One easy way for people to reduce their carbon footprint for their travels is to travel by train. According to the Environmental Defense Fund, traveling by rail produces nearly half the global warming pollution as compared to flying. In addition, traveling by train takes the traveler through some of the most scenic parts of the countryside. By making the trip itself a part of the vacation most travelers can get a lot more out of their holiday when traveling by train.
The best time to consider traveling by train is if the distance is rather short. According to the Worldwatch Institute a jet uses as much as 25% of its fuel during take off for a short flight. Despite the fact that plane travel is relatively direct compared to train travel, this fuel usage wipes away any chance for jets to compete environmentally with the rail.
Not all trips are reachable by rail, be it the time that it make take or the final destination’s location. The good thing is travelers can purchase carbon offsets to eliminate their co2 emissions for their plane or car legs of their journey. By reducing the pollution up front with a train trip, the carbon offset options are an easy and affordable way to clean up the rest of the journey.
