Travel impacts on the places and communities we visit and we have a responsibility to minimise this and 'give back'. You'll be happy to know that travelling by coach emits less carbon and other harmful greenhouse gases per passenger than other forms of transport.
In fact it's the most carbon-efficient way to travel above aeroplanes, cars and even trains.
Carbon Emissions Grid
Car 0.2069 kgs CO 2 / passenger km
Air 0.0826 kgs CO 2 / passenger km
Rail 0.0534 kgs CO 2 / passenger km
Coach 0.0300 kgs CO 2 / passenger km
Source DEFRA (UK Dept. for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) www.defra.gov.uk/environment/business/reporting/conversion-factors.htm
Climate Change & Carbon Offsetting
In the fight against climate change reducing carbon emissions has to be the top priority. This said, carbon offsetting is another small thing you can do to make a difference.
It's carbon emissions in the atmosphere that are causing climate change and reducing these emissions comes down to doing simple things like turning off appliances, driving less, and buying local produce. For those emissions that can't be reduced, carbon offsetting allows you to contribute to projects that are working to reduce carbon emissions in other ways.
We have partnered with the following organisations that allow you the option to calculate the carbon footprint of your travel and contribute towards projects that will reduce the C02 emissions.
These voluntary schemes invite you to pay a contribution based on the amount of carbon likely to be generated from your travel. You can choose to offset your air travel, coach travel or the energy consumed on overnight stays.
Where you live Carbon Offset Partner:
Australia www.climatefriendly.com/leadingtravel
Canada www.leadingtravel.planetair.inboxfactory.net
Europe www.cleanerclimate.com/leadingtraveleuro
New Zealand www.climatefriendly.com/leadingtravel
South Africa www.cleanerclimate.com/leadingtravelsa
USA www.sustainabletravelinternational.org/offset/index.php?c=45
UK www.cleanerclimate.com/leadingtraveluk
How do I impact on climate change?
Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) are emitted when fossil-fuels are consumed. Each time we drive a car, fly in a plane, use electricity, or generate waste these fossil fuels are burnt and CO2 is added into the atmosphere - warming the earth and causing climate change.
What can I do to help avoid Climate Change?
We can all take simple steps to reduce the amount of CO2 we produce. For those emissions we can't reduce, we can neutralise. 'Neutralising' means paying someone to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere on your behalf.
By neutralising your carbon emissions you are supporting projects which lower the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. Some of the most effective ways to do this is by supporting energy efficiency projects and the development of renewable energy sources, such as those offered by our partner organisations.
How do I know the carbon projects are effective?
Each of the carbon projects we support are independently audited and meet high quality standards such as the Gold Standard or the Kyoto Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). The Gold Standard is an independently audited, globally applicable best practice methodology for project development that delivers high.
Eco Tips
- Take a string bag - perfect for carrying food from the market
- BYO water bottle and drink the tap water
- Recycle! Most hostels and budget hotels have recycling facilities so make sure you use them
- Buy a wind-Up phone/laptop charger. You'll never have to worry about plug points again!
- For short-haul travel, check out ferries, train and coach options before you book a flight
The Travel Corporation Conservation Foundation is a not-for-profit organization which supports work that fosters sustainable tourism and protects culturally and ecologically sensitive areas around the world. The Conservation Foundation is a joint initiative by leading companies from the Travel Corporation family of brands, including AAT Kings, African Travel, Brendan Vacations, Busabout, Contiki Holidays, Destination America, Evan Evans Tours, Grand European Tours, Haggis Adventures, Insight Vacations, Lion World Tours, Milestones, Shamrocker Adventures, Thompsons Holidays, Thompsons Africa, Trafalgar Tours and Uniworld. While we act collectively in the spirit of cooperation, individual brands will often champion a cause on behalf of all Foundation members, acting as a Lead Sponsor for a project.
Already, The Travel Corporation Conservation Foundation has helped Conservation International to protect three million hectares of Atlantic Forest in Brazil, an area of unmatched importance to protect the planets biological diversity, supported WWF to help establish the first sustainable tourism project wholly managed by the area's indigenous communities and funded research and restoration in Venice to help protect the city from degradation.
The Foundation pursues sustainability causes that are both culturally and environmentally significant, and our support goes beyond financial contribution with the commitment of our teams to action on the ground through our staff volunteering programs.
The Foundation is also a primary sponsor for the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards which encourages tourism operators to develop and share leading sustainable tourism practices.
www.thetravelcorporation.com/foundation