Daily Detox: How was your flight?
Sunday, September 9, 2007 at 06:01AM Traveling can be fun and bring new perspective. However, airline travel is responsible for about 3.5 percent of human-caused climate change, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Kind of puts a damper on the thrill of take off but there are ways to fly more responsibly.
Pack light: Just like with a car, heavier airplane cargo loads mean more fuel consumed. Vacation is a time to let go of the trappings of daily life so free yourself and your luggage from unnecessary extras. Opt for versatile travel wear that can be dressed up or down easily. Keen
Fly by day: A study on airplane contrails revealed that flying during the day may help lessen the effect air travel has on global warming. The visible condensation that “trails” behind an aircraft can trap energy in the earth’s atmosphere. This has a greater impact at night when the earth is trying to cool. Similarly, the time of year can be a factor in contrails. Flights between December and February have a greater impact on climate. Get the full scoop Airplane Contrails Boost Global Warming, Study Suggests.
Fly direct: Take offs and landing require energy boosts and more fuel than cruising. Flying direct eliminates unnecessary up and downs. It may cost a little more but is a reduction in fuel and emissions for your overall trip. Plus, how many times can you say that was a great…layover?
Further…
- Heavy Baggage at Ideal Bite
- Leaving on a Green Jet Plane at Ideal Bite
- Seat 61: Get there without flying at TreeHugger
Recharging your batteries or on business? If your laptop, cell phone and other electronic accessories are making the trip with you consider making your own energy along the way. Even if you can’t be off-line you can be off-grid, check out the Voltaic Messenger Solar Backpack