On a boat, plane or train
Fly less but when you have to, consider purchasing emission reduction credits
Air travel has a significant impact on the environment; releasing large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. One seat on a return flight from Vancouver to Montreal creates nearly one tonne of greenhouse gases, primarily due to the enormous amount of fuel required to keep an airplane in the air.
Try to avoid flying if you can. Drive, go on a rail adventure and explore our beautiful backyard here in BC. If you do fly, consider purchasing greenhouse gas offsets which are essentially an inexpensive emission reduction credit.
Offsets can be purchased through organizations like offsetters.ca, FlyGreen, or vanrenewable.org, who invest in projects that take greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere or stop them from being emitted in the first place. Airlines, like Westjet and Air Canada, are now offering offsets as part of the booking process. Harbour Air/Westcoast Air are carbon neutral (which applies not only to their flights but to every aspect of operations including lights, heating, paper consumption and ground transportation).
Find out more about offsetting and carbon neutrality on the David Suzuki Foundation website.
Take those cute little ferries
Don't forget about those little ferries in your local transportation planning. Vancouver's fleet of water taxis can bridge your walk between many downtown locations across False Creek. Bikes are allowed too. Find out more by visiting the AquaBus and False Creek Ferries websites.
Don't idle while waiting for those big ferries
When traveling on BC Ferries one of the biggest and easiest ways you can cut down on your emissions is to make sure you don't idle your car while waiting in line. With the thousands of vehicles waiting to board a ferry, a small action like not idling can really add up.
Relive the romance of train travel
Trains may take longer to get you to your destination but what a way to go, especially when the environmental price tag is so small. Train travel offers more leg room than planes, is less stressful than driving and offers a unique rail-side view of Canada. And taking the train is just so European.
