Climate-Conscious Travel
Part 2: How To Get There

Now it’s sometimes quite unrealistic to consider avoiding flying, especially if you’re quite literally crossing the world. But it’s worth knowing that air travel actually makes up 20% of the tourist industry’s total emissions.

One way to contribute to reducing this problem is to fly with an airline who are actively invested in cleaner, greener fuel options - biofuel reduces carbon emissions by up to 80%! When you're picking out a flight, there's more to think about than just the price. A large chunk of a plane's pollution – up to half – comes from just taking off and landing, especially if it's a shorter trip. That's why non-stop flights are considerably better for the planet. For example: on a straight 1,800km flight, about 13% of the fuel goes into things like taxiing and getting up in the air. Throw in a layover, and suddenly 26% of fuel is being burned - and when a Boeing 747 uses 4 litres of fuel a second, that’s roughly 7,488 litres on taking off and landing alone. So, when it comes down to it, spending a few extra quid on a direct flight is a small price to pay for being kinder to our planet. Plus, let's be real, skipping layovers is a nice bonus!

Travelling by train, bus, or even car, then becomes a much more viable climate-conscious option. If you’re on holiday and thinking about renting a car or planning a road trip, definitely consider a hybrid or electric car which isn’t too big for your means - like carpooling, the more people you share with, the lower your carbon footprint. For solo trips, use a car-sharing website or use the ‘carpool’ feature on popular taxi apps - do your bit for sustainability, and make some friends along the way!

Remember:

• Trains are one of the most eco-friendly ways to travel.
  They emit up to 75% less carbon emissions, they’re more economical when it comes to space and energy use, and they connect you directly to the heart of things. They’re also a bit more of an adventure, and can take you through scenery you might never experience, as well as give you the chance to catch up on Eastenders or finish your book.

• Boats are worse than planes.
  You know those shocking statistics about the amount of fuel used by planes? Well, multiply that x4 and you’re closer to the levels of CO2 pumped out by cruise liners. It’s more convenient because you don’t have to book individual flights to each of the destinations, but at what cost? If you’re truly trying to reduce your carbon footprint, a Mediterranean cruise isn’t the way to do it.

• Walk, cycle, or scoot.
  Keep it simple, keep it clean, keep it green. Leave the smallest footprint by using your own.

4th March 2024