ecotip Favor Sustainable Flight The Globalist reports that the world’s aircraft contribute to global warming by producing 600 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) a year, while U.S. airports alone generate more than 425,000 tons of garbage, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council’s report, Trash Landings. So what are airlines doing to mitigate their environmental impact and how can travelers become wiser in choosing a carrier? Without an authoritative source ranking airlines to identify the greenest, it’s up to passengers to search for information on the company websites. Terms to research include: sustainability; environmental policy; corporate and social responsibility; recycling; and carbon emissions or carbon offsets. The “About Us” sections might also have clues. An absence of relevant information also indicates company priorities. Look for the following information: n A firm target for increasing fuel efficiency n Fewer flight delays (avoids burning excess fuel). The U.S. Department of Transportation tracks delay information by airline (tinyurl.com/3hnll8d) n A link to carbon offset plans and/or the option to buy an offset in a ticket purchase n A newer, more fuel-efficient fleet n Airplanes designed with winglets—wing tip extensions that reduce drag and provide extra lift, cutting fuel use n A system to recapture toxic glycol after it’s sprayed on airplanes in de-icing operations n A recycling program for trash, both onboard and in terminals Tips to minimize the eco-impact of personal air travel:
portation, such as your hotel’s shuttle or a green rental car service. n If you have a choice of airports, choose one that conducts a recycling program; the National Resources Defense Council has praised those initiated by international airports in Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale, Seattle-Tacoma and Portland, Oregon. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change notes that greenhouse gas pollution from flying aircraft may be up to four times more damaging to the environment than the same levels of pollution emitted at ground level.
GreenTravelerGuides.com offers practical tips for making the most of eco-friendly flying and homing in on guaranteedgreen destinations.
n Write to favorite airlines about your desire to see them become more eco-friendly. Encourage them to establish waste recycling policies, fuel-efficient practices and Source: GreenYour.com carbon offset programs. n Travel light; the less and lighter the baggage cargo, the less fuel is needed to fly. (Creative carriers add their own innovations: Alaska Airlines FREE Programs with Paramahansa Atmanandaji found that it could save $10,000 June 11, 11:00AM - 12:30PM annually in fuel costs by removing Changing your destiny through Kriya breathing & meditation just five magazines per aircraft.) Bloomfield Library, 1099 Lone Pine Rd., Bloomfield Hills n Book a direct flight. Takeoffs and June 18, 10:00 - 11:30AM landings are a major source of CO2. The basis of Vedic culture in relation to Kriya Yoga Pack your own lunch or snacks, in Bharatiya Temple, 6850 N. Adams Rd., Troy reusable containers, to limit fastRetreat: July 22-24 Lake Huron Retreat Center, Port Huron (Reg. required) food waste. For those who have learned the techniques from Babaji or would like to learn them at the Retreat. n After arriving at your destination, 772-40-KRIYA www.kriyayog.org detroit.kriyayog@gmail.com "Life is to be lived positively, happily, healthily, harmoniously & lovingly" Babaji choose eco-friendly ground trans-
Kriya Yoga
natural awakenings
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