It’s no coincidence that airlines have been ratcheting up the baggage fees as oil prices rise. The heavier the load, the more jet fuel a plane has to burn. If the average passenger reduced their bag weight by just 5 pounds, it would prevent 2.7 billion pounds of CO2e emissions every year from US domestic flights alone. Do you really need that extra pair of boots, those books you won’t end up reading, or a full water bottle? Pack light.

p.s. Don’t forget the baggage in your bladder — lightening your load in the restroom before you board makes a difference, and has been made formal policy by at least one eco-minded airline.

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