How Can I Offset My Emissions From Flying?

There are no two ways about it flying causes a significant amount of pollution! If you are a regular flier it’s likely that your flying is your most significant form of pollution. If you aren’t willing or able to reduce the number of flights you take but want to reduce your impact on the environment you can offset your emissions from flying.

Whilst critics say offsetting emissions from flying just allows polluters to feel better about themselves rather than tackling the actual pollution issue itself. We think that offsetting emissions from flying is a good first step into a ‘greener’ earth! (and it’s certainly better than doing nothing!)

What is carbon offsetting?

Carbon offsetting is where you voluntarily calculate the carbon emissions you are responsible for and then fund a project that reduces emissions by the same amount. This could be anything from funding trees to be planted to funding renewable energy technology such as wind turbines. A quick google search will lead you down a rabbit hole of calculators and projects so we’ve included some reputable ones below.

https://www.climatecare.org/calculator/
https://marketplace.goldstandard.org/collections/projects
https://co2.myclimate.org/en/flight_calculators/new
https://www.atmosfair.de/en/offset/flight/

You simply work out your emissions (most of these have a calculator, just put in to/from & travel class) and then decide on the type of project you wish to donate to offset your emissions. It really is a simple as that!

But even if you are offsetting your flights it’s still a good idea to minimise your emissions as much as you can… for example, does that trip need to be a trip? Or can it be done via a video call?

What other ways can I lower my emissions from flying?

There are several ways you can lower your emissions from flying, these include…

1. Use a travel search engine such as Kayak or Skyscanner which allows you to filter your flights for ones that have lower emissions.
   
2. Fly economy. Flying Business or First Class can be responsible for up to 4 times the emissions of someone flying in Economy.
   
3. Fly on newer more efficient aircraft such as the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and Airbus A350-900 and A320neo. When booking your flights you can usually see what aircraft you will be on (although this is subject to change.)
   
4. Fly direct. Where possible choose a direct flight over flights that have stop overs. Multiple take-offs and potentially longer time in the air is going to increase emissions.
   
5. Take the train for shorter journeys. There are excellent train connections in the UK and across to France which emit up to 90% less emissions than flying. Whilst the journey time maybe longer on the train, factor in your travel and waiting time at the airport and it might not be so different!

Conclusion

Do you offset your emissions from flying?