Last month we wrote about the environmental impact of the cruise industry and emphasized that because cruising is not going away any time soon it is imperative consumers, industry leaders, and government oversight unite to find ways for the industry to be more sustainable. This month we are diving into the aviation industry.
Air travel is an environmental cost. According to Statista in the 2019 pre-pandemic, over 900 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) were released into the air due to flying.
According to Statista, they are concerned about the environmental impact of flying, but it remains to be seen if people are prepared to pay more for cleaner flights.
That's where sustainable aviation fuel comes in.
What is SAF?
Sustainable Aviation fuels are biofuels made from corn, algae, used cooking oil, municipal trash, sewage, and other waste. It can also be synthetic fuels like liquid hydrogen created using renewable electricity. To qualify it has to emit at least 50% less carbon than petroleum-based fuel used by most airlines.
Sounds great so why isn't every airline using SAFs?
You guessed it. It costs almost twice as much as petroleum-based fuel. Since the airlines are not motivated to buy it, there is no incentive to invest money into scaling the process, which is the only way to bring the cost down.
Are SAF Certificates the Answer?
The business traveler is a huge contributor to global carbon emissions and the bread and butter of the airline industry. As corporations look for ways to reduce their carbon footprint the SAF Certificate was born, enabling corporations and business travelers to buy carbon-neutral flights which in turn gives the airlines money to buy SAF fuel. The reduced carbon emissions are measured for accountability and transparency.
In 2021 United Airlines announced SAF certificates subsidized 3.4 million gallons of SAF. JetBlue subsidized 325,000 gallons of SAF. Sounds like a lot, but in reality, it is only 0.1% of United's fuel consumption and 0.05% for JetBlue.
easyJet is leading the industry by setting targets to cut carbon emissions not just off-setting them with a net zero goal by 2050
Would you pay more for a flight using SAF fuel or supporting a smaller airline that is striving for zero emissions? Go to our social media pages Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and share your story.
Thanks for reading,
Savvy
We may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you from the links below and in the post above, but we think these companies are worth sharing.
Inspiring Reads - 
Fund literacy and protect the planet when you buy books from Certified B Corporation, Better World Books. To date Better World Books has donated over 31 million books, raised over $32 million to fund literacy programs and libraries and reused or recycled over 386 million books keeping them out of our landfills.
In Case You Missed It -
PlushBeds is committed to using certified organic and natural materials to handcraft, high quality, eco-friendly mattresses and bedding accessories. GOTS Certified, GOLS Certified, GreenGuard Gold Certified, CertiPur Certified are just a few of the third party certification standards PlushBeds adheres to. USA made in California using handcrafted techniques passed down through generations ensures that each mattress has the quality, durability and support you deserve for a superior night sleep. PlushBeds backs this up with a 25 year warranty, 100 night risk free sleep trial and free shipping.
ECOS Paints - Environmentally friendly, water based paints for your home that is non-toxic, zero VOC and hand crafted in their South Carolina plant. Exceptional coverage up to 560 sq. ft. per gallon and a transparent ingredient list make ECOS Paints the healthy home choice.
East Fork Pottery takes a stand for social equality. Partnering with community outreach organizations to stretch outside their comfort zone; paying employees a living wage, they are now working towards increasing wages to a family living wage. Receiving Carbon Neutral Certification and B Corporation Certification has inspired them to make even greater changes. East Fork's About Page was part of our inspiration for starting The Savvy Elephant. AND we haven't even touched on how stunning and beautiful their pottery is! See for yourself by clicking through to the East Fork Website.
Want More
Leave a comment below, or drop us a line if you have a question or want us to look into a topic you think will interest The Savvy Elephant community.
Not subscribed yet? You can take care of that here!
The Savvy Elephant is an online marketplace bringing you the highest quality sustainable furniture and home décor. Shop responsibly with brands that support your values.
Tell us about a protest you participated in. Go to our social media pages Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and share your story.