Green myth buster Travel and environment
Carbon offsetting
The myth
Try to reduce the amount of carbon you create in the first place
Carbon offsetting would cure climate change and help the environment if we all started doing it.
The truth
False. The basic idea behind carbon offsetting is that you pay to fund environmental projects – eg a wind farm – that neutralise carbon emissions caused by you travelling by plane, for example.
Carbon offsetting isn’t a cure for climate change because you’re only taking out what you put in – so the net effect on the environment is zero.
Travel and environment tips
Reduce the amount of carbon you create in the first place. Only then should you consider carbon offsetting. Calculate your carbon footprint and how you can reduce it using DirectGov’s Carbon footprint calculator.
The future of fuel
The myth
It’s possible to run a car on vegetable oil instead of environmentally-harmful fossil fuels.
The truth
This is technically true if your car currently takes diesel. But while it’s scientifically possible to run a diesel engine on straight vegetable oil, it doesn’t meet any recognised quality standards and could damage your engine or invalidate your warranty (or both).
Good quality biofuels that don’t require engine modifications are available. However, at the moment there’s a debate about whether forests will be destroyed to grow crops for fuel.
Travel and environment tips
Wait until the biofuels debate's resolved before committing to fuel alternatives. If you’re thinking of buying a new car, compare the energy efficiency of different models before you buy at the Vehicle Certification Agency website.
For tips on more environmentally-friendly driving, see our 20 simple changes report and the Green Car Guide.
Food miles and the environment
The myth
It’s better for the environment to transport tomatoes in from Spain
It’s always better for the environment to buy UK-grown produce than fruit and vegetables that have travelled half way around the world.
The truth
Not necessarily. According to Defra, in terms of energy used and CO2 emissions generated as a result of cultivation and transport, it’s better for the environment to transport tomatoes in from Spain than grow them in the UK outside our relatively short growing season (July to October).
This is because of the huge amount of energy needed to heat the greenhouses UK tomatoes are grown in. Spanish tomatoes are grown outside under plastic sheeting.
Travel and environment tips
Eat seasonally by checking what’s in season throughout the year at websites like Eat the seasons and Good food pages.
Consider more efficient ways of transporting your shopping eg public transport, travelling shorter distances or making fewer journeys to the supermarket. Half the miles clocked up and 13% of the CO2 produced by vehicles transporting food in the UK come from shoppers driving to and from supermarkets.
Taxing air travel
The myth
Increasing air passenger duty makes flying a more environmentally-friendly travelling option.
The truth
False. According to the treasury, like other taxes, revenues from air passenger duty aren't directly reserved for particular projects. So there’s no guarantee passengers’ money will go directly towards helping the environment.
Travel and environment tips
Reduce the amount of flights you take every year and consider travelling by train for UK and shorter journeys in Europe. When you do need to travel by plane, consider carbon offsetting to reduce the environmental impact of your journey.
Washing detergent's effect on the environment
The myth
Buy more environmentally-friendly products that don’t contain phosphates
Washing powders are responsible for killing wildlife living in UK lakes and rivers.
The truth
True. Some washing powders contain phosphates, which can harm the environment and cause large quantities of algae to grow in lakes and rivers, killing fish and other life forms.
Travel and environment tips
Buy more environmentally-friendly products that don't contain phosphates – most will provide this information on the packaging.
To further minimise environmental impact, choose the lowest possible temperature and the correct powder dosage when washing. Read our washing machines review for details.
