It’s no secret that jet-setting around the world via aeroplane is not the most environmentally friendly thing to do. Here are 10 ways you can offset your carbon footprint.
Yet, it seems that even the most conscious travellers are guilty of disregarding this fact. Around 2% of total man-made carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions worldwide can be linked to the aviation industry. While this percentage may seem quite small, let’s put it into perspective:
For every mile a plane travels, a little over 53 pounds of CO2 are emitted. This means that an estimated 600 million tonnes of CO2 are released into the atmosphere annually. When these gases enter the atmosphere, they trap heat from the sun reflecting off the Earth’s surface, producing a natural greenhouse effect. This thus causes global surface temperatures to increase (aka that little thing we all know as global warming), which ultimately leads to climate change.
So really, that 2% is a very big deal. However, with more and more people becoming interested in travelling the world, these statistics are only expected to increase. By 2050, the aviation sector would have released around 21.2 gigatons of carbon dioxide if it continued operating as it does today.
But let’s face it, flying is the most convenient and quickest way to globe trot; these days, nobody has the time to get from Hong Kong to Honolulu (and back!) by sailboat. But giving up or cutting back on flying aren’t your only options. Here are 10 ways you can offset your carbon footprint this year.
1. Choose Economy Class
In a purely physical sense, economy-class cabins typically have a higher passenger density compared to business or first-class cabins. This means that more passengers can be accommodated in the same amount of space, which results in a lower carbon footprint per passenger. By maximising the use of available space, economy class reduces overall energy consumption and emissions per person. Additionally, choosing economy class indirectly reduces the environmental impact of air travel in other ways. For instance, the revenue generated from premium-class tickets can help subsidise the cost of operating economy class, making it more affordable for a larger number of people. This can increase the overall passenger load factor of the flight, optimising the use of resources and minimising waste.
Opting for economy class promotes sustainability in the aviation industry. Airlines are more likely to invest in fuel-efficient technologies, alternative fuels, and carbon offset programmes when there is a greater demand for economy class seats. By choosing this option, passengers can contribute to the industry’s transition to greener practises.
Although coach may not have luxuriously spacious seats and free-flow champagne, choosing to fly economy class is better for both the environment AND your wallet. #WorthIt
2. Take Direct Flights
Direct flights tend to be more fuel-efficient because they involve fewer takeoffs and landings. The takeoff and landing phases of a flight require significant amounts of fuel, as the aircraft must exert additional energy to overcome gravity and establish the required altitude. By eliminating the need for multiple takeoffs and landings, direct flights reduce the overall fuel consumption and emissions associated with these phases. These also often result in shorter total distances travelled by the aircraft. Connecting flights may involve detours or longer routes due to airline scheduling, airport availability, or other factors. These indirect routes increase the distance traveled by the aircraft and consequently lead to higher fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Direct flights, on the other hand, typically follow the most efficient and shortest path between the origin and destination, reducing overall emissions.
Opting for direct flights is also practical in almost every sense. It helps minimise congestion at airports, especially major hub airports that serve as connecting points for multiple flights. When passengers opt for connecting flights, it can lead to overcrowding and congestion at these airports, resulting in additional time spent taxiing, waiting in line, and circling in the air before landing. Such delays and congestion can lead to increased fuel consumption and emissions.
Basically, the tl;dr is: there’ll be fewer CO2 emissions being released into the environment, and you’ll be spending less time on an aeroplane. Win-Win.
3. Combine Trips
If time permits, why not check off multiple bucket-list destinations in one go? Joining several smaller trips in one region will prevent multiple fuel-guzzling, long-haul flights in the future. Giving you just the right excuse you need to book that month-long Euro-trip you’ve always been dreaming about.
Topas EcoLodge—Sa Pa, Vietnam
4. Choose Environmentally Friendly Accommodation
Environmentally friendly accommodations are designed to be energy-efficient. They typically incorporate energy-saving technologies and practises to reduce their overall energy consumption. For example, they may use energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, and well-insulated buildings to minimise energy waste. By reducing energy consumption, these accommodations contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions and help combat climate change. Additionally, they also mostly embrace renewable energy sources such as solar power, wind energy, or geothermal systems. They may install solar panels on rooftops or utilise other renewable technologies to generate electricity or heat. By utilising clean and renewable energy, these accommodations reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to the transition to a more sustainable energy system.
Look for hotels or resorts that have green certifications, implement energy-efficient measures, use renewable energy sources, and have water conservation initiatives in place.
Accommodation for travel accounts for around 20% of CO2 emissions. From hostels to hotels to eco-lodges, there are environmentally friendly options for just about anybody’s taste. Do your research before you book—you’re bound to save a few dollars and a lot of CO2 emissions, as well as plastic waste!
