Eco Conscious Flying & Travel Planning

While air travel is amazing, to be able to get here and there relatively quickly, environmentally it does not have such a positive impact. The global warming issues associated with aviation are twofold because of the carbon dioxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and water vapor emissions, and the height at which they are emitted. At their level, they have twice the effect on global warming than they do on the ground. One trip across the Atlantic can produce as much ozone depleting pollution as a driver does in a year. Additionally the average number of people flying is expected to double over the next 15 years.

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Clearly though, air travel is a fact of life. But, there are some resources you can use to fly conscientiously.

• TerraPass is an air travel carbon footprint calculator. It takes into account specific airlines and routes,helping you pick an airline which offers the lowest carbon flight on any route before you book your travel.

• Carbon Fund lets you calculate the environmental impact of your life {and travel}.

• The app EveryTrail helps plan a carbon neutral trip and lets you record your travel experience travel as you go.
  

• When booking a hotel use Sustainable Travel International to verify eco properties. Starwood Element is going for LEED certification with recycling bins in rooms, EnergyStar appliances, bans on paper and plastic, recycled décor and low-VOC paints, plus 20% off!