How To Reduce The Impact Of Your Holiday On The Environment
The British fly more than any other nation. We have an inquisitive and insatiable nature for air travel probably because we are an island with less than perfect weather. Add to this a bucket-load of low-cost airlines vying for our business using the tried and tested 'free fares' tactic and it's no surprise we get more air time than any other country.
But the main problem with all this air travel is that our CO2 emissions for the air travel sector are the highest in the world. Most of us don't drive to our holiday destination any more because we were rather limited with where we could go and how long we could go for. When flying to Spain is cheaper than getting the train from London to Leeds it's no surprise we choose to fly to Spain really.
Each year an average British citizen will contribute 603kg in CO2 emissions from flying. Ireland comes in second with 434kg followed by the US, with only 275kg.
If total travel emissions were taking into account, including cars, trains and buses, the results are very different as the US and more of our European neighbours for that matter, will drive instead of fly, to their destination.
It is doubtful that the 'staycation' idea will really take off, so we need to think of ways to keep our air travel emissions as low as feasibly possible. The best option is carbon offsetting.
Carbon offsetting includes projects such as restoring forests, updating and modernising power plants to make them more efficient, or increasing the energy efficiency of buildings and transportation. It works by reducing global carbon emissions, by making cut backs in other areas without actually reducing the amount you are emitting personally through air travel.
What about getting to and from the airport? Instead of driving, you could think about getting a coach. Easybus now offers coach transfers serving areas throughout London. It will take you directly to Gatwick, Luton or Stansted from as little as ?2 each way if booked online in advance. Not only will this mean less emissions, but you'll also save some cash because you won't have to pay for expensive airport parking.
Finally, you could think about having your holiday in an eco-friendly, sustainable resort that has a minimal impact on the environment. The trend for 'green-travel' is growing and more and more holiday companies are working with small-scale lodges and boutique hotels that offer a more personalised service as well as running on renewable energy resources.
Milissa Brusser is an expert on travel tips. This article was inspired by Easybus.co.uk, Easybus offer airport transfers for all airline travellers not only those flying with easyJet, with services direct to and from London and Gatwick Airport,London Luton airport and stansted airport.
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