Carbon Footprint Guilt Free Holiday Travel

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The holiday season is upon us, which means people will be traveling to visit friends and family. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, tens of millions of passengers use air travel during the holiday season. While at the same time, long-distance travel by vehicle increases by 54% during the Thanksgiving holiday and by 23% during the Christmas holiday (USDOT, n.d.). This extra travel equals an increase in carbon emissions, an increase in energy use, and an increase in waste all and all the holiday season is not a good time for the environment. There are ways you can travel this season guilt free of your increased carbon-footprint.
Air Travel
  • Participate in carbon offsetting program, which are non-profit organizations that support carbon-reducing projects. Investigate the program before you purchase to ensure you know how the funds are used, if the results are guaranteed, and is the company certified.
  • Save paper – use electronic tickets
  • Opt for non-stop flights if possible
  • Pack your own drinks and snacks in reusable containers instead of purchasing disposal packages at airport
  • Pack light – share toiletries with traveling companions
  • Give gift cards instead of packing larger presents
  • Use the toilet before you board the plane. According to EPA, every mile-high flush uses the same amount of fuel as it takes to drive a car 6-miles
  • Reduce emissions by taking public transportation or carpool to the airport
  • Rent an electric vehicle instead of one that uses traditional fuels
Road Travel
If you are traveling on the roads this holiday season there are ways you can reduce your carbon-footprint.
  • Carpool or take public transportation
  • Go easy on the gas pedal and brakes
  • Maintain your vehicle before you go
    • Oil change
    • Tire pressure
  • Don’t let your vehicle idle – now that the weather is cold it is more tempting to keep the vehicle idling to keep warm. This wastes fuel, increase carbon emissions, and increases the passenger’s exposure to exhaust fumes.
NOTE: Another way to reduce your carbon-footprint during the holiday season is to shop online and have the present shipped directly from the retailer to the recipient. This saves fuel, which reduces carbon emissions.
Let’s end this year by being aware of how our actions affect the world around us. And let’s take actions to reduce our carbon-footprint this holiday season. 

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