Tuesday
Jun242008
Family Vacation
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at 1:13PM | Share Article What is the single most important environmental decision you will make this year? It could very well be your vacation. If you plan on flying then you should realize that high-altitude emissions are extremely damaging to the environment. Experts estimate that the aircraft impact on global warming may be up to four times that of their CO2 emissions alone.
Consider the following: A family of four flies round trip from LA to London. In terms of environmental damage this is equivalent to 32 Hummers completing the Indianapolis 500. Taking your family to Disneyland instead of London would save 8 tons of CO2 from being emitted. Trading in your SUV for a Prius would only save 3 tons of CO2 per year based on 12,000 miles per year driving.
CO2 emissions due to growth in air-traffic alone will eventually offset all efforts made in the reduction of CO2 emissions under Kyoto.
Consider the following: A family of four flies round trip from LA to London. In terms of environmental damage this is equivalent to 32 Hummers completing the Indianapolis 500. Taking your family to Disneyland instead of London would save 8 tons of CO2 from being emitted. Trading in your SUV for a Prius would only save 3 tons of CO2 per year based on 12,000 miles per year driving.
CO2 emissions due to growth in air-traffic alone will eventually offset all efforts made in the reduction of CO2 emissions under Kyoto.
Reader Comments (1)
These are tough choices for families to make, especially if they have to fly to see family. There are ways to go green and not go crazy, I use the 80/20 rule. For more ideas see http://ecoluxuryliving.blogspot.com/2008_06_01_archive.html. Thanks for raising this important issue.