What causes people to change their actions or state of impassiveness? Well, if nothing else, we change when circumstances are forced upon us. For example, let’s take a look at the unceasing rise in gas prices from a more personal point of view. When I moved to San Francisco in 2002, the cost of gas was slowly rising even at that time. As the price per gallon reached $1.89, we were astounded that it would soon surpass the $2.00 mark! Ironically, today that $2 mark doesn’t seem such a hefty amount after-all.

As noted throughout the world, the rise in gas is not a condition experienced only by Americans. After living in the UK for a year and spending some time in the Caribbean, Africa and South Pacific regions, I saw firsthand the inflation of gas and issues occurring as a result of this imbalance. When I returned to San Francisco, I was greeted with an astronomical sight and gas is now exceeding $4.50 per gallon!

Well, what do we do about it? After we dish out $75 to fill up our tank and complain about it in the process, we go about our business in a sullen mood.  The rise in gas has only added to the financial stress of daily life and business, making the situation appear out of control and future outlook bleak of only getting worse. Recent findings of the CSI/CLEAN survey corroborate the fact that 74% of Americans are ‘angry’ about the rise in gas prices. As a result of this dreadful situation, 85% of Americans are now strongly in favor of a national clean energy strategy. We are now all aware that by supporting clean energy policies, not only do gas-alternatives surface but the climate change crisis is addressed in a more proactive manner.

Endless statistics and reports are available indicating evidence that alternative energy sources provide tangible solutions. However, this post is merely food for thought and to instill a bit of hope in citizens. As Americans are forced to become aware of the circumstances, we can also acknowledge that solutions are available. We don’t have to ‘accept’ any situation that we don’t want to experience. The technology, services and providers exist so we don’t have to be reliant on gasoline anymore. We CAN buy cars that operate on alternative sources of energy. We CAN travel with airlines who foster sustainable tourism and can offset our emissions. We CAN increase workplace and home efficiency, by decreasing emissions and implementing more sustainable applications. We CAN improve our health by biking, walking and carpooling. The amount that we CAN do grows everyday, so feel empowered to make simple steps to change your life and the world for the better. And if you don’t know what to do, you can always ask!

As an avid world traveler, I always feel guilty about the emissions I contribute to the global warming epidemic. Should I forego all travel to visit family and explore new locations just for the sake of the planet? A logical option yet is not feasible for the majority of the planet’s inhabitants today. Despite being able to contribute to various carbon offset schemes like Climate Care and Carbonfund, I still feel I haven’t done enough to lessen my carbon footprint. The truth remains that there comes a point when consumers can only do so much. A vast portion of the responsibility lies with the companies providing the travel services. Over the past few years, many corporations have acknowledged their impact on the environment and are implementing strategies to reduce their carbon footprint.

This past Sunday, a landmark achievement in aviation occurred from a successful demonstration flight of the world’s first biofuel-powered commercial aircraft. The non-passenger Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747 flew from London Heathrow Airport to Amsterdam, signifying epic accomplishments in ‘carbon-free’ flying. According to Virgin Atlantic, the fuel used in one of the plane’s main tanks constituted 20% biofuel mix of coconut and babassu oil resulting in a 30% decrease in fuel consumption. Additionally, the production of the biofuel is reported not to compete with food and freshwater resources. However, the full extent of the environmental impact of the biofuel production (carbon emissions, food shortage) is not known at this time but is an area of concern from various campaigners.

Virgin founder, Richard Branson, has set the goal of becoming the ‘greenest airline in the market’ and has expanded on this vision to include green ground transportation. In the United States, Virgin has partnered with General Motors Corporation to provide green limo service (from zero-emission fuel cell cars) for VIP passengers. Sustainable transportation has been the company’s focus since 2007 including accomplishments such as; a six-month trial commenced in June 2007 of Britain’s first biodiesel train, Virgin Voyager, developing a company Green Policy that further reduces the trains’ carbon footprint through renewable electricity, recycling and serving Fair Trade products onboard.

In an ideal world, all leisure and business travel would entail zero-emission transportation - by air, land and sea. The recent technological advances instill a bit of hope that we are progressing towards the quintessence of sustainable travel.