there are a number of ways you can help:
Expat family travel
As an expat family, there is no doubt you will have amassed many air miles. Chances are your third culture kid was on a long haul flight long before they could walk. A 2018 study found that tourism accounts for about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions , with expat air traffic likely contributing significantly to that figure.
Fly direct
When you do have to fly (which should be less often), try to fly direct from one destination to another. Planes burn most fuel taking off and landing so research has shown that connecting flights do more harm to the environment than flying direct.
Fly economy
The more space your seat takes up the fewer people can fly on your plane. By taking flights without business or first class, you and your family reduce your carbon footprint a little.
Use public transport
If you are taking a domestic or short flight, is there another way you could travel? Is a train or bus an option? Or maybe a ferry? Although they take longer, travelling by alternative means is easier on the planet and may be a family adventure.
Car pool
If you use your car a lot in your expat destination think about the number of people you carry to reduce the carbon footprint. If it is usually just you and your child, can you car pool with a neighbour or family friend?
How to reduce your carbon footprint at home as an expat
There are lots of simple steps your family can take at home to reduce your impact on the environment:
Switch to LED lightbulbs
The first step to reducing your carbon footprint is to make the transition to LED lightbulbs. It’s best to wait until the existing lightbulbs blow before replacing them, so you are not wasting them too. LED bulbs use anywhere from 25%-80% less energy than a traditional lightbulb, saving power and money in the longer term.
Use renewable energy
Try to choose an energy provider that gets its power from renewable sources. This may not always be possible, depending on where you are based but research providers and choose one that has the least environmental impact.
Reduce single use plastic
Over the last few years the global reliance on single use plastics and the damage that they do has been highlighted. In 2021, the EU moved to ban many single-use plastic products like plastic cutlery and straws. For those living elsewhere, expat families can help by using products that can be reused or recycled instead of going to landfill. Some examples include:
- Reusable wrap for lunches and leftovers
- Stainless steel straws
- Reusable coffee cups
In some cafés and restaurants, you will receive a discount for bringing your own container.
Expat family food
Food waste is both morally wrong and damaging to the environment. According to theUN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAQ), around one-third of all food produced is either lost or wasted each year. Food that is wasted also creates methane which is more damaging to the environment than Co2. What’s more, in 2017, global food waste resulted in 9.3bn tonnes of CO2-equivalent (GtCO2e) emissions – roughly the same as the total combined emissions of the US and the EU that same year. Reduce the amount of food your family wastes by using these measures:
Bring a packed lunch
Instead of buying food that is likely to be wrapped in single use plastic, bring your own lunch to school and work. The whole family can get involved in preparing some tasty lunches at the weekend that can be used during the week. Pasta salads, soups or burritos can be made in advance and frozen for use during the week.
Plan your shopping list
The first step to reducing food waste is only buying the food you need or are sure you will use. A good way to do this is plan your meals and snacks for a week and only buy the fresh ingredients needed. If you find you end up throwing out fresh ingredients because your family are too tired to cook during the week, try batch cooking at the weekend or on a day off.
Shop seasonally and at markets
Try to buy food that is in season locally rather than imports from other parts of the world that are usually expensive and damaging to the environment. Fresh, seasonal foods that haven’t travelled far often taste much better too.
Eat less meat
Did you know the global livestock sector createsas much greenhouse emissions as all automobiles in the world combined? To reduce these impacts consider reducing the amount of meat you eat. If your family eat meat every day, consider making one day a week meat free. There are a huge number of meat free, family friendly recipes online.
Recycle
Finally, it goes without saying but if something can’t be reused, try to recycle as much as possible. Be especially conscious of items that are very damaging to the environment like electronics and batteries, both of which can be recycled in specialist centres.
It is also important to look after your family’s health while you are living and working abroad. If you have any questions about international health insurance for your family, we would be happy to answer them.
Are you moving abroad?
Before venturing to another country, make sure you have a health insurance plan you can rely on.
Meet the author
Allianz
At Allianz Partners, Health, our blog is crafted by a team of experts dedicated to providing valuable insights and guidance on global health and insurance topics. With a focus on expatriates, international businesses, and individuals navigating healthcare abroad, our authors bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to every article.
We aim to deliver practical advice, industry updates, and actionable tips to help you make informed decisions, whether you're exploring international health insurance, managing employee health plans, or staying informed about the latest healthcare trends. Trust our blog to be your go-to resource for navigating the world of global health and insurance.
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