"Teleconferencing, videoconferencing are certainly options as opposed to sending folks all around the world to meet with other people, " Mullis said.

CNN: Take green tactics on the road

In 1993, Kary Mullis won a Nobel Prize for discovering PCR, and several widespread efforts, including the Human Genome Project, have used the science to compile their databases.

WSJ: Art Emerges from DNA Left Behind

If you're renting a car, Mullis and Spatrisano both recommend hybrid- or energy-efficient fuel vehicles, although they acknowledge that these can be hard to find in many locations.

CNN: Take green tactics on the road