Flying the Wasteful Skies

Air travelers produce an estimated 7.5 million pounds of trash every day.

Airplane exhaust and greenhouse gases go hand-in-hand. But aviation waste of a different kind has also become a serious environmental concern. Air travelers produce an estimated 7.5 million pounds of trash every day from improperly discarding paper, plastic and food waste both while waiting in the terminal and on board.

The Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental advocacy group, reports that 75% of the trash produced by air travelers is recyclable, and that only 20% of that matter actually reaches a recycling center. Although recycling procedures vary by airline and airport, recycling at airports needs a serious overhaul.

SOURCE: The New York Times.