We're starting a new series this week called Sustainable Sunday. Every Sunday, you'll find topics about keeping it green while on the road, to make sure the road is still there for the next generation. This week: airlines. We'll share several tips on what ordinary travelers can do to reduce their eco-footprint while traveling over the world's airways.
1. Buy carbon offsets. Airlines are one of the biggest emitters of carbon into the atmosphere, many airlines are now offering carbon offsets for purchase at their online points of sale. Air Canada is one airline that sells such offsets, partnering with Zero Footprint to reduce carbon offsets by channeling funds to reforestation and recycling projects throughout Canada. The offsets are priced based on the relative amount of carbon projected by the traveler's intended journey.
2. Travel light. With many carriers charging for checked bags, and some even with plans to charge for carry-on bags, it will add up to cost savings. However, it also means less weight, and less fuel consumption during the flight, reducing carbon emissions.
3. Choose your airplane wisely: Some aircraft pollute more than others. It's mainly older aircraft and smaller jets that are the biggest culprits. Older aircraft consume more fuel and emit more carbon; smaller jets consume slightly less fuel, but produce more carbon relative to the number of passengers than larger aircraft. Examples of aircraft to avoid are older generation DC-9's and MD-80s (flown by Delta, Allegiant, and American) as well as regional jets such as those manufactured by Bombardier and Embraer. Better choices include newer model aircraft such as Next Generation 737 and Airbus A320 family aircraft, as well as widebodies such as the 777, 747, 767, A330, and A380. Turboprops are also a great way to fly green - a notably green example is Bombardier's Q400, but most newer turboprop aircraft have significantly less fuel burn than jets, without sacrificing much in the way of speed on sectors shorter than 90 minutes.
4. Don't go (to the lav, that is): A Chinese carrier was recently noted for asking passengers to use the facilities prior to boarding the flight. The carrier had evidently found that each flush on board cost a fraction of fuel, but when multiplied by hundreds of passengers the fuel savings would be significant. Although the airline is looking at the bottom line, passengers can help reduce carbon emissions simply by going on the ground before taking to the skies.
Travel Advocacy welcomes your feedback. If you have any questions about flying greener, safer, or more comfortable, please e-mail us at traveladvocacy@gmail.com, follow us on Twitter, or click Subscribe to the link above to receive updates directly to your e-mail inbox.
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