You have many different options when it comes to reducing the environmental impact of your flight. Many of us enjoy (long-distance) travel and flying. However, we do have to change the way we fly if we want to carry on enjoying those things. The aviation industry is working on that. But you can help too – on your way to the airport, at the airport and in the air. Here are 9 ways you can contribute to a more sustainable aviation sector and Schiphol.
Aviation accounts for 2% of global CO₂ emissions. By planting trees and investing in more sustainable energy projects, you can offset your journey’s carbon footprint. Do you want to know how much CO₂ your flight produces? And are you interested in offsetting those emissions? You can do that when booking your flight, or through your travel agency or organisations that specialise in carbon offsetting.
Did you know that some airlines allow you to buy Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) when booking your ticket? In the short term, SAF is the best option to reduce emissions from flying. SAF is not yet a 100% sustainable fuel, but a more sustainable alternative to fossil fuel.
This fuel emits 70 to 90% less CO2 compared to fossil kerosene. SAF is quite expensive and therefore very limited. By buying SAF, you help drive supply and demand. The SAF you buy is mixed into the fuel system with regular kerosene.
Choose direct flights or journeys that are as direct as possible. Transfers often mean making detours, which leads to more CO₂ in the air. And did you know that one less take-off and landing can save a significant amount of carbon emissions?
The more baggage you travel with, the heavier the aircraft. Only take what you really need for your trip. Fewer bags and suitcases means a lighter plane. As a result, less kerosene will be required to take you to your destination. And that means fewer carbon emissions.
It’s nice to get a lift to the airport and back home, but it does mean travelling by car unnecessarily. After all, Schiphol is easy to get to using public transport. Trains are powered by green electricity and there are more and more electric buses operating in the region. Are you travelling light? Then you could even come to Schiphol by bicycle. Do you still want to come by car?
Travel by electric taxi
Or in your own (electric) car and park at Schiphol
Take a train instead of a plane! Did you know that trains can compete with aircraft when it comes to travel time for journeys of 700km or less? And that trains have less of an impact on the environment on these shorter journeys? There are trains to Antwerp, Brussels, Paris, London and various German destinations from Schiphol and many other stations in the country.
There are special bins where you can separate your waste at various locations in the terminal. Here, you can easily dispose of paper, plastic and residual waste in separate containers. The more people do this, the better our waste flows and the more we can recycle. Will you help?
Buying a present for yourself or someone else? Then consider buying more responsible products from one of the many shops at Schiphol selling them. Up to do Good, Rituals and Xpress Spa are some examples.
More responsible options for food and drink are also on the rise. Tony’s Chocolonely, Fair Taste Café, Starbucks, Juicy Details, Harvest Market, Leon and STACH sell more responsible and often local products too.
Did you know that tap water in the Netherlands is some of the best in the world? Use a refillable bottle instead of a single-use one; there are more than enough water fountains at Schiphol where you can fill up your bottle.
