Five travel tips for flying more sustainably
Air travel accounts for around 3% of worldwide CO2 emissions and is one of the fastest-growing sources of greenhouse gases. However, climate experts believe airlines must limit their emissions to mitigate climate change. Airlines are attempting to cut emissions in a variety of ways. The most popular is moving from traditional fossil-derived jet fuels to those manufactured from renewable sources with fewer emissions during manufacturing. Airlines are also turning to advanced materials and coating technologies to make planes lighter, more aerodynamic, and more resistant to wear and tear. It’s also our duty as passengers to fly more sustainably. Here are five tips for you to fly more sustainably.
Book low-emission airlines when you travel
Travellers should first make every effort to limit their emissions when travelling before considering carbon offsetting. Carbon offsetting is a method of compensating for the carbon emissions generated while flying, then that traveller is carbon neutral.
Booking flights with airlines which are marked as green, such as Jet Blue and United Airlines, can assist in minimising carbon emissions. Jet Blue was the first domestic airline to achieve carbon neutrality on all flights. United Airlines was the first airline in the world to use 100% sustainable aviation fuel on a passenger trip and tries to schedule direct flights on modern aircraft such as the A320neo or the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Fly Economy Class
According to research conducted by the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy, travelling economy class has an environmental benefit since first-class and business class seats have a substantially bigger carbon footprint than economy class seats, up to four times larger per mile.
Passengers in more roomy seats consume a more considerable proportion of the aircraft’s fuel. The space occupied by first-class seats was replaced with economy class seats, and the number of passengers on the plane may grow, making each one responsible for a lesser portion of the total fuel per passenger. Therefore, you can choose to travel in economy class rather than first or business class, which is more environmentally friendly.
Eco-friendly Airports
Passengers can travel via environmentally friendly airports such as India’s Cochin International Airport, which generates 100% of its power from renewable sources through a large solar array installed atop airport buildings and neighbouring property.
Airports can become more environmentally friendly by reducing light pollution and monitoring indoor air quality, limiting the use of toxic substances, implementing biophilic design, and installing photovoltaic systems on aircraft docks and parking roves, while underground energy stacks are used to heat and cool terminals. Water consumption at the airport can also be lowered by sending wastewater to an outside treatment facility and collecting rainwater for use in restrooms. All of this contributes to a reduction in carbon emissions.
Pack lighter
Everyone travels with luggage, and especially while flying, the baggage may have an influence by generating carbon dioxide since the heavier the luggage, the more fuel is necessary to reach the destination. By leaving a few items at home, travellers may help cut down on carbon emissions and make their flights lighter. You can travel lightly by using the ways listed below.
- The 1-2-3-4-5-6 Rule
The 1-2-3-4-5-6 Rule suggests packing one hat, one or two pairs of shoes, three bottoms (pants or skirts), four tops, five pairs of socks, and six pairs of undergarments will help you travel lighter.
- Pack light, quick-drying fabrics
Bulky clothes like jeans, sweatshirts, and jackets are heavy and take up a significant amount of space. Instead, pick light, quick-drying fabrics that take up less space and lower the weight of your luggage. It’s better to wear bulky clothes rather than pack them.
- Choose items that can serve two purposes
You choose items that serve two purposes, such as clothes that can be worn on the beach as well as on the dance floor, such as pants that can be worn from touring to dinner out. Use scarves and shawls, which can also be used as blankets. These things can help you conserve space and reduce the weight of your baggage.
Take a direct flight or ground transportation
Connecting flights not only cover a larger distance than direct flights, but they also emit much higher emissions during take-off and landing (around 25% of total emissions). Direct flights are always more efficient. When you arrive at a location, instead of flying, seek alternatives such as public transportation to your intended destination, which is generally the most carbon-efficient means of transportation.