Airplanes are responsible for approximately 2% to 3% of global CO2 emissions, but that doesn’t mean you should stop traveling. By planning carefully and making choices that benefit your health, you can make a significant impact on the environment, even while traveling. Even small changes in the way you travel can have a significant impact. For example, you can support environmentally friendly businesses and pack more efficiently.
Pack Smart and Light
When it comes to fuel consumption, every kilo counts. More baggage means airlines use more fuel, so packing light directly reduces the carbon footprint of your flight. Choose lightweight fabrics over heavy ones and wear clothes that can be paired with different shoes. Wear your bulkiest items, like boots and jackets, on board instead of packing them inside. Multifunctional items are a good choice. For example, a skirt can serve as a blanket, towel, or shawl.
Fly Direct
Takeoff and landing are the most fuel-intensive legs of the journey, so direct flights are more fuel-efficient than connecting flights. Direct flights may be a bit more expensive, but they can reduce carbon emissions by up to 25% compared to flights with a stopover. If direct flights aren’t available, choose routes with as few stops as possible. The less damage you cause to the planet, the shorter your total travel time.
Offset Your Carbon Footprint
Carbon offset programs allow you to offset the pollution your flight causes by funding environmental projects like reforestation or green energy development. Many airlines now offer carbon offset programs when booking flights. You can also purchase carbon offsets from reputable sources, such as those certified by the Gold Standard or Verified Carbon Standard. Carbon offsets shouldn’t be your only option, but they are a good way to offset the emissions of essential flights.
Environmentally Friendly Airlines Need Your Help
When it comes to protecting the planet, every airline has its own approach. Look for airlines that invest in eco-friendly fuels, fuels with low fuel consumption, and comprehensive environmental programs. Many airlines, including KLM, Alaska Airlines, and JetBlue, have committed to reducing their carbon emissions. Some airlines use newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft and have programs to reduce waste, which can significantly impact the environmental cost of your trip.
Bring Reusable Items
Planes are full of single-use plastic, but bringing reusable items can significantly reduce your waste. Bring a reusable water bottle, utensils, and a collapsible cup to hold your drink. Many airports now have water stations, making it easy to stay hydrated without having to buy plastic cups. Bring your own reusable snacks instead of buying heavily packaged food on board or at the airport.
Eat Local and Organic Food
Food transport is a significant part of air freight’s impact on the world. Upon arrival, choose restaurants and shops that use local ingredients to reduce your carbon footprint. Seasonal, local dishes not only allow you to experience authentic culture but also support the local economy and reduce transportation pollution. Because animal agriculture has a significant impact on the planet, it’s best to eat less meat during your trip.
Choose Eco-friendly Accommodations
The damage you do to the world doesn’t stop after landing. Choose hotels and other accommodations that are environmentally friendly, reduce energy, water, and paper consumption, and participate in waste reduction programs. Look for accommodations with green certifications such as EarthCheck, LEED, or Green Key. Many eco-friendly hotels use clean energy, have recycling programs, and offer guests the opportunity to participate in local environmental initiatives.
Reducing Waste During Flights
Airlines produce a significant amount of waste, but passengers can also do their part. Refuse unnecessary items such as plastic-wrapped headphones, spare napkins, and disposable toiletry bags. Instead of reading magazines and other printed materials on the plane, bring your own mobile entertainment device. If you need to bring disposable items, make sure you dispose of them properly and put them in the designated recycling bins.
Making Every Flight Count
Green flying isn’t about striving for perfection; it’s about making choices that make the world a better place. With these tips, you can not only demonstrate your environmental impact but also help others make more sustainable travel choices. As more travelers become more environmentally conscious, airlines and the travel industry as a whole will continue to transform and operate more environmentally friendly.
FAQs
1. How much can cleaner flying really reduce my carbon footprint?
Practices like traveling lighter and choosing direct routes can reduce aircraft emissions by 20% to 30%. By combining carbon offsets with travel, you can almost completely offset these emissions.
2. Is the carbon reduction program real?
When you purchase carbon credits through a certification program like Gold Standard or Verified Carbon Standard, the money goes to verified environmental projects. Learn more about the program to ensure your money is actually contributing to the fight against climate change.
3. Which companies truly care about the environment?
In most cases, airlines stand out when they invest in newer aircraft, sustainable fuels, and comprehensive environmental programs. Check the latest sustainability rankings for concrete commitments, not just generic marketing claims.
4. Is it better to take several short trips or one long trip?
Generally, one long trip is better than several short trips because the high-emission takeoff and landing phases are spread over a longer period at the destination.
