Going on holiday is a big priority for many of us, with 35% of Brits saying they would rather spend their spare cash on travel than home renovations, eating out and going to live events*. But with the ongoing climate crisis playing on our minds, you may be thinking about how you can lessen the environmental impact of your trip.
Travel is one of the biggest contributors to climate change with aviation producing around 2.4% of global carbon emissions. Along with producing other harmful gases and water vapour, flying is said to be the cause of around 5% of global warming.
It may be a big ask to stop flying all together, but if you want to reduce your emissions, here are some changes you can make to your travel habits.
1. Fly more sustainably
One way you can fly more sustainably is by paying attention to the way you pack. The more your baggage weighs, the more the plane has to carry, making it less energy efficient. You can also save money by travelling with hand-luggage only.
While you're on your flight, reduce your plastic waste by avoiding plastic cups and straws. As we're sure you know, you can't take a liquid container above 100ml through airport security, but you can take an empty bottle. Save yourself from buying more plastic by packing a reusable water bottle and filling it up in the departure lounge.
For long haul flights, try to opt for direct rather than stop-over flights if possible. Take-offs and ascent require significantly more energy than cruising mid-air, so you’re effectively opting to cut fuel consumption this way. Research by LuggageHero found around 25% of the fuel used during a flight is consumed during take-off alone.
Where possible, use a 'green' airport. These are recognised for their efforts to implement recycling programs, sustainable building design, reduction of noise pollution and emissions control for airport vehicles. Most airport's websites will provide further information on their sustainability policies.
2. Opt for a train
Trains are more carbon efficient, as having multiple carriages give them the advantage of carrying more people than a plane or car can.
A return flight from London to Paris for one person uses 0.06 tonnes of carbon, according to Carbon Footprint's calculator. However, if you travel by train, it calculates this uses 0.01 tonnes of carbon.
Likewise, if you’re travelling to multiple countries, consider using trains. It might even work out cheaper, too. The Interrail scheme allows you to travel to 31 countries by train and offers a range of passes, starting from €194.
3. Use a bus
Once your brain is in holiday-mode, it’s easy to jump in taxis to get from A to B. Instead, save carbon by opting for a bus. Buses are more energy efficient as they can carry more people than a car can. You'll also save money!
It also helps to do a bit of research before you go. If your holiday is a city-break, see if your destination has an electric tram system. Alternatively, download the Uber app and see if Uber Green is offered. This allows you to order an electric vehicle ride.
4. Offset carbon footprint
If your options are limited and you’re worried about your carbon footprint rising significantly from going abroad, look at donating money to offset it.
To offset the carbon emissions you clock up by using air travel, look for schemes which compensate for these emissions by investing in a project that aims to reduce carbon emissions elsewhere in the world. Carbon Footprint has a good range of projects, from cookstove projects in Kenya to hydroelectric plants in Turkey. Simply enter your flight into its carbon calculator tool, and then it will convert your carbon emissions into a price that you can donate to one of its projects.
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