Can air travel be sustainable?

Now, I know air travel isn’t sustainable (the aviation industry is responsible for ~2% of total global emissions and 12% of the CO2 emitted from transport) but it’s all about balance so we shouldn’t avoid air travel if we have an insatiable case of wanderlust (or friends and family abroad!). Plus travel broadens our perspectives, opens our minds, gives us a better sense of the world, and allows us to interact with people from cultures we never would have otherwise been able to meet. With that said, I’ve found a few ways to be more eco when traveling.

1. Fly less. Even though flying can sometimes be cheaper and quicker than driving or riding the train, opting for the slow route has its benefits.
2. Choose direct flights. Nonstop flights save emissions (and time and hassle). A plane’s takeoff and landing contribute an estimated 25% of a flight’s total emissions.
3. Pick coach instead of first class. An eco-friendly and budget-friendly option. According to a World Bank study, a person flying business class contributes up to 4x the carbon emissions as someone in coach. The extra emissions come from a combination of factors. First-class seats take up more space and add more weight, business class flyers receive numerous on-board amenities, and they require more staff than a person sitting in economy.
4. Select green airports. While you may not always have a choice on which airport you fly into, it’s worth taking a look through eco-conscious airports.
5. Pack lightly and efficiently. The more weight on a plane, the more fuel consumption that is required, and the more carbon emitted. Pack like a minimalist to reduce your footprint.
6. Offset your carbon. Opting for these options reduces emissions from a flight, but there’s still a huge amount of CO2 emitted. Carbon offsetting programs allow you to donate money to environmental charities and programs that are working to absorb carbon from our atmosphere through tree planting and other projects.
7. Getting to/from the airport. Check if there’s a way to get to the airport by public transit before reserving or driving a car.
8. Reusables. Bring your basic travel kit. An empty reusable water bottle, utensils, snacks in reusable containers.
9. Charge your devices beforehand. Charging on the plane requires extra energy.
10. Use an e-ticket on your phone instead of printing it out. Same goes for itineraries.
11. Say no to that plastic wrapped blanket. Bring a scarf or something that can double as a blanket.
12. Go through your perishable food. If you’re leaving for a week or more, scan through your fridge and pantry for perishable items and see how you can preserve them.
13. Put your home “to sleep” before leaving. Unplug anything in an outlet.
14. Volunteer. I like to give back to the land and the people when I travel. I’ve learned so much from my volunteer gigs.

Any other tips?