I'll Fly Away

The biggest contribution most of us make by global warming is by flying.  There are two alternatives.  Skip the trip, or take surface transportation.  Despite some planes falling out of the sky recently, flying is very safe.  And annoying.  Like when the stewardess does the safety lecture, and says "In case of a loss of cabin pressure, for a small additional fee an oxygen mast will come down."

Consider the advantages to trains and cars and buses.  You see the scenery, can stop on the way, bring more toys, reschedule without penalties, don't have to track your miles, eat better, and go thru less stress.

There are trips that are easier to take by car than by plane.  These can be surprisingly long.  Let's say you fly 600 miles.  Yes, it only takes an hour or two.  Plus waiting on the tarmac, checking in an hour or two early, getting to the airport, etc.  The time it takes to drive may be pretty comparable.  Then factor in the expense and hassle of flying, taking off your shoes, going thru security, and the 600 miles drive seems pretty reasonable.  And when you get there, you don't have to rent a car and look for your lost luggage.  Depending on your type of vehicle and personal preference, you may choose to drive 1000 miles or more.  See some new places, wind and wend thru small towns, and visit your friends and relatives on the way.  If you avoid Interstates, you can go back in time and gawk at the Norman Rockwell scenes.

To increase the green-ness of a trip even more, you can take a hybrid or diesel, and pack the seats with friends or ride-seekers.

The train routes have nice scenery.  It's too bad it's so hard to go from point A to point B at a convenient time and price.  But one can always hope.