GUILT-FREE HOLIDAYS

We love getting away. But how can we enjoy exploring our planet without harming it?

- MICHELLE HATHER

Now that the world is opening up again, many of us can’t wait to take that well-deserved break. But, hang on, a silver lining of Covid was the drop in carbon-producing flights. Should we really all be heading for the airport again? Find out how to enjoy holiday fun and leave a lighter footprint.

Carbon offsetting

Flights are undoubtedly bad news for the planet, with approximately 2% of all man-made carbon dioxide emissions coming from planes, according to the International Air Transport Association. Flying less is really the target, but most of us still hanker after low-cost foreign travel. Offsetting is one answer. Initiatives such as Climate Care (climatecare.org) calculate the cost of your travel emissions and help you to compensate by donating to environmental projects abroad. For example, two return economy seats from Manchester to Malaga would produce 1.16 tonnes of CO2. Via Climate Care, £12.50 for every tonne you produce goes to a project in Ghana making cookstoves that reduce smoke emissions. Your Spanish flight offset would, therefore, cost £14.50.*