Flying
There is little you can do to reduce the carbon impact of flights you go on, so to save energy it's important to instead make informed decisions on when and how you choose to fly.
How flying affects the environment
The issue for individuals is simple. Aircraft fly long distances. So while, say, London to Edinburgh on a fully loaded airliner might create the same per-person emissions as one individual driving, longer flights create much more pollution. A return flight to Thailand equates, per person, to a non-flyer's carbon footprint for the whole year. Also, the effect of aircraft on climate change is higher, nearly double the impact of their carbon dioxide emissions alone, because their pollution is emitted at a high altitude.
Currently, flying accounts for six per cent of the UK's total carbon dioxide emissions, a figure that could rise to over 30 per cent if growth trends continue and we make savings elsewhere. Most air travel from the UK is for leisure, and four per cent of the population make 30 per cent of the flights. So changing flying habits can make a difference.
Compare carbon dioxide emissions for different modes of transport at the Transport Direct website.
Reducing the impact of flying
What can you do to cut emissions from flying? Obviously, not flying at all will have the biggest impact. But sometimes, you have to fly - whether for work or because it's just the most practical and cheapest way to get to your destination.
Three ways to reduce your flying footprint
Choose a holiday that's nearer - long-haul flights create much more emissions. Flying closer to home has a lower impact.
Avoid stopovers - take-off and landing are the most polluting parts of a flight, so it's better to fly direct if you can.
Consider offsetting - many travel companies provide carbon offsetting schemes, where a supplement that you pay is invested in a low-carbon initiative. Always read the small print carefully before using such a scheme. Which? analyses and compares offsetting schemes on its website.
Holidays with a lighter carbon footprint
If you want to cut down on flying or not fly at all for your holiday, there are plenty of options available.
Less flying
European locations - shorter-haul flights have less impact on the environment, so relatively close holiday spots such as the Mediterranean are a lower-carbon alternative.
The WWF's Travel Helper compares emissions and travel times for flying and links to offsetting options.
No flying
Go anywhere in the world by train - The Man in Seat 61 website has the details.
Stay here - find inspiration at the Visit Britain site .
Eco-friendly holidays
Responsibletravel has a wide range of options.
Greentraveller offers 'less carbon, more fun'.
See below for more ideas from the Energy Saving Trust...
