Trains instead of planes. When you have a choice, go for trains. You will see a lot more of the countryside. In some cases, in Europe, North America, some of Africa and some of Asia, you can book sleepers and travel overnight. You can save hefty hotel bills if you schedule your trip right. And here is the kicker....you usually end up much closer to downtown...often next to a subway...so you really reduce overall travel time if you plan carefully.
Planes, at the speed they are traveling, add tons of carbon emissions. But for long distance travel, there is no choice. So, buy carbon offsets. Some airlines offer these and even calculate the percentage allotted to you as a passenger in a particular flight. Carbon offsets are usually simply donations to support eco-friendly programs.
Public transport instead of taxis or rental cars. Maybe not in some places. Better yet, walk or bike. In Cambodia and Thailand, you can hop on a motor bike and reach your destination quicker. Just make sure you have your helmet or borrow one from the driver. Better still, choose a bike rickshaw. Every weekend in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, you will see a group of green clad rickshaw drivers scooting around the city to raise awareness on the environment.Non-stop instead of flight with stop-over. Planes burn more fuel in take off and landing. The fewer connections you take, the lower your carbon footprint will be. Of course, many times, airlines love bringing you to hubs and many of the direct flights are more expensive. Sometimes, we just have to swallow the price for something we value more.Turbo props. On shorter routes, check to see if there are turbo prop aircraft (with propellers) working for the airline. You might see the word "Dash" in front of their numbers. These use much less fuel and the airline industry seems to be rediscovering them. They are nearly as fast (on short routes), quiet and sometimes go into downtown airports and save even more time. Go to your gate on time. Linger not in duty free shops or bars. It is not uncommon for airlines before take off to be calling for one or two passengers who have checked in but have not yet shown up at the plane's entrance. Maybe, that bargain is just too good to miss. Know, though, that the less time the plane spends idling on the ground, the less carbon dioxide emissions they put out. Pack light. A lighter aircraft burns less fuel. Most travelers admit they use about half the things they take and most of the "just-in-cases" never happen. You will also save yourself the curse of inserting yourself in the crowd around the baggage carousel to peek at the baggage arriving. They seem to look all alike now. If you try to just have a hand-carry, you will not have to do this and the chance of your losing your luggage is nil.
Green programs before luxuries. Before you book a hotel, ask about their eco-friendly programs not just the luxuries they offer. Ask about their recycling programs, the steps they take to become more energy efficient and other things they do to reduce consumption. ...
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Author: Mary Norton