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Reforestation Project Reduces Poverty and Restores Forests
JetBlue Plans to Become Carbon Neutral On All Domestic U.S. Flights
We know that healthy forest systems produce oxygen,
According to a study by Travel Technology Europe, 47
sequester carbon, cool land, provide habitats for animals,
percent of travel technology companies, tour operators,
purify water sources, control flooding and erosion, and
travel agents, hotel owners, and travel management com-
help to replenish the soil with nutrients needed for farm-
This Cement Sucks Up CO2 Instead of Emitting It
ing. Tragically, about half of the world’s forests have been
The same material we use to build the world is also slowly
sustainable travel options. The massive airline company
cut down in the last 100 years, leading to desertification,
destroying it. One kilogram of cement releases more than
JetBlue is embarking on an initiative to offset carbon
erosion, and flooding.
half a kilogram of carbon dioxide. As a result, the cement
emissions for all domestic U.S. flights by July 2020, mak-
industry is responsible for about 5 percent of global CO2
ing it the first airline to make such a pledge.
emissions — more than double the aviation industry. If the
The company will offset between 15 and 17 billion ad-
cement industry were a country, it would be the third-larg-
ditional pounds of emissions per year, which the company
est emitter of CO2 in the world. Plus population growth
said is the annual equivalent of removing more than 1.5
and increased urbanization make the industry’s impact
million passenger vehicles from the road. The offset of the
more substantial over time.
company’s jet fuel will come from investments in forest
Cement and concrete company Solidia Technologies wants to change that. They’re developing a new cePhoto by Casey Horner
Deforestation has increased as communities have high-
panies say consumers are asking for more eco-friendly,
conservation and landfill gas capture projects, plus solar and wind power generation initiatives.
ment-making process that produces up to 70 percent fewer carbon dioxide emissions than conventional cement at the same or better cost.
er needs to cut down trees to get wood for construction
The green technology works by locking in carbon diox-
or clear land for farming or building space. While cutting
ide as the cement cures instead of releasing it into the air.
down trees might solve short-term problems, there are
Solidia isn’t the first company to make environmentally
long-term consequences when trees are cut down and not
friendly cement, but its list of investors — including the
The company will also partner with Finnish renewa-
replaced. As the health of the land decreases, so does the
world’s largest cement maker and one of the biggest ven-
bles company Neste to use sustainable fuel on flights out
health of the people who depend on it for their survival.
ture capital firms — is proof of the market’s confidence in
of San Francisco International Airport. Neste boasts their
When the land suffers, people suffer, too.
the company’s endeavor.
fuel’s carbon footprint is 80 percent less than that of tra-
But Eden Reforestation projects reduce extreme poverty and restore healthy forests by employing local villagers to plant millions of native trees every year. With trees replanted, animal habitats are restored, local rainfall patterns are restored, water purity improves, soil quality increases, and crop yields increase. By 2025 the group aims to be able to plant 500 million trees yearly.
ditional aviation fuel.
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“We looked at the business outcome, the business line for fuel prices, for rising carbon dioxide prices, and we looked at the climate crisis unfolding around the globe,” said JetBlue sustainability lead Sophia Mendelsohn to GreenBiz. “It became clear, as an industry, as a leading brand, we wanted to act."
HOW TO REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT WHEN YOU TRAVEL GO OD
BET TER
BEST
Skip the flight. Consider whether your meeting can take place digitally, or maybe you can drive instead. If you're lucky enough to have trains in your area, they're the most efficient long-distance transportation.
When you must fly, fly responsibly. Fly longer, direct flights because planes burn the most fuel during takeoff. Fly coach because emissions from business class are 3x as much. And buy offsets for $15 via goldstandard.org.
Join hundreds of thousands of others who have committed to staying on the ground for one year. (And maybe longer if you want.) Take the pledge to go flight-free for 365 days at flightfreeusa.org.
