Here is a guide to carbon offsetting your flights. You will discover what carbon offset means, how it works, how to choose the best ways to offset your flights and other tips for reducing impact whilst flying.
How to reach a destination without harming our planet? That is a question I have asked myself a lot, considering how much I travel by plane.
Whilst doing research, I discovered (without surprise) that air pollution is a significant issue caused by tourism. Air pollution has not stopped increasing with the number of tourists each year, seriously affecting local air quality and contributing to climate change.
And as I was continuing my research on how to reduce impact, I came across carbon offsetting – the idea of calculating the CO₂ produced whilst travelling to fund a project that reduces emissions by the same amount.
Although this sounds great on paper, carbon offsetting is not a complete solution – it is like putting a bandage on an open wound = it is only covering up a problem that will not get fixed by itself. However, carbon offsetting with a verified organisation combined with other sustainable practices will help you have a better impact on our planet whilst travelling.
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What does carbon offset mean?
Carbon offsetting means reducing or removing CO₂ emissions through projects to compensate for the emissions produced elsewhere.
The concept is that you can contribute financially to schemes that help reduce CO₂ emissions elsewhere in the world by the same amount you produced from your flight – thus making your trip “carbon neutral”.
What are carbon offset schemes?
Carbon offset schemes allow you to invest in environmental or social projects to balance the carbon impact of your flight. Popular programs include tree planting, wind farms and the distribution of fuel-efficient stoves in developing countries.
These projects help fight global climate change and care for local communities. For example, they can provide employment, health improvement, biodiversity, reforestation and broad social benefits to disadvantaged communities.
How to calculate carbon offset for flights?
Carbon offsets are usually calculated based on the CO₂ emissions caused per passenger on a given flight. To estimate the amount, you can use calculators that will help you determine how much CO₂ you produced on your journey.
The calculation will look at the average fuel consumption data for typical short-haul and long-haul aircraft. It will also determine whether you are flying economy, business or first class. However, each carbon offset program calculates the amount differently, and some are more comprehensive than others.
For example, some of these carbon calculators will ask you to enter an amount of CO₂ in kg. Then, they will calculate a suggested donation to offset the impact of your trip.
What are the best ways to offset your flights?
1- Directly with your airline
The easiest option for offsetting your carbon footprint is to opt-in directly with the airline when your book your flight. You will usually pay additional fees for carbon offset. However, only a few airlines offer these programs. Also, be aware of where your money is going. For example, according to Professor Simon Lewis of University College London, initiatives would offset less than 0.01% of the emissions of Ryanair.
If your airline has a carbon offset program, check their website before buying your flight to see whether it is better to spend your money elsewhere.
2- With a non-profit organisation
Instead of using the schemes of your airline, you can offset your carbon emissions through non-profit organisations, such as Atmosfair or Gold Standard.
Atmosfair offers a comprehensive tool to calculate your footprint and support different types of projects. It also allows you to donate if you prefer to use another calculator.
On the other hand, Gold Standard only allows you to donate to specific projects but does not provide a calculator. In that case, you might want to use another platform, such as ICAO’s calculator.
And to make sure you donate to a good project, look for a recognised certification on their website. VCS (Verified Carbon Standard) and Gold Standard are two you can trust.
A verified project will:
- Have no negative impact on local communities.
- Be monitored to achieve carbon reduction.
- Do more than replace one fossil fuel with another.
Is carbon offset a sustainable solution?
Carbon offset may seem like a promising solution to fight climate change and create a better future for our planet, but many of us are doubting and not trusting these programs.
As I mentioned previously, we need to actively lower our carbon footprint rather than sticking a bandage and undoing the damage afterwards. In other words, prevention is better than cure.
Carbon offset flights can not be the only solution and should not be used as a way to feel better about ourselves and explore the world without caring just because we are offsetting when we are home. We need to do more than this to take accountability for our actions and the pollution we create by flying.
That is why considering other ways to reduce our carbon footprint is necessary!
And I know it may sound impossible, but the first step to reducing impact is to travel less and use fewer flights.
But, if you still want to enjoy our beautiful planet, here are
Other ways to reduce impact whilst flying
1- Use Skyscanner to book your flight. Its search tool will highlight the greenest flight for your journey alongside the percentage of CO₂ saved. Also, it has an option that only shows flights with lower CO₂ emissions.
2- Fly economy. Business and first-class are responsible for up to four times more CO₂ per passenger.
3- Book direct flights. If possible, choose a non-stop journey as taking off and landing use more fuel than cruising.
4- Pack light. Yes, a heavier plane will also consume more fuel.
5- Bring a reusable cup. That might sound strange, but try to bring your own containers when you travel, such as reusable cups, utensils and water bottles. It will help reduce single-use plastic and waste.
6- Prioritise the train. Consider another method of transport when booking your flight. And if you can, take the train for shorter journeys.
Want to know more?
- The Complete Guide to Sustainable Travel
- 10 Best Travel Apps for Exploring Sustainably
- Top Ecotourism Activities Around the World
- 8 Best Filtered Water Bottles for Travel & Hiking
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Prepare for your dream vacation and live unforgettable eco-adventures.
What do you think of carbon-offsetting flights? Do you have any other suggestions?
Let me know in the comments below!
With love ♡
Lucie
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