Travel Tips: How to Reduce Carbon Emissions This Holiday Season

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Travel increases during the holiday seasons. During the Christmas season, traveling long-distance by vehicle increases by fifty percent and tens of millions of passengers will travel by air. This extra travel equals an increase in carbon emissions and an increase in waste all and all the holiday season is not a good time for the environment. There are steps you can take to reduce your carbon emissions and energy use this Christmas season.

Road Travel

If you are traveling on the roads this holiday season there are ways you can reduce your carbon-footprint.
  • Empty your car after all driving trips – an extra 100 pounds can increase your gas cost up to $0.08 per gallon
  • 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.

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

The Take-Away

This holiday season take action to reduce our carbon-footprint. Happy Holidays!



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