Concerned about your Carbon Footprint?

When you book your annual holiday, the environment could be the last thing on your mind. Conversely. according to a YouGov poll of over 1000 people, 54% claimed that they have become more concerned about the environmental impact of flying over the past five years.

The effect of CO2 emissions on the environment is a growing concern. Organisations like The Carbon Trust www.carbontrust.co.uk warn us of a temperature rise of between 1.4 and 5.8 oC by 2100 if current greenhouse gas emissions are not curbed. Even a seemingly small increase in temperature will have huge effect on the climate - causing possible extreme weather worldwide. Predicted consequences of temperature changes include drought, storms and heavy rainfall resulting in flooding.

Air travel is pinpointed as a part of the problem.

The current battle between Airbus and Boeing to create a more fuel-efficient plane highlights the need to reduce CO2 emissions. Airbus' new A380 superjumbo will seat 555 passengers and aims to reduce fuel consumption by packing large numbers of passengers onto long-haul flights to main airports.

The idea is that travellers then transfer to smaller short-haul flights to transport them to their destinations. Boeing is developing a smaller plane, the 737 Dreamliner, and plans to fly directly to smaller cities around the globe. The aim of this is to cut take-offs / landings and reduce congestion at larger airports. The plane will seat up to 290 passengers and Boeing claim that the 787 will use 20% less fuel that any other plane of it's size.

However, these new planes are still in development, and with Airbus announcing a further years delay before the first plane is ready to go, should we be asking if enough is being done to cut CO2 emissions from flying?

Holiday Extras Carbon Footprint Reducing Tips

The UK and other members of the EU have committed to reducing carbon emissions by 60% by 2050. But what can you do to help solve the problem? Holiday Extras has some tips on enjoying your holiday the greener way. They're not hard to do and the benefits are really worthwhile.

Before you leave
It's true that flying produces high levels of carbon emissions, but there is something you can do to balance this out. You can neutralise the carbon emissions produced from your flight by donating towards conservation projects and the development of green energy. Visit www.carbonneutral.com and use their carbon calculator to find out what carbon emissions your flight produces and how much you need to donate to offset your 'carbon footprint'. These organisations work on conservation projects and the development of green energy, so you can donate directly through their websites.

• Ask yourself whether you need to take toiletries abroad in their packaging. If you get rid of the packaging before you leave, not only will you save space in your suitcase, but you will also have chance to recycle it here in the UK. There may not be the opportunity to recycle at your destination, so it helps to do as much as you can before you leave.


• Avoid driving all the way to the airport when you can park off-site and transfer to the airport terminal with everyone else. Holiday Extras' Airparks give you the perfect opportunity to do this. Park at one of our secured airport parking sites and catch the shuttle bus to the airport. Airports served by an Airparks car park are:
• Birmingham Airport - Luton Airport - East Midlands Airport and Cardiff Airport - These Links take you to the Airparks pages for these airports.

When you're there
Buy food or souvenirs from local markets and businesses. Not only will you be purchasing unique items and regional cuisine, but you will be helping to support the local economy.
It may seem obvious, but turning off lights, heating and air conditioning when you leave your hotel room will make a difference to how much energy your hotel is using up.
Help conserve water by only putting your hotel towels out to be washed when they need it, rather than having them washed every day.

So there you have it, you can go on holiday and help preserve the environment at the same time!

Don't forget that if you are planning a break in the UK, Holiday Extras can offer you some great deals. If you're searching for something for the whole family, then take a look at our offers on family days with hotel stays. Feed the kids imagination with a trip to Chester Zoo or Windsor Castle, or with Halloween coming up you could even brave a day out at the London Dungeon!

Whatever you choose to do, a break in the UK is the perfect way to experience some of the country's best attractions, and is a great alternative to flying.

By: Abby Oleksik for Holiday Extras

Sources:
www.ivillage.co.uk
news.bbc.co.uk