Clearer vision, cleaner skies - This is the motto of www.enviro.aero, a website set up by the commercial aviation industry to focus on aviation’s impact on the environment. Those actively involved are mostly part of the European Union (EU), but the commercial aviation industry as a whole recognizes that aviation has an environmental impact. Although aviation is part of the problem, we are also determined to be part of the solution.

On April 22-23, commercial aviation leaders came together in Geneva for the Aviation and Environment Summit 2008. This is the first time that airlines, aircraft and engine manufacturers, airports, and air traffic control have met to highlight the connection of aviation and environmental issues. Here they signed a declaration on climate change to lead towards carbon neutral growth and a sustainable industry. To achieve this, the industry will focus on a four-pillar approach: investment in new technology, increasing operational efficiency, air traffic and airport infrastructure improvements and positive economic measures.

It is unclear how the declaration will affect Delta and other U.S. airlines at this point in time. Most of the EU’s efforts are stemming from the cap-and-trade system that will come into effect in 2011. There is legislation out there to implement a similar system in the U.S., but the debate is heated and no one is sure where we will end up.

Here is a short highlight clip from the Aviation and Environment Summit 2008:

Meghan

Sustainability Intern

Environmental Health

With your help in 2007, Delta became the first US airline to launch a comprehensive recycling program. Since that time, we have saved roughly 192 trees, recycled more than 16 tons of newsprint, and recycled enough aluminum cans to build a Boeing 747!

In 2008, we’ve been expanding our on board recycling and implementing even more great programs. Take a look:

We’ve expanded our In-Flight Recycling Program

To date we’ve implemented recycling programs in over a dozen cities including Cleveland, Ft. Lauderdale, Los Angeles, Orlando, Portland, Salt Lake City and Seattle, and will continue to expand throughout the year.

We’ve added a dedicated Employee Recycling Center (ERC)

The ERC is located at our World Headquarters in Atlanta and is currently open each Friday, giving employees the opportunity to recycle their materials from home. Our “Green Team” collects and manages mixed paper (cardboard, paperboard, junk-mail, magazines/newspapers and phone books), plastics #1 and #2 and tin/aluminum cans. In just the first four months, the ERC has recycled 37 tons of material (predominantly mixed paper).

We’ve added an Aircraft Carpet Recycling Program

A bonus to implementing the In-Flight Recycling program was greater visibility into the types of trash we generate. One of the more interesting materials was carpet. It turns out that Delta purchases a significant amount of carpet each year to install on board our aircraft. In partnership with Mohawk Aviation Carpet, Delta has implemented a permanent aircraft carpet recovery program. Worn out aircraft carpet is no longer destined for the landfill! Our first shipment went to Mohawk’s recycling/reclamation facility last week. I’ll keep you posted on how things went.

We’ve added an Office Paper Recycling Program

On February 11th of this year we implemented an office paper recycling program at our World Headquarters. Office paper collected from desk-side containers, by our Green Team, is now transported to a designated compactor located at the ERC. In designing the ERC we considered how best to capture work AND home recyclables.

We also have Delta offices across the country who have been recycling office materials (paper/cans/bottles) for quite some time. I’ll share their recycling success stories next time!

Want to help in our green efforts? Share your suggestions below, help us recycle in-flight and find a recycling center near you!

Jennifer O.
Project Manager
Environmental Health

Delta recognizes that our customers, flight attendants and employees believe in the importance of recycling. Over eighteen months ago we ventured out to create an In-Flight Recycling Program which collected more than aluminum cans.

On June 1, 2007, Delta became the first US airline to launch a comprehensive recycling program for our domestic flights into Atlanta, Georgia. Flight Attendants collect Aluminum cans, plastic bottles, “Enjoy” plastic trays, plastic beverage cups as well as newspapers and magazines for recycling. Catering and Cabin Service crews play a critical roll in the program by ensuring the materials are placed into dedicated recycling dumpsters.

Historically, our Flight Attendants participated in a “grassroots” recycling program, but became discouraged as pieces fell apart over time. What makes Delta’s new program distinct is that implementation took the coordination of 12 distinct internal organizations, business partners and executive supporters.

This program is my baby & if you will allow me to brag for a moment, we successfully diverted 83 tons of recyclables from Atlanta area landfills between June and September. I even have a few photos:

This mountain of recyclables is a beauty to behold!

When leaving the Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport, look right for a stunning view of our collection point (shown above).

On September 14^th, four additional Delta cities picked-up the program: Portland, Oregon, Seattle, Washington, Salt Lake City, Utah and Cincinnati, Ohio.

What started with a single objective has turned into a fantastic million armed octopus! Recycling opportunities abound. In-Flight recycling is scheduled to expand to all hubs and additional destinations by the end of 2008. Stay tuned there is more to tell!

Jennifer O.
Project Manager
Environmental Health