"But when you have no choice but to fly, be sure to offset," he said, adding that until "greener" airline fuel is developed we have little alternative.
Airlines argue that they already pay lots of taxes, which governments justify on green grounds.The airlines have a point when they complain that Europe could impose its rules in a discriminatory manner.
The European Low Fares Airline Association argues that low-cost airlines are a "green" alternative compared with conventional airlines, because low-cost airlines tend to have newer, more efficient fleets and their flights run nearly full, creating lower average emissions per passenger.
(It could be lying, but then why would it have 30 new planes on order?) Even if a route from the UK became unviable due to boycotts by green travellers, the airlines, loath to give up a landing slot, would simply switch to a new destination - likely to be one further afield in a developing economy where demand is growing fastest.
Bill Hemmings, aviation director of green group Transport & Environment, said: "Airline claims that flying will now be green are a myth.
Green Air, a charter airline, has flown 18 "pop-ups" from the Westchester County Airport in White Plains for $10,000 to $12,000 apiece.
BA itself illustrates the point: whatever the airline's green scheme does for the planet, it has done BA's brand no harm.
The attendants from Japan Airlines swear green tea makes their skin beautiful.
It also plans to produce green aviation fuel to make airline travel more carbon-neutral.
11 A.M. (NBC) THE MARTHA STEWART SHOW Ms. Stewart devotes the episode to travel, including how to prepare tabbouleh and green-bean salad for when airline food just won't do.
