Strategies to Lessen the Environmental Impact of My Field Recording Journeys

Since starting my journey in field recording and traveling around the world a few years ago, I’ve been deeply concerned about the environmental footprint I might leave behind. As someone who regularly witnesses the decline in biodiversity and observes the negative impact of human activity on the environment through my recordings, I’m acutely aware of how my actions can affect the delicate balance of nature. To address this, I’ve adopted 11 strategies to reduce my environmental impact while traveling:

1. Embrace a Nomadic Lifestyle

Unfortunately, flying has become almost unavoidable in today’s world, and air travel is one of the most environmentally damaging parts of my journeys. From the outset, I decided to design a way of traveling that would allow me to explore a wide range of areas while minimizing the number of flights I take. To do this, I chose to live as a “full-time traveler,” eliminating the need for a “home” to return to. This approach not only reduces unnecessary flights but also gives me more time and opportunities to focus on my work. However, living as a nomad comes with significant compromises, such as being away from friends and family for long periods and facing various logistical challenges. While there were multiple reasons for my decision to live this way, reducing my environmental impact by cutting down on air travel was a major factor.

2. Plan a Logical, Linear Travel Path

Eliminating return trips wasn’t enough, given my desire to travel and record sounds all over the world. I needed to create a travel path that made sense and minimized the need for long-haul flights. Throughout my travels, I’ve followed a logical route, using the connections between destinations as opportunities for field recordings. By reducing the distances between each stop and avoiding unnecessary detours, I’ve been able to explore thoroughly while minimizing my carbon footprint. For example, after spending nearly three months in Argentina, I crossed the northern border into Paraguay, then moved on to Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru—all in a logical sequence. I continued to explore the Americas, embarking on a road trip through Northeast Canada and the USA before heading to Mexico. I resisted the temptation to take short trips to far-flung places, like a week in Kenya, which wouldn’t have made sense given my commitment to reducing travel-related emissions. Nonetheless, in a 5-years span I was able to explore 5 continents, and about 50 countries.

3. Travel Slowly

Without a permanent home to return to, I have the freedom to take my time at each location. I’ve come to prefer a “slow travel” approach, staying in one place for one, two, or even three months before moving on. While I initially moved more quickly, I’ve since shifted to a much slower pace, transforming my nomadic life into what I call a “slowmad” life. By establishing a temporary base in one area, I can explore the surroundings more thoroughly. For instance, I’ve been in Asia for the past two years, gradually moving between different bases within the continent. This slower pace not only reduces my environmental impact but also allows me to make richer, more meaningful recordings. Spending more time in one place helps me better understand the local environment, observe changes over time, and capture sounds that are unique to the area.

4. Use a Bicycle

Cycling is one of the best ways to explore an area while field recording. Bicycles, being free of engine noise, are ideal for exploring an area while recording sounds. They allow me to quickly scan the environment for interesting sounds without disturbing them, and they’re eco-friendly. Additionally, cycling keeps me healthy by providing regular exercise as I travel.

5. Focus on Local Sounds

Field recording doesn’t always require traveling far from home in search of sounds. It’s surprising how much sonic diversity can be found in a small area. Sometimes, I don’t even need to step a foot outside to discover new sounds. Depending on what I’m trying to record, there are countless noises happening all around me—inside the house, in the neighborhood, underground, on the roof. By using contact microphones and hypercardioid mics, I can uncover sounds I never knew existed. Even just walking a few kilometers around the block can reveal soundscapes I hadn’t noticed before, simply by exploring at different times of the day. Focusing on local sounds also helps me connect with the community and better understand the place I’m recording, all while keeping my environmental impact low. In the long run, supporting local projects that protect natural spaces and lands can even turn my work into a net positive for the environment.

6. Eat Responsibly

As a field recordist, I’m human and have basic needs, including food. The choices I make about what to eat can have a significant impact on the environment, especially when I’m in a new area. I try to make responsible choices by eating locally produced food and opting for plant-based meals whenever possible. It’s important to know where my food comes from and how it was produced and distributed. While it can be difficult to find this information and trust the available products, making the extra effort is essential. As a field recordist, I’m often focused on my sound work and might not have time to carefully plan every meal. Sometimes, it’s impossible to make the best choice, and that’s okay—as long as I’m aware of it and strive to do better next time. I typically choose plant-based options, ask about the origins of ingredients, and spend time scrutinizing labels in the supermarket. This not only helps reduce my environmental impact but also ensures I’m eating healthier.

7. Wash Clothes by Hand

At some point, my clothes need to be washed. Instead of using washing machines, I often wash them by hand, which uses less energy and water. Handwashing is also gentler on the fabric and can be done anywhere I have access to water—whether in a hotel sink or a nearby river. It’s a simple yet effective way to reduce my environmental impact while traveling.

8. Make Ethical Purchases

Every product or service I buy has an environmental impact, so I try to make mindful choices with every purchase. This involves researching brands, avoiding impulsive buys, and choosing products that prioritize sustainability. While it can be daunting to navigate the complexities of our industrialized world, where the environmental impact of our choices isn’t always clear, it’s important to remember that collective action—individuals making conscious decisions—can have a significant effect on society. Everything I consume, from coffee to clothes to electronics, has an impact, and I strive to make choices that align with my environmental values.

9. Avoid Plastics

During my travels, I’ve encountered shocking amounts of plastic waste, especially in remote areas. Plastics don’t degrade easily and can cause long-term harm to the environment. I make an effort to avoid using plastic, especially single-use items, and believe that governments should ban them and promote alternatives, particularly for packaging. Reducing plastic use is crucial to protecting the natural world, especially in places where waste management infrastructure is lacking.

10. Support Environmental Causes

Supporting environmental causes is another way I try to make a positive impact. Every year, I donate to NGOs that work on environmental issues. This is also part of my sound effects business (Articulated Sounds) policies—some of my revenue is allocated to supporting these causes.

11. Raise Awareness

One of the most effective ways to protect the environment is by raising awareness about its importance. Many people are disconnected from nature and don’t realize the impact their actions have. By sharing my experiences and using my field recordings, I hope to inspire others to think more about the environment and make more conscious choices. It’s essential to recognize that our future is directly tied to the future of the environment. We share this planet with countless other species, and we have a responsibility to preserve it. We need to shift our habits and beliefs toward a more sustainable way of life, one that values all living beings and supports the natural world.

In the end, protecting the environment isn’t just about preserving nature—it’s about ensuring our own survival. We humans have become so numerous and powerful that we have a duty to maintain balance on Earth, allowing life to thrive. Currently, we’re on a destructive path, and it’s up to us—the people—to make the necessary changes. Let’s embrace a world that includes all living beings and supports life as it should be, free from the greed and shortsightedness that have brought us to this point. As a field recordist, the least I can do is follow these strategies and encourage others to do the same. By no mean it is the perfect recipe to follow, only my own take on this challenge. I am open to hear any suggestion on this topic.