Flying vs Driving: Which Has the Highest Footprint?

For many of us, our travel habits offer the biggest opportunity to lower our carbon footprint carbon footprint, especially when we're taking trips. In general, the emissions of ground travel are lower and ground travel can offer you the most control over lowering your emissions.

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But if you're visiting family cross country or going to a wedding overseas, ground travel may not be an option. Whether you choose flying or driving, we have sustainable tips for both. When decided the sustainability of flying vs driving, here's what to consider.

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Understanding the emissions of flying vs driving

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When comparing flying to driving, the emissions depend on the distance of your travel and the number of people you're sharing the plane or car with. Therefore, it is best to compare estimates on a per-mile or per-person basis.

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For example, a round-trip flight in economy from New York to Dallas produces an estimated 0.41 tons of CO₂e per passenger.

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Comparatively, driving the same route will result in the release of 1.6 tons of carbon emissions (for a mid-segment gasoline-powered car). In this case, it makes more sense to fly than to drive.

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However, the equation changes when more people share the drive. If five people share the ride, the emissions reduce to 0.32 tons per passenger, making driving more environmentally friendly.

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Whether you decide to fly or drive, there are steps you can take to make each option more sustainable.

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How can you reduce your flight emissions?

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In addition to greenhouse gas emissions, aircrafts release nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, hydrocarbon, and soot particulates, which contribute to the overall greenhouse effect. Therefore, it's important to take steps to reduce your impact when flying.

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Flying in economy, choosing a newer aircraft, and flying direct can all help reduce your carbon footprint.

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Additionally, budget airlines boost efficiency by fitting more people onto each plane, and pay-as-you-go add-ons like food, drinks, and bags minimize weight and waste onboard.

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We have broken down these steps in our blog post How to Fly Sustainably, and you can take action on them with the Commons app.

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How can I reduce emissions while driving?

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Driving is often more environmentally friendly than flying, especially when you are sharing the ride with others and/or driving a fuel-efficient car.

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The most efficient approach for a relatively short trip of 300 to 500 miles would be a low-emission vehicle (hybrid or electric) with multiple passengers.

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To further reduce your carbon footprint, cruise at a steady pace, and avoid idling in rush hour traffic. If you want to lower your emissions even more, take the train or bus.

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There are more great options here: 4 Ways to Plan a Sustainable Road Trip

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Offsetting with Commons

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If you have done everything within your control to lower your travel emissions, consider buying carbon offsets.

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Choosing a reputable offset program is crucial to ensure that your contribution makes a difference. Unfortunately, recent research has shown that the carbon offset credits used by major airlines are based on a flawed system.

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We understand that it can be daunting to figure this out on your own and that’s why we have create The Commons Offset Portfolio.

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As carbon offset skeptics, we evaluate every offset provider by calling up developers, poring over reports, and cross-checking verifiers, so that your investment goes towards a worthwhile cause.

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Download Commons to track your carbon footprint, reduce your emissions with climate challenges and carbon offsets, and join a community of people taking collective climate action.