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If British Airways can do it so can I…

Published 24th September 2009 - 6 comments - 1422 views -

I never thought I would look to British Airways for climate change inspiration. Well in actual fact, I wouldn't say they are my raison d'etre right now either, but it was interesting to see that as I embark on a quest to cut my own carbon footprint so too are the airlines. The aviation industry is urging the UN to include a proposal to cut airline emissions by 50% for 2050. It comes on the back of pressure for the industry to introduce reforms, something that was not included as part of the Kyoto protocol. BA's Chief Exec Willie Walsh stated, that their proposal represented  "a chance to rectify that omission" (see article).

It is pretty clear that this is a preemptive move to prevent higher taxes being levied on the industry. If the end result is a reduction in overall emissions being produced by the worlds' airlines however, should that be of concern? (A topic for another blog perhaps). What has got me thinking is the correlation to the individual. We too were not included in the Kyoto protocol. Our countries were of course, but me, Yu-Wen-Cho, and Dajana Lueppker were not. What then is our role in all this? Is it that we wait for our political and business leaders to come up with a set of plans that we hope will do the job? What if those plans include changes we wouldn't particularly welcome - further taxes on transport or food for instance? We too should think about introducing changes before we're subjected to heavy handed legislation. It would at least make the transition easier. 

Of course, as opposed to the airlines we can't pass the cost onto anyone else. That said, many carbon reduction activities also translate into savings - driving a smaller car, buying secondhand, using less electricity and gas, changing your light bulbs, walking more, eating less red meat. In fact, it seems clear that by reducing your footprint, you can also reduce your outgoings. Something that a lot of people could benefit from at the moment.

Anyhow, I am now looking at my current efforts as a preemptive strike. Surely real change can't be brought about if the 6945538785 (and rapidly counting)  inhabitants of this planet go about their business in the same way. (Go check out the population counter if you want a visual reminder of just how quickly we're multiplying!) Whether you think you should have to make changes or not is beside the point really, the reality is that you will have to do something at some stage - and you can either do it voluntarily or by force. I'm choosing the voluntary route...

So Day 2, how am I going? Well, yesterday got off to a rather good start actually. Instead of running on my treadmill for an hour (which I assume must burn a fair about of electricity) I decided to go for a jog outside. Aside from the fact I forgot to take water and nearly collapsed of dehydration after 7km, it was really rather pleasant being among nature rather than in my spare room. It did occur to me that if people were to turn to free outdoor activities (running, walking, hiking, biking) they could save themselves the cost of gym memberships, exercise equipment and class fees and make a decent cut to their carbon emissions. Of course this isn't a radical revelation, but it is worthwhile realising that it is possible to make some fairly simple changes in your life that are not only of benefit to you but for the environment. And win-win has to be a good thing doesn't it!

Aside from my run, I made sure to switch off every light except for the room I was in. I decided not to go into town. I turned all my appliances off standby. Oh, and I've also decided to buy a bike so that I can cut down on my car trips to the train station, shops etc. etc. Rather than going out and buying a brand spanking new bike imported from Asia however, I am bidding on a second hand mountain bike on ebay (please no attempts to outbid me!). I figure I not only save the emissions on a new bike, but it's also lots cheaper - and I just have to pick it up from someone local. Check, check and check!

So all in all I am feeling positive about the initial steps I've made. Now I just need to look for more inspiration... the cement industry perhaps?

Category: Greenhouse Gases, Sustainable Development, | Tags: climate change, environment, carbon footprint, carbon footprint,



Comments

Frank Schnittger on 24th September 2009:

Great post.  Great actions to date.  I hope you managed to sustain them!  British Airways, I suspect, is just planning to accelerate its replacement programme for older more fuel inefficient planes.  Still, every little bit helps…

Peter Sain ley Berry on 24th September 2009:

Yes, good post! Maybe we could have a forum for personal energy saving tips. I am running out of ideas!

Jodi Bush on 24th September 2009:

Yes, I’m not sure how inspired we should be by British Airways. I think they’re mainly planning to invest in offsets, which isn’t exactly the same as reducing your emissions. Still… a step in the right direction?!?

In regards to your comment Peter, I have been reading up on what individuals can do in their own lives and I will write a blog on where people can find the information. I’ll also give the tips a test run and see how easy they are to adopt. I do firmly believe that if we can’t make even a minimal effort in our own lives, then we have no reason (or right) to expect our governments, businesses or anyone else to do so.

Fidelius Krammel on 25th September 2009:

Hey Jodi,
congratulation to your decision and especially your plan to get a bike. Hope it’ll be a good deal. Did the numbers of cycling commuters in CPH also make an impression on you? For everyday cycling a fully suspended moutain bike may not be ideal. A rack, fenders/mudguards, lights are all very practical, when using the bike daily.

Unfortunately in the last decades the bike industry was focused on sport bikes - road bikes, mountain bikes… Now that’s changing and the offer of everyday bikes is evolving, fortunately.
But all those old bikes are there and they should be used instead of trashed like millions of cars in the last months with the help of tax money - to buy NEW cars.

And there is a tip for you that combines recycling & fun: Using or Setting up a Community Bicycle Workshop in your town or neighbourhood, like for example the Vienna bikekitchen.

This facilitates repairing, recycling makes bicycles available for more people and is empowering, because skills are shared and eventually vehicles built that the market would never offer. Most importantly it’s a lot of fun and a group project that creates strong links between people, a bit in the Dysskilde-way…

‘the cement industry perhaps’ lol!

Daniel on 25th September 2009:

In deed, when green actions become also profitable, they get really interesting for many people.

I was doing some research in my local supermarket for another post, and the owner happily told me that they saved 30% of their energy use just by adding plastic covers on their freezers.

This made me a little more optimistic about our future smile I rely more on people’s greed than on their idealism.

Thanks for a great post!

Paul Montariol on 11th November 2009:

For British Airways: the company can use algaux biocombustibles.
Research on the algaux biocombustibles will give solutions to feed the world.
If one wants to stop this research one also the possibility stops of feeding the world more easily.

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