In case anyone missed this interesting story that was published last week, here it comes again: We can look at this as “strange news,” “funny stuff,” or as an example of how asking each person to do something small can actually add up to making a cumulative difference.
All Nippon Airways (ANA) asked all of their passengers to relieve themselves prior to boarding the plane. It seems that a number cruncher calculated that if half of the passengers flying on ANA would pee before boarding, the airline could reduce their carbon footprint by 4.2 tons a month.
When I heard this on the radio news last week, it was delivered as almost a joke. But after thinking about it a bit, I realized that it is a small effort that people can make that makes an environmental statement and perhaps saves them a trip to the loo while airborne.
One small stop prior to boarding; one larger step to reducing carbon emissions. The airline is also looking at other steps to reduce their carbon footprint, including using recycled paper and flying with plastic bottles rather than glass.
Lighter items for the service and if passengers comply with requests to use the bathroom prior to boarding, lighter passengers as well.
The month-long trial program, which began October 1, will be evaluated and may be extended if successful, Tezuka said.
In true Japanese fashion, the encouragement to eliminate is more suggested than explicit. This is what is announced before boarding the flights: “This flight is a so-called ‘eFlight.’ The idea behind the operation is to think about the Earth in the sky above. Fuel reduction by lightening the weight of the aircraft will lead to restrain the carbon dioxide emission, which is one of the causes of global warming. Thank you for your understanding.”
Perhaps there is a lesson here for everyone. Do yourself a favor and ave a trip to that cramped and smelly room tucked in the back of the airplane (or behind the cockpit for those in First) and do the environment a favor, pee before boarding.
{ 1 trackback }
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Passengers who pee before boarding should be rewarded with a sticker, small prize or extra cookie at snack time.
the good old green taliban; hmmm pretty soon it will be mandatory; oh dear what if you cant pee. jail time a fine
While I agree I would rather go to the bathroom in the airport rather than the airplane, this whole thing is a crock of stuff that is best deposited in a toilet.
First of all, what global warming? The average temperatures have been falling for the last 10 years. Also, considering there was a thing called a “mini ice age” from about 1400 to 1800, comparing today’s temperature to the past is distorted. Here is a link to more info: http://www.globalwarminghoax.com/news.php
Second, the Travel Insider had a good analysis of how much this would really save in his weekly newsletter. The final numbers? ANA will save about a quarter gallon of fuel on a three hour flight. Wow–they save a whole 50 cents worth of fuel!
Lots of airlines have eliminated unnecessary weight by removing onboard magazines, movie cassettes (and headphones), blankets, pillows, meals, and cans of soda. Plus they’re financially penalizing customers to dare to travel with luggage. What geniuses!!!