With more awareness about climate change, rising carbon emission levels and greenhouse gases, it’s good to know that there are ways to make a difference. The travel industry is placing more emphasis on eco -friendly travel, offering ways to frequent and conscientious travellers to reduce their ecological footprint. If you want to know how to reduce your carbon footprint, read our tips on carbon offsets for travel and counter your carbon emissions!
What exactly is carbon offsetting?
Carbon offsetting involves the use of carbon credits which allows businesses to compensate for their emissions. Carbon offsets often support projects surrounding renewable energy, forestry, wind-farming, and resource conservation. This plays a helpful role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For more information on this, read on for a detailed explanation on carbon offsetting.
More airlines have now partnered with carbon offsetting programmes, in which travellers can easily calculate their emissions and purchase carbon credits. Carbon credits are sold in metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents, and can easily be purchased directly through an airline’s website. Take a look at some of these airlines which have partnered with carbon offsetting programmes:
If you’re purchasing tickets by redeeming points, take a look at Aeroplan’s carbon offsetting program as well.
While carbon offsets for travel make a big impact in offsetting carbon emissions, there are other ways to have more eco-friendly travel experiences, Try these easy tips:
How to reduce your carbon footprint when travelling
- Take a more direct route: Take-offs and landings consume the most fuel, so try opting for direct flights when booking your tickets. You get to your destination sooner, while burning less fuel on your way there!
- Consider sustainable transportation: Try opting for public transit or self-propelled transportation when you’re at your destination. Walking tours and biking are fun and ecofriendly options to explore a new city. Here are some more great reasons for taking your bike along with you on your next trip!
- Choose driving over flying: If travelling as a group, ditch the flight and plan a roadtrip instead. Cars, especially fuel-efficient ones, with normal range air quality emissions, have by far less impact on the planet than plane travel.
- Check your car’s energy efficiency: Ensure your tires have the recommended amount of air, and ensure your car is properly maintained to boost your mileage. Keep in mind that constant braking and accelerating consume the most fuel. To counter this, practice good driving habits by maintaining a consistent speed. You’ll get further on a tank of gas, which is great for the environment and your wallet!
- Opt for hybrid cars: If you’re renting a car for your trip, try opting for a more fuel efficient or hybrid car to cut down your gas consumption. You’ll spend less time at the gas station—a win for your budget!
- Try geotourism! Travel to places which emphasize geotourism, or sustainable tourism. Generally, this type of tourism focuses on preserving the environment, culture, and heritage of the place. Geotourism expeditions provide education on conserving resources, and play their part by limiting the number of tourists visiting at a time. You might have a more authentic experience while also being a conscientious traveller.
If you’re like me and love to travel, it’s a relief to know that carbon offsets for travel allow you to reduce your carbon emissions. While you’re busy offsetting your carbon footprint, don’t forget to protect yourself with a good travel medical insurance plan on your next trip! If you’re planning a roadtrip or driving to your destination, ensure you’re protected with the right insurance. Here’s what you should know about motor vehicle accident claims and travel insurance before hitting the road
Have any more eco-friendly travel tips? Share them in the comment section below!
Happy earth-friendly travels
Thank you for the info! I’ll be using these tips on my next trip abroad 🙂