For environmentally conscious travelers, flying across the sky in a plane can be a bit guilt-inducing because airplane exhaust is a huge contributor to pollution and global climate change. However, many people don’t think about the environmental impact of their trip when it comes to the plastic cups and utensils they’re given on a long, overseas flights.
According to the Natural Resources Defense Council‘s most recent studies (2006), 7.5 million pounds of airplane trash is generated daily, and about 75 percent of that is recyclable. Yet, only about 20 percent actually makes it to a recycling center.
Although those statistics may not be completely up to date, they don’t hide the fact that airport and airplane recycling is hugely inefficient, seeing as the nation’s 552 commercial airports all have their own means of dealing with recycling.
Some airlines, such as Continental, have taken matters into their own hands. Flight attendants recently began separating aluminum, cardboard and plastic bottles, which are then taken to kitchen recycling areas in hub airports.
Ultimately, it appears as if standard recycling procedures won’t really come on board until more airlines (and people) speak up and ask for change. Until then, consider asking your airline if they recycle cans and bottles… If airlines notice that customers care, they just may be willing to make a change.
[Via: The New York Times]
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