What can you do for the environment?

You have many different options when it comes to reducing the environmental impact of your flight. Many of us enjoy (long-distance) travel and flying. However, we do have to change the way we fly if we want to carry on enjoying those things. The aviation industry is working on that. But you can help too – on your way to the airport, at the airport and in the air. Here are 10 ways you can contribute to a more sustainable aviation sector and Schiphol.

1. Offset your flight’s carbon emissions

Aviation accounts for 2% of global CO₂ emissions. By planting trees and investing in sustainable energy projects, you can offset your journey’s carbon footprint. Do you want to know how much CO₂ your flight produces? And are you interested in offsetting those emissions? You can do that on your airline’s website https://www.schiphol.nl/en/airlines/, through your travel agency or organisations that specialise in carbon offsetting.

2. Buy SAF (sustainable kerosene)

Did you know that some airlines offer the opportunity to buy SAF (sustainable kerosene) when you book your ticket? In doing so, you help drive supply and demand for SAF. Mixing SAF with standard fuel reduces a flight’s CO₂ emissions.

3. Fly as directly as possible

Choose direct flights or journeys that are as direct as possible. Transfers often mean making detours, which leads to more CO₂ in the air. And did you know that one less take-off and landing can save a significant amount of carbon emissions?

4. Make a conscious choice of airline

Find out what an airline does in terms of sustainability. Some are more conscious of the issue than others. KLM adds 1% SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) to the fuel system at Schiphol for every flight that departs from Amsterdam. The goal is to blend 10% SAF by 2030. easyJet's ambition is to reach net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. The airline is doing that in two ways: by minimising current CO₂ emissions and by pursuing CO2 emission-free solutions for the future.

5. Less baggage means fewer CO₂ emissions

The more baggage you travel with, the heavier the aircraft. Only take what you really need for your trip. Fewer bags and suitcases means a lighter plane. As a result, less kerosene will be required to take you to your destination. And that means fewer carbon emissions.

6. Make your journey to Schiphol more sustainable

It’s nice to get a lift to the airport and back home, but it does mean travelling by car unnecessarily. After all, Schiphol is easy to get to using public transport. Trains are powered by green electricity and there are more and more electric buses operating in the region. Are you travelling light? Then you could even come to Schiphol by bicycle. Do you still want to come by car?

7. European destinations easily reachable by train

Take a train instead of a plane! Did you know that trains can compete with aircraft when it comes to travel time for journeys of 700km or less? And that trains have less of an impact on the environment on these shorter journeys? There are trains to Antwerp, Brussels, Paris, London and various German destinations from Schiphol and many other stations in the country.

8. Separate your waste at the airport

There are special bins where you can separate your waste at various locations in the terminal. Here, you can easily dispose of paper, plastic and residual waste in separate containers. The more people do this, the better our waste flows and the more we can recycle. Will you help?

9. Sustainable and fair trade products at Schiphol

Buying a present for yourself or someone else? Then consider buying responsible products from one of the many shops at Schiphol selling them. Up to do Good, Rituals and Xpress Spa are some examples.

Responsible options for food and drink are also on the rise. At Café Chocolat, you can enjoy a fair trade cup of coffee with a delicious piece of chocolate. Fair Taste Café, Starbucks, Juicy Details, Harvest Market, Leon and STACH sell responsible and often local products too.

10. Drink tap water

Did you know that tap water in the Netherlands is some of the best in the world? Use a refillable bottle instead of a single-use one; there are more than enough water fountains at Schiphol where you can fill up your bottle.

What we do for sustainability