Category Archives: Green

United On Track to Save 85 Million Gallons Of Fuel in 2013

Environment, Green, KLM, United
a blue and white logo

It’s always nice to hear about ways that the airlines are trying to make changes to help lessen their impact on the environment. 

When I think of airlines and green initiatives, KLM comes to mind. 
I wrote about a couple of environmentally friendly things they’ve done in recent months.

A couple of days back I was happy to come across an article on United Hub related to a change which can have a positive impact on the environment. 

United is on track to save 85 million gallons of fuel in 2013.
The article states that fuel is the “airline’s single largest expense and it’s primary focus environmentally”. They have several initiatives in place that will allow it to achieve it’s fuel efficiency goal.

United has improved it’s fuel efficiency by 32% since 1994 with improved flight planning, single engine taxiing, lighter products on board and the use of ground power instead of an onboard auxiliary unit.

They also invested in a new, fuel efficient fleet. In 2012 United ordered 150 new Boeing 737 narrow- body aircraft powered by fuel efficient engines.

United is committed to environmental sustainability with it’s Eco- Skies Program.
Some highlights:

  • Operated the first U.S. passenger bio-fuel flight
  • Provided $50,000 grants to 10 local environmental organizations 
  • Over the last six years, United recycled over 20 million pounds of cans, paper and plastic from flights and at their facilities
Find out more about United’s environmentally friendly initiatives HERE.

KLM Starts Weekly Flights Using Sustainable Biofuel

Biofuel, Flight, Green, KLM, Sustainable
a blue and white airplane in the sky

Back in November I wrote about KLM’s Green Initiatives. I thought it was really great how KLM was stepping up to try to lessen the impact their flights had on the environment. 
They had taken various steps to make these “green” changes including experimenting with using biofuels on a flight from Amsterdam to Rio.

I was happy to receive an e-mail from KLM a few days back regarding “new steps in sustainable flight”. From the moment I saw the subject line I was interested. 

The e-mail contained some pretty interesting information. 
Starting March 8, KLM was starting weekly flights from my home airport JFK in New York to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport using sustainable biofuel. Every Thursday Flight KL642 will be operated on a Boeing 777-200.

According to the e-mail:

This series of flights partially powered by biofuel recovered from used cooking oil is another step in demonstrating greater proof of KLM’s pioneering role in sustainable flight.

It’s definitely nice to hear about how KLM is trying to lessen it’s impact on the environment.  Hopefully more airlines will follow their lead and try to adopt some of these green measures too.

Learn more about KLM’s green initiatives by clicking HERE.

Learn about KLM’s Green Initiatives and Win 2 Tickets to Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Eco-Friendly, Facebook, Green, KLM, Sweepstakes, Win
a blue truck with a pipe attached to it

KLM wants to show how aware they are of the airline industry’s impact on the environment by giving a virtual tour of how “Blue Flies Green”. The tour is done on Facebook. 
They are also giving away two round trip tickets on KLM to Amsterdam for showing your support of their eco-friendly initiatives. 

Some of the steps KLM have taken are:

  • A new aircraft painting system which uses thinner layers to reduce paint weight by 15%
  • Only use recycled water to clean planes and engines are washed regularly for more fuel efficiency
  • Source food from eco-friendly resources whenever possible which contributes to conservation efforts and helps offset climate changes
  • Focusing more on electronic communications to reach a goal of paperless cockpits
  • Meal service equipment has been lightened up for more fuel efficiency
  • Has experimented flying with biofuels including a flight from Amsterdam to Rio.This was the longest distance any aircraft has flown on biofuels.


The Prize:

  • Two KLM round- trip economy class tickets to Amsterdam. Winner may depart from the following US gateways: New York (JFK), Wash D.C. (IAD), Atlanta (ATL), Houston (IAH), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO)
  • Tour of KLM facilities where you will get an insider tour of a KLM green initiative.

Entering the Sweepstakes:

  • Go to KLM’s Facebook Page and click “Like”
  • Click on the tab- How Blue Flies Green
  • Scroll through the info and then enter your info to enter

Open to legal residents of the United States and DC
Must be at least 18 years of age at date of entry
Enter by December 6, 2012

EscapeMaker.com’s Local Food & Travel Expo- April 14

Brooklyn, EscapeMaker, Food, Green, New York, Travel
a poster for a food expo
EscapeMaker.com will be holding it’s 2nd annual Local Food & Travel Expo on April 14.
I received a Press Invite to the event & will hopefully make it and then have Kim & Lucas meet me after the show preview to check out the expo.
The expo takes place in Brooklyn, New York at One Hanson Place in the historic and amazing former home of the Williamsburgh Savings Bank.
a tall building with many windows
1 Hanson Place
The event focuses on “green” getaways as well as local foods and trips within a day’s drive or train ride of NYC. Exhibitors will be from Brooklyn, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Vermont & Transportation Companies.
A little about the show:
  • There will be over 50 exhibitors at the event where you can sample local wines, cheeses, fudge, chocolate, jam, juices and other regional farm-fresh foods.
  • There will be travel workshops like Hiking via Mass Transit, Canoeing/ Kayaking, Agri-Tourism and Green Travel 101 among others.
  • Lots of Prizes- all food & travel related
The event takes places at Skylight One Hanson at 1 Hanson Place Brooklyn, New York.
Tickets cost $13 and the event is from 12-5 PM
(Use code “edible12” or “emzipcar” to save $3 off of the ticket price)
Find out more about the EscapeMaker Local Food & Travel Expo here