But ELP is here to make it a little easier! Going green is on everyone’s radar these days, but it’s more than just a PR move.

More and more it’s becoming a necessary answer to the dire effects of climate change, and we’re here to help strategize doable things you might not have thought of.

Sure there are the biggies like investing in efficient and/or electric planes, but that takes a lot of doing financially and it’s not the most immediate solution.

We also know logistically these might not be feasible (donating leftover food is def out of the question for international travel, thanks to customs) but here’s a little food for thought the next time you see a commercial that shows you some sad polar bears wandering around the dwindling Arctic:

Look at them. Look at those faces. Do it for them.

1. Reduce single-use items: Sustainable versions of one-use items might be a bit pricier but we’d argue they’d pay for themselves in terms of good press.
2. Implement recycling programs: If you’re not already, you can implement recycling programs to divert waste from landfills. This includes separating recyclable materials from other waste and properly disposing of them at the end of the flight- we even know some airlines who use the proceeds from recycled cans for a sick FA fund, or as donations to charities.
3. Use lightweight materials: Just like more sustainable utensils, engineering just might save us all. Using lightweight meal carts, seats, and other equipment will go a long way in ensuring less fuel is needed for flights.
4. Donate unused food: Again, this one might be tricky in terms of food safety, but where there’s a will there’s a way. Donating unused food to local food banks or other charitable organizations not only reduces food waste and helps those in need, but keeps food out of landfills where it can’t properly biodegrade and contributes to methane emissions.
5. Implement sustainable practices: Airlines can implement sustainable practices throughout their operations, such as reducing energy consumption and using renewable energy sources. Making sure you’re on the forefront of any and all travel innovations is key to getting a handle on climate change.
6. Collaborate with suppliers: Airlines can work with suppliers to reduce the amount of packaging and waste associated with products used on flights. This includes working with food and beverage suppliers to reduce the amount of packaging used for meals and snacks.
7. (Our personal fav/bread and butter) Invest in your tech: More innovative and efficient technology streamlines laborious processes, which in turn requires less energy to operate. The optimal running of an airline also means fewer redundant people on the clock, and we’d even argue less redundant flights, saving you money and the planet.