Best Practices: Fieldwork

LabRATS Best Practices

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Fieldwork

Whether in the laboratory or outside collecting data, there are many ways of reducing your carbon footprint; below are some practices you can implement out in the field.

Utilize the most sensible modes of transportation: Reduce your travel footprint by eliminating unnecessary travel and carpooling with your fellow lab mates! Once at the field site, walk or use bikes to get around and collect data rather than driving to each individual collection stop. 

Remove any and all pieces of field equipment from the data collection site: Remember to clean up after yourself! This includes any flagging, plot markers, monitoring devices, camping gear; as well as any personal belongings or trash that you may have incurred over your stay. A good rule of thumb is to try to leave the field site as clean as it was when you first arrived.

Use reusable or recyclable sampling tools: Get some life out of your sampling containers and staking/flagging tools and reuse these materials as much as possible! Only use sterile sample containers when necessary. 

Switch from paper to electronic data collection: Switching from paper to electronic recording can make the process of data collection more efficient, and make it easier to pull old results or reanalyze data in the future. Plus, carrying a tablet or a smartphone removes the need for potentially clunky writing materials (such as multiple notebooks or clipboards) -- just one less thing to worry about carrying when you're out handling your other equipment in the field.

Buy carbon offsets with "additionality": If you have travel obligations in your personal life or your work, offset the amount of carbon you are contributing to the atmosphere by funding programs that sequester carbon our of the atmosphere. Remember to only fund programs that would have been done without your support which meet the criteria of "additionality". For more information, check out the Clean-Air Cool-Planet's Consumers Guide to carbon offsellers.