Whether you choose an eco-friendly electric scooter, an efficient hybrid car, or anything in between, there are many options that you can choose when you want to travel to and from work without creating a massive carbon footprint. However, while it is easy to get around town, what about long-distance travel? If you have to go to another state or driving is not an option, you have to decide what is more sustainable — the plane or the train.

If you are interested in becoming more eco-friendly like so many other people these days, then it is time to seriously consider the best options for getting from point A to B while causing as little harm to the earth as possible. Let’s talk about the debate of plane versus train so you can make an educated choice the next time that you travel.

Why Planes Are Typically Not Eco-friendly

As the years go by and we start to learn more about the harm that our everyday activities can inflict on the planet, more of us are starting to realize that we need to make a difference. 86% of people want the world to change and vow to become more sustainable and equitable. One way that they are doing so is by slowly turning away from flying to their destinations.

Air travel has dipped quite a bit over the last few years, and one of the reasons is that travelers understand that planes leave a large carbon footprint and make up a chunk of the total climate emissions that we see today. In fact, a single flight produces about three tons of carbon dioxide per passenger, and that number increases dramatically if the flight is not full. The point of increasing public transportation is to get more people moving at once. However, in many cases, there are “ghost flights” where the plane is nearly empty. Many airlines do this to retain their airport slots, but it isn’t doing the environment any favors.

If you are going to another country or traveling a long distance and you have no choice but to fly, then at least travel with sustainability in mind. For instance, you can avoid layovers so the plane doesn’t need to land and take off as often. You can also pack lightly. If everyone did so, it would decrease the weight of the plane and lead to increased energy efficiency.

Finally, you should identify the purpose of the trip and decide if you need to travel in the first place. If you are scheduling a business meeting, for example, you may not have to meet in person and can meet virtually instead. Staying home and meeting online may be better for your budget as well.

Train Travel Is More Sustainable

While there are ways to make flying a bit more sustainable, if you really want to make a difference, then take the train. The main reason is that trains produce fewer carbon emissions overall than a plane. In fact, trains produce only about half of what planes create. On top of that, planes also leave vapor trails when they fly, which cause harm to the ozone. Trains do not create the same problems.

In addition to the flight itself, there are many other reasons why air travel is more damaging to the environment. For instance, driving to the airport and waiting in traffic to get to your gate can lead to increased carbon emissions. If that weren’t enough, many airports also use trains to transport customers from lot to lot, which creates additional carbon dioxide that floats into our atmosphere.

Businesses would be wise to encourage all staff members to take the train to empower sustainable development. Enacting a sustainability agenda consists of ongoing policies that streamline your business processes so you can continue to produce your goods and services without increasing your carbon footprint. Taking the train is a good way to get your team from place to place while avoiding excess pollution through unnecessary flights. And, you can use it as a marketing tool when appealing to eco-conscious consumers.

Why Train Travel Is the Best Idea Now and in the Future

As you can see when compared to flying, taking the train is a much more eco-friendly option. This will only get better in the future. Right now, many of the railways are working to become more sustainable by using eco-friendly vendors, preserving vegetation when building new tracks, and making routes quieter, which reduces the noise pollution that can cause negative physical ailments in passengers — including high blood pressure, hearing loss, sleep disruption, and stress-related illnesses. Less air pollution also means big improvements in skincare, respiration, and heart health. There are adverse health effects of air pollution that, if nothing else, should motivate you to help the environment.

New technology is also making a big impact in recent years. Many trains are now implementing more automation which reduces the need for a physical driver. Instead, new trains use a trip optimizer, which is like automated cruise control that can manage the throttle and brakes for better fuel efficiency.

The fact is that there are many great reasons to take the train. In addition to the sustainable aspect, many train lines also offer more amenities during the trip than on planes. They often come with better food options and more legroom. It’s also possible that with more open air and fewer crowded spaces, train travel also provides a reduced risk of getting COVID-19 or other infectious, airborne illnesses.

When it comes to helping the planet, it is wise to choose a train over a plane whenever possible. Consider these facts the next time you have the choice and go with the more sustainable option.