Southwest Goes Green With a New, Carbon-Cutting Plane

If Southwest’s CEO, Gary Kelly is tired, you’d never know it: The low-cost carrier has pumped out more news this week than we’ve seen in a while.  Now, the airline is talking about its new green plane.

The company said it looks to the future, when climate change will be commonly integrated within the airline industry. Not only does the move to build green planes help the environment, but it also saves Southwest money and makes good business sense.

What makes a plane green? The bottom line is that planes emit a lot of carbon emissions into the air every day, so the more you can reduce those emissions, the better. This is done by using less fuel. Since it takes more fuel to carry heavier loads, the goal then changes to reducing the weight of the plane. Southwest isn’t trying to boot any of its passengers in order to save weight, so instead it used more weigh-efficient materials, and the new plane ends up saving approximately five pounds per seat. Less weight, less fuel, less emissions = less money to spend for Southwest.

Disneyland Resorts Receives 2009 Environmental and Economic Leadership Award

 
Disneyland Resorts is undoubtedly a successful example of many things in business, but one unexpected issue it seems to also captain, is environmental initiatives. It recently won the 2009 Environmental and Economic Leadership Award for voluntarily preserving California’s resources, building partnerships, and enhancing the environment while maintaining a strong commitment to economic growth.

Here are a few eco-friendly reasons to book a flight to California and visit this green park:

The Paradise Bay Refill:
When the water was drained from this human-made bay to make way for “World of Color” a temporary nighttime exhibit, the removal of water was painstakingly thought our in order to save all environmental cost. Although it took more time and cost more money, the people at Disneyland purified the water, moved it through an extensive underground system, and stored it in a protective underground basin so that it wouldn’t harm any wildlife.

Green Travel News: Qatar Air, First in the World to Develop New Fuel Blend

There’s green travel news in the sky today, as Qatar Air launched the world’s first commercial flight using a fuel made from natural gas.

The Middle Eastern carrier is proud to announce its aircraft fuel for the future, and has used the product on an Airbus A340-600 that went from London to Doha last night. Rolls-Royce, Shell and state-owned Qatar Petroleum have all worked together to make the fuel blend. The goal in creating this new efficient fuel is to maximize natural resources as much as possible.

Airlines in the US Hope to Switch to Alternative Fuel Soon

We’ve seen both airlines and airports become more and more aware of their carbon footprint in recent months. So far, airlines have pushed green initiatives, solar powered airports have emerged, and scientists have begun to quantify just how green flights can truly be.

United CEO Glenn Tilton is no exception to the rule. At an energy conference on Wednesday, Tilton made it clear that both commercial and military airlines are actively seeking ways to use alternatives to jet fuel.

While pushing to make the long-term switch to fuel alternatives, he also mentioned that most airlines across the country are still dealing with the recession, and that as of right now, financial changes need to be incredibly conservative.

Green Hotels: Hotel Indigo in San Diego Opens Its Eco-Friendly Doors

San Diego may be a hot spot for chilled-out beaches, but its Gaslamp Quarter is a world of high-class restaurants, trendy bars, and upscale shopping that beckons a more refined metropolis. Hotel Indigo is a new, eco-friendly establishment recently settled in San Diego, and it’s worthy of some major eco-praise. Aside from its modern exterior, posh interior and swanky rooftop restaurant and lounge, this boutique green hotel is sustainable throughout.

The green hotel is certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and is one of 19 hotels of its kind in the United States. It gained its credentials by setting high standards for efficiency in both structure and amenities. Phi Bar and Bistro, the on-site restaurant, optimizes daylight to reduce energy by using floor-to-ceiling windows for natural light and ventilation.

The restaurant’s menu also fits the bill for green travel. Only the freshest local and seasonal ingredients go into these gourmet dishes, and the ninth floor’s herb garden takes the word “local” to the extreme. Chefs pick from basil, spearmint, rosemary, and tarragon plants to accent each delectable menu item, and use a compost system in the kitchen to break down foods organically and re-soil the earth. 

Jackson Hole Airport Under Investigation for Environmental Violation

If you’ve ever been on a flight to Jackson Hole, you’re probably aware of the Jackson Hole Airport’s beautiful natural surroundings. Well, the National Park Service is aware of it, too.

Lush greenery, miles of trees, and breath-taking views of mountains in the distance are just a few of the aesthetic bonuses you’ll see when you book a flight to Jackson Hole. Settled in the thick of Grand Teton National Park, the airport has the benefit of fresh air and gorgeous environment.

That environment is exactly what has been disturbed through the violation of the National Environmental Policy, according to USA Today.

Union of Concerned Scientists Give Green Flights the Green Light

Sure, flying isn’t always on the top of every tree hugger’s list, but if you love to travel, it’s hard to avoid the convenience of jet-setting. Grabbing a cheap flight and hopping on a plane gets a bad wrap in the eyes of green groups, but for individuals intent on seeing the world, there are ways to achieve a happy medium of green travel.

The Union of Concerned Scientists have put together a summary of how to fly while keeping your conscience clean and green. The bottom line: You can bump up your green travel by flying coach rather than flying first class.

According to the scientists, since first class seating takes up more room than coach, your carbon footprint is technically reduced according to the amount of space you fill. Consider airplanes to be like any other form of public transportation – the more people you fit inside one vehicle, the more environmentally efficient you’re being. Because the average first class passenger takes up twice the area as a coach flier, the more spacious section reduces efficiency of the entire plane.

Red, White, and Green: Sustainable and Organic Wineries

Sometimes, at the end of the day all you need is to walk through the door, take your shoes off, collapse into a comfy chair, and enjoy every second of a really good glass of wine. We hear you.

Wine is a complex religion, and takes a little learning to really keep the faith. But don't worry, wine lovers, we're here to guide you. If you’re a wannabe-wino who cares about the environment, consider making an investment in your wine – and learn a little something along the way. Who knows, you may get the urge to book flights to some of these eco-friendly regions and learn the wine-making process yourself.

We’ve rounded up a few eco-friendly, organic wineries that fit the bill for organic recipes and environmentally conscious methods.

Find out how tasty reds and whites make the perfect green travel excursion:

Green Travel: Five Notable Subway Systems

One of the easiest ways to spruce up your green travel is to use public transportation when you visit a new city. Traveling as a group eliminates the amount of Co2 you emit into the air, reducing your carbon footprint, and ensuring those blue skies stay blue, and don’t fill up with nasty gray smog.

To make your green travel that much easier, we’ve summarized subway systems in a few cities with notable public transportation advancements.

Boston: MBTA
Although not as big as its famous sister, New York City, Boston does utilize its Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to the best of its ability. Boasting the oldest subway system in the country, Boston’s red, green, blue, and orange lines help you get all over the city in a matter of minutes. Each color-coded line runs both above and below the ground.

Solar Powered Airports Kick Green Travel up a Notch

It’s no secret that airplanes release their fair share of carbon emissions, but thanks to solar powered airports you can feel better about adding flights onto your green travel agenda. At one point, the idea of solar-powered airports might have might have only been drawn up on an episode of the Jetsons, but thanks to green technology a few determined architects and engineers, solar-powered airports are closer than you might think.

Airports around the country have slowly started to experiment with alternate energy sources that have not only cut down on yearly costs and expenses, but will also greatly contribute to protecting the environment. Now, you can.

Sure, recycling programs and waste-reduction plans were stellar additions to Earth Day schedules around the world, but these airports are making even more concrete pledges to sustaining the environment by improving their physical structures.