Emission zero
Become a carbon-neutral flyer in a few easy moves
Unless you swear off flying for good, there’s no way to completely eliminate the carbon emissions of your trip. But there are several easy things you can do to greatly reduce your carbon footprint, or become a carbon-neutral flyer.
Savvy tip 1
Tick the box: It’s as easy as ticking the “fly carbon neutral” box when booking your flight. For as little as $2 on a Melbourne-to-Sydney flight, airlines will invest your contribution in conservation projects that offset the carbon emissions you produce by flying. In Australia,
Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia offer certified carbon-offset programs and Qantas will even match your donation dollar-for-dollar, plus give you 10 Qantas points for every dollar you contribute. International carriers that offer good carbon-neutral programs include Air New Zealand, Emirates, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, British Airways, Air Canada and Gulf Air.
Savvy tip 2
Choose rail: Choosing to travel by highspeed rail instead of flying will reduce the carbon emissions of your trip significantly. Matt Moffitt of Point Hacks says travelling by high-speed rail between Madrid and Barcelona, for example, puts out 85 per cent less carbon emissions than flying.
Savvy tip 3
Donate: Give to charities that mitigate the effects of carbon emissions, especially if you’re a frequent flyer. Groups like Carbon Positive Australia and Greening Australia will put your money to work in conservation and reforestation work.
Savvy tip 4
Fly economy: You can halve your carbon footprint by choosing economy, according to the International Civil Aviation Authority. The added weight of a spacious business or firstclass cabin makes the plane less fuel efficient.
Savvy tip 5
It’s about the destination: Choosing to fly non-stop or booking a destination closer to home will greatly reduce your carbon footprint. Moffitt says flying economy from Sydney to Fiji instead of the Maldives, for example, reduces the per-passenger carbon emissions by up to 66 per cent.