6 Tips for Sustainable Holiday Travel

Traveling during the holidays can be stressful enough without thinking about the extra emissions of our trips. Whether you take ground travel or air travel, there are plenty of opportunities to use less money and emissions when visiting family and friends. 

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1. Choose the most sustainable transportation

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For people who fly, flights are some of our highest-emission purchases all year. Ground transportation is always going to have the lowest emissions per mile. The best-case option is to take a train or car. If that’s not an option, try driving. If you drive a gas vehicle, consider renting an electric car or hybrid to cut down on gas costs and emissions. 

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If you have to fly, we have several tips to lower emissions for your flight: 

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1. Fly economy
2. Fly direct
3. Choose newer aircraft
4. Fly budget airlines
5. Pick eco-friendly airports
6. Reduce day-of impact

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Read more: 

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• How to Fly Sustainably: 6 Tips to Cut Your Carbon “Flight” Print → 
• 4 Ways to Plan a Sustainable Road Trip →

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2. Depart and arrive on low-traffic days

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The TSA is forecasting these as the busiest travel days for flights in the 2023 holiday season: 

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• Wednesday, Nov. 23
• Saturday, Nov. 26
• Sunday, Nov. 27
• Friday, Dec. 23

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To cut down on the emissions of dropoff and pickup traffic at the airport, choose different days for your arrival and departure. If you’re taking a Lyft or Uber, choose Lyft Green or Uber Green to reduce the emissions of your ride by about 50%.

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These are also the busiest days for ground transportation, so try to avoid these days for hitting the road.

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3. Combine trips

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If you’re planning multiple destinations for your holiday travels, combine them if at all possible. Rather than flying back home in between (resulting in two round-trips), skip the cost and emissions of a return-trip home and go straight from your first destination to your second. 

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Of course, this isn’t an option for everyone, but with remote work on the rise, it’s becoming more and more feasible! With emissions contributing so much to our individual footprints, eliminating one flight can make a significant difference.

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4. Pack food for your journey

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Purchasing food on a plane, in an airport, or even on a train comes with added cost and single-use plastic. In fact, airlines generated 6.7 million pounds of cabin waste in 2018. 

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To lighten the load, bring your own food and avoid single-use plastic. If you’re flying, bring a reusable water bottle to fill up at airport fountains. If you’re driving, bring a few gallon jugs to refill your bottle on the road. 

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5. Pack less (Including Gifts)

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In a plane or a car, heavier luggage equals higher your emissions per mile. Lighten the load by packing less clothes and shoes. 

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During the holidays, it can be tempting to pack a suitcase full of gifts for family and friends. Just be mindful of overconsumption. The stress and cost of wrapping and packing a suitcase full of gifts is likely not nearly as valuable as your visit.

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Read more: 10 Ideas for Giftable Experiences →

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6. Visit Nature

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If nature isn’t already part of your annual holiday traditions, consider looking into national parks, gardens, and local walking paths in the area you’re traveling. Even in the winter months, there are great opportunities to get outdoors to enjoy and appreciate new landscapes and nature with family and friends.