If sustainable travel is important to your family, you’ll be pleased to hear that JetBlue just announced plans to offset carbon dioxide emissions from jet fuel for all domestic flights beginning in July. It’s the first major US airline to take this important step towards lowering carbon emissions and underscores their ongoing strategy to responsibly prepare for a changing climate.
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They also revealed that sustainable aviation fuel is to be used on all JetBlue flights from San Francisco International Airport starting this summer. The renewable jet fuel is produced exclusively from waste and residue raw material. The fuel is completely compatible with existing engines so the transition will be seamless.
JetBlue will continue to partner with Carbonfund.org — a leading US-based nonprofit carbon reduction and climate solutions organization. Since 2008, JetBlue has already offset more than 2.6 billion pounds of CO2 emissions.
The expansion is expected to offset an additional 15-17 billion pounds (7 to 8 million metric tons) of emissions per year – the annual equivalent of removing more than 1.5 million passenger vehicles from the road.
The airline selects worthy projects around the globe that will offset the use of jet fuel including forest conservation and developing solar and wind farms. These projects also benefit the local communities by creating jobs and generating revenue.
JetBlue has long been a pioneer in the industry when it comes to integrating environmentally conscious practices into their business model, so it comes as no surprise that the airline is deepening its commitment to a more eco-friendly way to fly. Their innovative farm-to-air garden at New York City’s JFK promotes micro-agriculture with its crop of produce including potatoes, arugula, beets and mint. The garden’s bounty is donated to local food pantries while the green space enhances the customer experience at one of the world’s busiest airports.
The airline is already a favorite with families. Kid-friendly perks include unlimited snacks, free Fly-Fi Internet and individual entertainment systems with DirecTV. Between munching on Terra Chips and watching Cartoon Network and The Disney Channel, little travelers should be smiling from takeoff to touchdown.
By Allison Tibaldi