It’s no secret that the environmental cost of flying, even for a short haul trip, can be pretty profound. A return flight from London to Edinburgh, for example, contributes more CO2 than the mean annual emissions of a person living in Uganda or Somalia.
Stark facts like these are driving a consumer demand for sustainable travel and, according to a new poll by Intrepid Travel, as many as 58% of holidaymakers are considering sustainability an important factor when making travel choices.
The obvious first step for travellers concerned about their carbon footprint is to fly less, and explore other modes of transport. But if cutting out flight altogether isn’t an option, you can still reduce the impact of your travel with a few good consumer choices.
Offset your carbon emissions
Choose an airline that offers the option to offset your carbon emissions. To ensure you buy enough carbon credits equivalent to your carbon impact, use the ICAO emissions calculator to estimate the carbon footprint of an upcoming flight.
Fly direct whenever possible
Multi-stop options might be cheaper but aircraft produce the largest amount of emissions on take-off and landing. If possible, fly direct to reduce your environmental impact.
Order the veggie option
Eating meat has a significant impact on the environment. According to The Telegraph, an estimated one billion plane meals are served each year, so the more people opting for the vegetarian curry, the better for the environment.
Bring your own headphones
Airlines generated 5.2 tonnes of waste in 2016, according to the International Air Transport Association. Earphones, and the plastic they’re wrapped in, are often disposed of after just one use. Prevent more earphones ending up in landfill by taking your own.
Bring a reusable water bottle
Every plastic cup you accept ends up in the bin and can’t be recycled. Refilling your own water bottle makes good eco sense and will help you stay properly hydrated during a flight.