5. Walk or Bike to Sightsee
You don’t have to delete your Grab app; we’re trying to be environmentally friendly, not stupid. But if you are in a location where travelling on foot or on two wheels (preferably not on something motorised) is not only possible but even more enjoyable, take the road less travelled. Yes, it’s almost a no-brainer when we say that walking and biking are emission-free modes of transportation. Unlike cars or other motorised vehicles, they do not require the burning of fossil fuels, which are the primary source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions contributing to climate change. By choosing to walk or ride a bike, you directly reduce your carbon footprint and minimise your impact on the environment.
You can also explore natural areas, parks, and urban landscapes without contributing to the destruction of ecosystems or disturbing wildlife habitats. It allows for a more intimate and sustainable interaction with the environment, preserving the beauty and integrity of the surroundings for future generations.
Also, if you think about it, encouraging walking and biking as primary modes of transportation promotes sustainable urban development. It reduces the need for extensive road networks, parking spaces, and fuel infrastructure, which often come at the expense of green spaces and can disrupt the natural flow of cities. Pedestrian-and bike-friendly cities tend to have a better quality of life, with improved air quality, less traffic congestion, and healthier citizens.
If this is not possible, consider living like a local and taking public transportation. Buses and trains disperse their emissions among more riders, thus significantly reducing the amount of greenhouse gases and pollution generated.
6. Neutralise Your Footprint through Carbon Offsetting
Carbon offsetting is the practice of calculating the CO2 created in flight and donating the amount to a project that destroys greenhouse gases and produces renewable energy. Such as, reforestation or a wind farm. One option to offset is Terrapass, check them out to learn more about the initiative and their current projects.
Floating Markets—Bangkok, Thailand
7. Eat Local & Plant-Based
Consider “food miles”, or the distance ingredients travel, when choosing where to dine. Ensuring that your meals are locally sourced can reduce your footprint by up to 7% because fewer CO2 emissions are released to get them from the farm to your table. Not only is this better for the environment, but eating locally also directly supports the surrounding economy and provides you with a way to truly experience the local culture. Additionally, choosing plant-based foods has similar benefits, as fruits and veggies generally have much less of a carbon footprint than animal products. By choosing conscious vegan options, it is possible to reduce food-related CO2 emissions by up to 19%. If this seems out of the question, sacrificing meat for just one or two days can still have a major positive impact.
8. Engage in Eco-Tourism
By promoting responsible behaviour, eco-tourism helps conserve natural resources. It seeks to save biodiversity, weak ecosystems, and animal habitats. To guarantee the sustainable use of resources and prevent environmental deterioration, eco-tourism providers frequently collaborate closely with regional communities and conservation organisations. This also encourages respect for and knowledge of the natural world. Additionally, eco-tourism aims to benefit local communities economically and socially. It encourages the involvement of local people in tourism activities, providing them with employment opportunities and economic incentives to protect their natural resources. This can help alleviate poverty, reduce pressure on other unsustainable livelihoods, and create incentives for the conservation of local ecosystems.
9. Just because you’re on holiday doesn’t mean you can’t practise the “3Rs”
This is a fairly simple “conscious rule” while travelling and you won’t even have to go out of your way to practise them! Research and familiarise yourself with the recycling facilities and programs available in the places you’ll be visiting. Different destinations may have varying recycling systems, so be sure to follow local guidelines.
Reduce waste by bringing reusable water bottles, shopping bags, and toiletries. Reuse towels and linens in hotels when possible. Recycle waste materials in designated bins, ensuring proper disposal and minimising the environmental impact.
10. Pack smart and light!
Packing light to reduce the weight of your luggage can also make booking tickets cheaper for you. But this can also lead to fuel savings for transportation, including planes and cars. The lighter the load, the less energy is required to transport it, resulting in lower carbon emissions. On the other hand, packing smarter is essentially going to make travelling more convenient for you. Instead of carrying physical books, maps, or travel guides, consider using e-books, smartphone apps, or online resources. This also reduces paper waste. Opt for reusable alternatives whenever possible, such as a rechargeable battery pack instead of single-use batteries, a cloth towel instead of paper towels, or a reusable razor instead of disposable ones. Even your toiletries can be upgraded. Instead of buying travel-sized toiletries, invest in refillable bottles and fill them with your preferred products. This reduces the plastic waste generated by single-use toiletry containers.
Following these tips will ensure your wanderlust lifestyle is leaving as minimal of an impact on the planet as possible. Making it a bit easier to sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight. Check out our ultimate eco travel guide and responsible tourist checklist for more details and tips on how we can travel comfortable while still being conscious.