Emissions from air travel are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. While there are instances where we may have to fly, there are a number of steps that can be taken to reduce the number of flights we have to take.
For instance, you don't have to go to a theme park to have a memorable family holiday, or fly off to some exotic locale for a romantic rendezvous with your partner. When was the last time you visited your local museum or planetarium? Or played a board game?
Also, contact with the outdoors reduces stress, promotes physical and emotional well-being, and reminds us all that the home world is worth protecting. Making your next vacation a green one doesn't mean composting your banana peel while you're on the road. If you still have a few vacation days leftover, here are some options for an environmentally friendly holiday.
- Try being a tourist in your own city, taking the train or staying in a green hotel.
- Book a farm stay where you're able to enjoy the food grown right out your front window, maybe help with the grape harvest or collect your own fresh eggs for breakfast.
- Reduce the impact of fair travel by flying at certain times and purchasing carbon offsets.
What is the David Suzuki Foundation doing?
In Fall 2006 the David Suzuki Foundation purchased videoconferencing equipment for its Vancouver office. We already rely on phone conferences for many of our meetings, and look for ways to minimize travel to conferences, training sessions and other functions. We currently purchase high quality carbon offsets for all of our air travel. We are also taking an office-wide look at our air travel requirements, seeking further reduction opportunities.