by Joshua Ortiz

Created on: December 08, 2008   Last Updated: January 17, 2009

An average day in the airline industry sees approximately 80,000 flights in the United States alone. Despite a continuing growth in air travel, a trend expected to double by 2020, the future of the industry looks rather grim. Concerns over the environmental effects of air travel have many wondering how long the trend can last before something is done.

Until recently, burned fossil fuels and carbon dioxide emissions was merely an afterthought for many airlines. Environmentalists have since stepped in urging the Environmental Protection Agency to establish parameters regulating airline emissions. Government bodies in both the United States and Europe are also evaluating plans that force airlines into regulation.

But the real question is, can anything really be done to counteract this growing problem? The airline industry, for the most part, appears to be taking responsibility. It recently held the first annual Air Transport World Eco-Aviation conference to discuss possible solutions. Skeptics, however, wonder just how dedicated the industry is. Most proposed solutions are not expected to become reality for another 3-5 years.

Until such time as that happens, it appears ecological awareness will fall into the hands of the individual traveler. Fortunately, there are several options available to help travelers looking to become more eco-friendly.

Options exist for travelers interested in booking passage via land or sea. Trains are quickly becoming a favorite mode of transportation in the United States. There are many reasons for this surge including: ample time to relax, miles of beautiful scenery, and the ability to visit many destinations in one trip.

That is also one of the main reasons people enjoy cruising. Traveling by sea provides the opportunity for passengers to visit many different ports. Many cruise ships are destinations by themselves because there is so much to see and do once on board. There are also more "rugged" ships available for passengers looking solely for an alternative form of transportation.

One organization that can help you find an eco-friendly hotel at your desired vacation spot is known as Green Globe (ec3global.com). They have partnered with numerous other businesses in travel to help establish methods of environmental sustainability. Through a sophisticated, but easy to follow, plan the company identifies areas where improvement can be made and then sets about making the change. Any corporation that completes the process gains the ability

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