Bon Voyage! Many people are celebrating that they are able to get into the skies again after the COVID-19 pandemic has eased in the last few months. There are serious concerns however related to the emissions caused by the aviation sector due to the flight of aircraft from one destination to the other. Building more efficient aircraft which is fuel efficient is also being actioned as a way of minimising environmental impact of this sector.
In addition, the generation of waste by airline passengers is also an issue of concern. Paper, plastic and food waste are endemic in the aviation sector. Novel approaches are being developed to cater for recyclable packaging, but more still needs to be done in order to avert an environmental crisis.
As we build back better in the post-Covid-19 era, there is need to devise new ways of ensuring that aircraft journeys are more sustainable. Servicing and maintaining aircraft offers low hanging fruits which may facilitate success.
On the grounds and airports, waste management is also essential as airports handle millions of customers on an annual basis. Segregation, recycling and signage provide clear building blocks of a sustainable aviation sector.
A value chain approach is essential to also include travel agents, tour operators, as well as other key players in the aviation sector. Covid-19 was a crisis, and yet it also reduced emissions from flights. Therefore, we must use the recovery phase as a chance to reduce emissions permanently. Individuals must also offset their emissions from flying through afforestation and carbon neutrality.
Business Executives must also be involved through cutting on unnecessary business travel and optimising business trips. Globetrotting everyday will not save the planet.
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Tawanda Collins Muzamwese is the Editor in Chief of the Green Business Gazette Magazine. He is is an international consultant in sustainable business development with massive experience in training, consulting and auditing. He has facilitated capacity development in more than 100 enterprises drawn from over 30 countries. He is the founder of the sustainability think-tank called Toxiconsol Consultancy t/a African Sustainability Consultants. He is the Editor in Chief of the Green Business Gazette Magazine. He is a consultant and business coach with over 13 years experience. Tawanda is a Management Systems Consultant working on promoting development and implementation of ISO Standards (ISO 14001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018) in both developed and developing countries. With his inspirational and pragmatic writing style he has written cutting edge books including:
1) How to grow a Side-hustle into a viable business - Overcome Salary Dependency
2) The Leading Consultant: How become an authority in your professional field
3) Step-by-Step Guide to implementing Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Management Systems
4) Stepping on Higher Perspectives: Greatness Tips Motivational Series
5) Sustainability Guidebook for Boards and CEOs: Leading from the front
Tawanda writes about sustainability, motivation, safety, health, environment and quality management. His books are relevant to both developed and developing countries. With practical approaches and case studies, he provides incisive insights into entrepreneurship.
His philosophy is based on the premise that every human being has potential to make a significant difference in their lifetime. He writes books on taking personal responsibility for progression in life. He motivates entrepreneurs to implement income generating projects and determine their own financial destiny. He also motivates companies to take up sustainability initiatives.
A start-up coach, public speaker, environmentalist, safety, health and quality management expert, Muzamwese bridges the gap between theory and practice through building capacity and sharing practical case studies in his books.
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