The way we travel has a huge impact on our planet. What can we do as travellers and as an industry? Where do we start? We've set out to explore just that - while taking action. We all still need to meet - we just need to do it with our planet in mind. We may not have all the answers, but we're part of the solution.
We call it a greener way.
No matter where you go, it's possible to leave a greener footprint. In fact, every small step of the journey, gives you the option to do something. We have listed 12 possible ways to change your travel habits and go greener.
BEFORE YOU GO
01
/ 04
Weight dramatically affects jet fuel efficiency, and air travel with its fuel consumption has a big influence on the climate. More weight on board an airplane, means that more fuel is needed. So simply, by packing light, you will help reduce the CO2 emissions caused by air travel. On top, even what you put in your suitcase can also help. Many brands produce climate neutral clothing - and you can even get suitcases made from energy efficient and sustainable materials. So, even before take-off you are already greener.
BEFORE YOU GO
02
/ 04
While action is being taken towards greener aviation, travelling by air is still one of the most CO2 emitting means of transportation. Ask yourself: Is there a reasonable alternative to take a flight? If not, your choice can still be a greener one, go for a direct flight (also saves time). If you need to travel, also consider one of the new European cross-country trains with ten times less emission than a long-haul airplane.
BEFORE YOU GO
03
/ 04
For years, travellers across the globe have been used to printing their boarding passes. However, since most transportation providers now have digital options, there's really no need anymore. We might as well save our trees. Moreover, it's actually safer. Every year, many cyber-crimes happen based on information from printed boarding cards.
BEFORE YOU GO
04
/ 04
Unless your home is fully solar-powered, switching off all of your devices before take-off will help reduce your carbon footprint. Every day, loads of fossil fuel goes into producing electricity, making it one of the biggest sources of negative impact. Studies show that turning off the lights whenever you leave a room reduces greenhouse gas emissions by more than one kilo - per day. Every bit helps.
DURING TRAVEL
01
/ 04
Flying as directly as possible means flying as sustainably as possible. Picking the most direct route doesn't only mean flying the shortest possible distance, which logically results in less emission. It also entails just one take-off and one landing. Research shows that the most harmful emission happens during take-off and landing - using up to 25% of an airplane's fuel supply.
DURING TRAVEL
02
/ 04
Currently, flying is not the greenest way to travel. However, many airlines are working hard on improving their operations towards something more eco-friendly. Air France-KLM has announced climate action programmes that concern biofuel and last year, Etihad Airways became the first airline to complete a long-haul flight with no single-use plastics on board. Choose with care.
DURING TRAVEL
03
/ 04
To compensate for the carbon emission caused by air travel, you can purchase carbon offsets. These are essentially a set of credits, used to invest in CO2 reducing projects around the globe. Portals like Atmosfair or Carbonfund makes it easy to offset your travel. Travel Sense offers an overview if you want to compensate your air travel, and we can also include this in your total cost, so Travel Sense handles this for you and your fellow travelers.
DURING TRAVEL
04
/ 04
The world today is online. Maybe a bit ironic, one of the few places we are on flight mode, is when we fly. Computers, servers and smartphones are powered by electricity that often is generated by fossil fuel. A study by BCG suggests that our internet usage emits one billion tonnes of greenhouse gases a year - or the equivalent of 2% of worldwide emissions. This could be as much as all air travel combined. Going online by computer or phone abroad, will normally increase internet usage and cloud storage. So less online time abroad, makes it a greener way.
AT YOUR DESTINATION
01
/ 04
Finding the right, eco-friendly hotel can really help to reduce your footprint. And we are not talking about ''reuse the towel'' initiatives, but more of choosing a hotel that is really doing something and gone to another level of dedication, to truly act green. Just by choosing a hotel that is truly green, you help create pressure on the hotels that are not, which in sense creates a greener world. Look for credible certifications like Travelife, which requires demands for hotels' environmental impact, while also working with communities and to improve human rights. At Travel Sense we are committed to present a greener solution to our customers.
AT YOUR DESTINATION
02
/ 04
Taking climate action is a grand challenge, but every little step counts. Saving water whenever you can will help reduce the pressure on our resources. Reusing sheets and towels helps a lot, as hotels use lots of water and chemicals for laundry. Unplugging your chargers and turning off lights and aircon when you leave your room will also save electricity. There are many ways to contribute.
AT YOUR DESTINATION
03
/ 04
What is the greenest possible way to get to your meeting? Maybe surprisingly, driving on your own is one of the biggest CO2 emitters out there. By using shared ride services, electronic cars or other options like trains and bikes, you make less of a negative impact than by driving on your own. Taking a colleague along with you in the taxi cuts your emission in half. Think about it.
AT YOUR DESTINATION
04
/ 04
Discussions about travel can quickly start revolving around greenhouse gas emissions. But also think about the climate as a whole. Every minute, a garbage truck of plastic is dumped into our oceans. . Avoid single-use plastics, re-use containers - and look for eco-friendly packaging. It is possible.
We believe that a green commitment and mindset, leads to green action. By signing our Sustainable Travel Pledge, you commit to changing your travel habits and going greener ways. One of the strengths of humans are, that we can build just as easy as we can destroy. When we do something together, like make a contract, a promise, a pledge - we really can move towards a greener world.
I will reduce my load by packing lightly.
I will use low-carbon transportation whenever and wherever possible.
If I have to fly, I'll choose the most climate-conscious option available.
I aim to stay at eco-certified and sustainable hotels.
I will be mindful of my electricity consumption and turn off lights and devices when I can.
I will say no to plastic whenever possible - and responsibly dispose of waste.
+ Add line
Sign here: