Air travel has a large carbon footprint because planes burn dirty energy and release harmful gases into our atmosphere.
But as one travel expert reminded us, sustainable living is about finding a balance between doing what you love and helping the planet.
The scoop
The Virginia-Grown Nonprofit Sustainability is important (@sustainabilitymattersva) shared a TikTok video about how to make air travel more eco-friendly.
@sustainabilitymattersva Yes, flying has a carbon footprint, but here's the truth: sustainable living isn't about guilt, it's about balance. 🌍 Eliminate flights and vacations? This is probably not a practice that most people will support long term. True sustainability means finding solutions that work for both people and the planet. Here are some ways to make your flights a little greener: 1️⃣ Choose direct flights when possible (less fuel). 2️⃣ Opt for airlines with carbon offset programs. 3️⃣ Lighter pack (lighter planes = less fuel). 4️⃣ Travel slowly: stay longer, fly less frequently. 5️⃣ Don't buy new clothes and gear for a trip if you already have things that will work. #sustainabletravel #Ecological #TravelBetter ♬ original sound – Sustainability matters
The traveler in the video explains how he's going on a two-and-a-half-week international trip and doing three things to make traveling more sustainable.
The first is to pack an empty reusable water bottle instead of buying a drink in a plastic bottle after security. Next, the Traveler Packs bar soap And shampoo so he doesn't need to buy plastic bottles of travel size toiletries. Finally, it packs as light as possible to reduce the weight on board the aircraft and therefore fuel consumption.
In the post caption, Sustainability Matters shares additional travel tips, such as choosing direct flights to reduce fuel consumption and choosing airlines with carbon offset programs. The nonprofit also suggests staying longer in destinations so you can fly less frequently and avoid buying new clothes when you reach your destination.
How it works
The Sustainability Matters video is an important reminder of how we should not burden ourselves with guilt if we want to see the world. And save the world.
Fortunately, it is possible to achieve both goals when you are conscious of your actions and how they affect others and the planet.
Sustainable travel involves avoid single-use travel items, recyclingAnd choose your transport wisely. You can also prioritize eco-friendly travel destinations with eco-friendly hotels and plenty of public transportation options.
🗣️ Which of the following lasting changes would most encourage you to choose a particular airline?
🔘 Use cleaner fuel ⛽
🔘 Reduce in-flight waste 🗑️
🔘 Facilitate the choice of low-emission routes 📋
🔘 I don't pay attention to sustainability when I fly ✈️
🗳️ Click on your choice to see the results and express your opinion
What people say
In the video, the traveler concluded his advice with“For the average person, flying back and forth for vacation isn't what's killing our planet, and it's not necessarily something you need to feel bad about.”
“This is excellent advice!” one TikTok user wrote in the comments.
“I love the eco-guilt you explained,” wrote another. “So real and it happens to me a lot, but I do my best!”
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