Rethinking sustainability in air travel

've always loved traveling — the airports, the early-morning flights, even the small rituals that come with moving from one place to another.

- By MILLIE MANAHAN

But when I became more “green-heart-ed,” as I like to call it, I began to travel with a different awareness. I became more conscious of my intentions, my habits, and the invisible footprint that follows us wherever we go.So when I booked my flight to Australia for a sustainability conference, I had to smile at the irony that all environmental journeys — literal and figurative — often begin with the part that emits the most carbon: flying.

Yet that’s the reality of island life. As Filipinos, traveling by air is woven into how we work, stay connected with family, and discover opportunities. It’s also part of how we navigate a climate-challenged world.

Even before boarding the plane, I'd been reflecting on our efforts at home. The Philippines has been quietly pushing for sustainability across several fronts — not perfect, not complete, but moving with intent.

We see LGUs establishing community composting sites; schools and barangays strengthening plastic bans; and livelihood programs transforming tarpaulins, fishing nets, fabric scraps, and even coconut waste into useful goods.