Air travel releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases contribute to the overall warming of the earth (i.e. climate change). Carbon offsetting involves funding projects in the developing world that either absorb (for example, through planting trees) or avoid (for example, through being more efficient with energy) equivalent amounts of greenhouse gases.
The Co-operative Travel works with Climate Care, an organisation dedicated to combating climate change, to provide our customers with an easy way to ensure that they counteract the impact their flight has on the climate.
When customers book a holiday with us, they have the option of making a small payment to help fund carbon offset projects in the developing world. Our members have the option of free carbon offset on their holiday flight when they book a holiday with us*. Climate Care ensure that projects are well managed and deliver the carbon savings promised.
Our staff are fully committed to carbon offsetting and by July 2009, over 750 employees have completed and passed, and over 240 are currently working through, our carbon offset training guide.
For more information on carbon offsetting, visit www.co-operative.coop/carbonoffset
*All members that have a valid current travel booking with us will be entitled to a free carbon offset, no matter where in the world they’re travelling. If the cost of the carbon offset for the member is less than £10 then the free offset can be extended to other members of the booking to a maximum value of £10.
Offset projects funded by us
The replanting of more than 2.3 million square metres of rainforest in Uganda.
As the trees we plant grow, they soak up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in the trunk, branches, foliage and roots. Some of this carbon dioxide will have come from air travel. The forest is now home to a thriving population of chimpanzees and 12 more endangered species, and 400 local people are employed during the peak season.
Installing treadle pumps in India.
These manual pumps are used to irrigate fields outside the monsoon season. They provide a more sustainable and affordable alternative to expensive diesel-powered pumps, and can be used all year round, increasing productivity and bringing much needed additional income to farming families.
The provision of energy efficient cooking stoves in Cambodia.
This reduces the amount of wood needed for cooking which means less carbon dioxide is released from the stoves. The reduced demand for wood also helps protect Cambodia’s forests.