Booking a trip to the Alaska of blue water… or a one week adventure package to Costa Rica where you can see volcanoes while sipping on tea in the tree-houses…
Imagine.. 
To get to any of these places there is almost always one common factor. The FLIGHT.
The same mode of transportation, that took you to this life changing; super fun places. Is one of the biggest factors of damaging those same destinations!
There is a way you can attempt to make any and every trip a bit greener – no matter where you live or what your destination might be. This can be done by carbon offsetting your travel.
What is carbon offsetting?
Carbon offsetting is a process which alleviates the impact of greenhouse gas emissions that result from the use of fossil fuels by reducing emissions from another source. This is a step towards reducing our carbon footprint. In this particular case we are looking at the impact of the flights we take- carbon offsetting your flights has been an option available to all travelers since approximately 2009.
When can you offset your flight?
While you are booking a flight look for box that says offset your flight. This is usually in fine print size font. This can be done during the time of purchase or even after you have purchased the ticket. Airlines make it flexible to pay this with either money or miles. It might be easier for you to donate a few miles you have collected instead of shelling out dollars from your pocket. This is a great feature.
Several firms whose employees fly frequently for business have this done internally while the ticket is being purchased or after. Especially consultants, travel guides should definitely inquire either from their HR or their manager whether this is included in the company policy. If not – it should be!
Where does you money go?
This is my main concern- I am sure most of you might have the same.
A certain part of it goes directly to the cause – reforestation, or prevention of deforestation, in support in renewable energy, protection of watersheds etc. Most of the airlines specifically tell you what projects they are involved in. Some of the airlines even let you pick which effort you want to support.
A certain percentage of this goes towards administration costs and overheads- but that is a fact and I think it’s good that it is spelt out in the airline policies – which make this a more transparent contribution.
How can you calculate the miles to CO2 emissions for your travel?
There is a calculator feature on the airlines which is usually called the carbon calculator. When you input your route in this calculator – it give you the miles, total metric tons of Co2 and the cost for you to offset this.
If you believe offsetting your flight is adding too much to the cost and you wish to spend only $10 that is an option too – partial offset. Something is better than nothing. Nothing is better than feeling the joy of having helped the destination you just visited remain just the same or greener! ☺
A few participating airlines and resources and links
killwaste 
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