McDonald's Post-RIMS Adventure

Keeping with the theme I cited in an earlier blog–it ain't easy being green–check out the tale of Assistant Managing Editor Caroline McDonald after the RIMS conference. Feel free to weigh in with any of your own war stories about how society doesn't facilitate those eager to preserve the environment.

Going Green Means Being Smart

By Caroline McDonald

With all the attention to green issues everywhere, including at the recent Risk and Insurance Management Society conference, you would think people trying to do their part would get plenty of help and encouragement.

No so with Amtrak in Southern California, I discovered. After the RIMS conference I elected to take the train to Los Angeles from San Diego to visit my three sisters. Simple, right? Take the train instead of renting a car as on previous trips. Good for the environment, good for memuch better than sitting in traffic on the 5 freeway.

I had a pretty good-sized suitcase and a heavy carry-on with my laptop. And I noticed the train made stops at two airports, LAX and Burbank. Besides, when I bought the ticketa bargain at $29, I was told I could stow my baggage on the bottom level and relax on the top level and enjoy the scenery. Excellent plan.

But when I boarded the train and looked for a spot for suitcases I was told that only the elderly and handicapped were allowed to occupy the bottom level. All other passengerswith their bagsmust climb the narrow, steep staircase to the upper level.

You are kidding me, I said to the conductor, thinking of my two herniated disks. No I am not, he said, but I will help you push them up the stairs.

The view of the Pacific Ocean and flower-dotted hills of Southern California were a beauty to behold, but I couldnt help but shake my head at the nonsense of their system, while observing passenger after passenger maneuver heavy bags up the stairs. FM Global, where are your engineers when we need them?

So while risk managers, the insurance industry, state officials and world leaders create a buzz about going green and puzzle over ways to get people to recycle, drive more efficient cars and other various initiatives, I have some advice: Its the small, practical details that will make or break the best of plans.

If a system makes sense, if its needed and useable, it will probably be successful.

And Amtrak execs, I suggest you take a ride on your own train. Oh, and be sure to take along a heavy suitcase or two. After all, I assume you are trying to attract more riders to places like airports and its possible that a little practicality wouldnt hurt.