Being that the airline industry has taken a huge hit with our current economy, travelers seem to hold the upper hand when it comes to flying the friendly skies. So, aside from price and accommodations, what else influences your decision to fly on a certain airline? If you answered “eco-friendliness,” then we know exactly whose aircrafts that you’re boarding. Continental airlines is striving to separate itself from the rest of its competition by paying more attention to making our earth happy, in addition to its customers. One small change that has made a vast difference from its competitors is Continental’s recycling efforts. Between 2006 and 2009, the airline collected more than 16.6 million pounds of recyclable materials from its hub airports. By placing designated “EcoSkies” recycling bins throughout various terminals in addition to the airplanes themselves, Continental has managed to blow past its competition in recycling efforts throughout the nation. Continental also works with contract caterers at the non-hub airports it serves in order to encourage further recycling. Today, more than ninety one percent of Continental’s domestic catering partners and more than eighty seven of their international caterers recycle. To top it off, proceeds from Continental’s recycling program are donated to We Care, a nonprofit organization that provides financial aid to Continental employees facing tough times. Lastly, but possibly most important, Continental Airlines became the first US carrier to perform a flight demonstration using biofuel, back in 2009. To keep this green momentum rolling along the tarmac, Continental has partnered with Boeing, GE Aviation/CFM International, and Honeywell’s UOP to select algae and jatropha-sources that do not compete with food crops for water resources or contribute to deforestation-as sustainable biofuel resources. This partnership comes at the most opportune of times as studies have shown that this new biofuel is responsible for an approximate 1.1 percent increase in fuel efficiency and reduces green house emissions by sixty to eighty percent! With it’s uber-efficient recycling program accompanied with its active studies in biofuel usage, Continental is jet-setting its way past the competition. Add to the fact that Continental actually serves in-flight meals that are completely complimentary, well my friends, they’ve just made those blue skies a whole lot friendlier. Have YOU helped save the world today? For more information, visit: www.continental.comWant to become a Social Firestarter? “Like” us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @ BrushfireMG
