Major airlines that currently offer carbon offset programs include JetBlue, United Airlines, Delta, Lufthansa, and Air Canada, but this list is subject to change. Carbon offsets might include planting trees as well as broader social efforts, such as rolling out renewable and fuel-efficient energy resources for those who might not have easy access to them. Carbon offsets aren’t always cheap—the longer you fly, the more you pay. [3] X Research source Some airlines allow you to donate frequent flyer miles in place of money, though, so check what the program offers. Certain carbon offset providers also offer offset options on behalf of individual airlines. [4] X Expert Source Carbonfund. orgCarbon Offset & Environmental Education Organization Expert Interview. 18 April 2022.
Some carbon offset providers offer air travel mileage offsets so that you can tailor the level of carbon reduction to meet your needs. [7] X Expert Source Carbonfund. orgCarbon Offset & Environmental Education Organization Expert Interview. 18 April 2022. You can find a flight emissions calculator at https://www. icao. int/environmental-protection/Carbonoffset/Pages/default. aspx or https://www. climatecare. org/calculator/.
Pick airlines with newer planes. Old planes tend to need more fuel for shorter distances, meaning more CO2. [9] X Research source Use flight-booking websites that offer an “eco-friendly” option that can help you find low-emissions flights. The tools aren’t perfect, but it’s better than nothing. [10] X Research source The ICCT periodically ranks airlines by fuel efficiency, so you can look at their lists to make a more environmentally-friendly decision. [11] X Research source
If you can’t avoid a layover, try to pick one on the same direct path, or close to it. (For instance, if you’re flying from San Francisco to Buffalo, pick a layover in Chicago rather than Virginia. ) These may be more eco-friendly than more out-of-the-way layovers, and they’re often less hassle, too![15] X Research source
Ideally, you want to fly on a full flight. [17] X Research source But you can’t control the number of people on your flight, so don’t feel guilty if it has empty seats.
It may seem like a small difference, but when it comes to combating the rise in global average temperatures, every little bit helps!
In many countries, trains are more eco-friendly than planes or cars, so they’re often your best option. If you’re taking a car, pick a smaller gas-powered car, or an electric car. Driving a giant gas-guzzler long distances can actually be worse than flying, especially if you’re traveling solo. [20] X Research source Sometimes it’s not always clear what’s more environmentally friendly: a short-distance flight or a long-distance drive. It depends on the distance and your car’s mileage, so you’ll need to calculate the carbon emissions of both. Carbon offset providers such as https://carbonfund. org/ also offer vehicle offsets in order to neutralize the carbon emissions released from your car. [21] X Expert Source Carbonfund. orgCarbon Offset & Environmental Education Organization Expert Interview. 18 April 2022.
Conduct business meetings over phone or video calls. [23] X Research source Take vacations closer to home, so you don’t need to fly. Stay longer at your destination. “Budget” your carbon usage: take one long trip every few years, instead of multiple trips every year. [24] X Research source Skip frivolous flights, like helicopter tours.
Donating to or volunteering with environmental or climate-action groups to educate others. [26] X Research source Joining demonstrations calling for emissions regulations or climate action. Contacting your elected officials to ask them to take action. [27] X Research source Voting for politicians who support action on climate change.
Walk or bike rather than driving, or carpool. Change your diet; eat less beef and store leftovers. Reuse and recycle more often. Hang your laundry to dry instead of using the dryer. Cut down on AC and heating where possible. Buy your food from local sources. Switch to LED lighting. Use a smaller car, or an electric one. Install solar panels on your roof.
