Living in Australia, air travel is almost unavoidable if you want to get out and see the world. When it comes to covering long distances, nothing beats catching a plane, but unfortunately that speed and convenience isn’t without its effects.

Not many things spew more greenhouse gases into the air than a 747 and by now nearly everyone realises the impact that stuff is having on our natural environment. So what’s a responsible human to do? Is it possible to kick back by the pool in Bali with a clear conscious, having flown there?

The good news is, yes, there’s an easy fix. Most airlines have already solved the problem by implementing programs where you can offset the impact of your flight. So for those who give a crap about the planet, all you have to do is check a box when you’re booking a ticket. Best of all, it costs next to nothing.

Is it possible to kick back by the pool in Bali with a clear conscious, having flown there?

For example, a return flight from Brisbane to Bali emits about 1.6 ton of carbon dioxide per passenger, but that only costs about $10 to offset. What does that mean exactly? Well, if you cough up the cash, the airline takes that $10 and invests it into various projects, like protecting forests or creating renewable energy. You know, things that help create a sustainable future for us all.

Like anything that’s certified though, you need to check who’s given the rubberstamp of approval to the program. Make sure it’s an internationally recognised organisation like the VCS (Verified Carbon Standard) and not just the marketing department from the airline.

Then, once you’ve landed and are finished patting yourself on your back for being so green and globally minded, the next thing you can do is start researching the sustainability of your hotel. But that’s a whole different can of worms, which we’ll leave for a follow up article.