We talk alot about sustainable trip and how we can contribute to make our trip more environment friendly by travelling more responsibly. We also talk a lot about how we should respect the local cultures, their lands, their way of life, and their tradition. However, we can also contribute to sustainable travel by supporting green air travel. Our carbon footprint does affect the environment. However, some travel destinations are so faraway that they can be reached only by air travel. Meanwhile the impact of air travel is pretty huge to the planet because of the carbon emission. So how can we travel more sustainably?
The possibility of sustainable air travel
Even though challenging, it is possible for us to fly more responsibly in order to support the environment-conscious travel movement. We can contribute by making the right choices, such as choosing airline with lowest average emissions, taking direct flight, booking economy with less emission than business class, and flying less far or less frequently if there is another alternative.
Changing travel habits
It is possible for us to change our travel habits by making more conscious decisions of our air travel plan. It will be beneficial if every individual take part in reducing the impact of air travel by choosing better alternatives. Of course, the opportunity to experience new cultures can outweigh harmful effects of air travel. However, it is even better if we become more conscious-travelers so that we are aware of our impact to the environment. And even if our change of travel habit can help a little to protect our planet, then why not doing it proudly.
Economy seat has lower emission than business seats
It is true that economy seat is four time less emission than business seats. Hence, it will be beneficial to the environment if you choose economy seats. Of course this is not for everyone who might have condition or situation where they are not able to fly safely and comfortably in economy seats. However, if it is possible for us who only feel a little bit uncomfortable with the tiny space to choose economy seat instead.
Packing lightly is better
Our luggage also contributes a lot in emission. The more we pack, the heavier our bag will get. Hence, it creates more emission that will of course harm the environment. We can be more considerate about what we need to pack for our trip. If we can pack light without missing any of major essentials then why should we pack extra? Also, light luggage will provide us more freedom to move without the risk of injuring our own body.
Choosing airlines
Each airline may have different protocols and regulations about their flights. Choosing efficient airline can be challenging because not all of them are conscious about carbon emission or environment. They may focus more on providing great experiences for their passengers. But if we can find airlines who are doing real things to be more efficient then it’s better to choose them.