Upper Green Side

Air travel does have a harmful impact on the environment and is a major driver of climate change. Many folks have to fly to see family or for work related trips. One trap that good environmentalists should not get wrapped up in is getting sucked into the airline reward programs that offer early boarding or free tickets for trips. And some people feel the need to use up their miles before the end of the year which makes it more likely you are taking a totally unnecessary trip.

As an alternative to a rewards flight, you can donate your air miles to charities that do good work on a wide range of issues, including children’s health, conservation and supporting military families.

Here is an easy reference page for the different airline programs

American Airlines Miles For Kids In Need (800-882-8880) uses donated miles for flight needs and requests of terminally ill children.

Continental OnePass accepts donations in any increment. Choose from over a dozen charities.

Delta SkyWish accepts donations for over a dozen charities. Donations must be in 5,000-mile increments. Donations can also be made by calling the SkyMiles automated phone line at 1-800-325-3999*.

Midwest Airlines accepts donations in 1,000-mile increments. Donate 15,000 or more miles and you can name the charity of your choice. The airline adds one mile for every three miles on donations of 5,000 or more miles. You can pool miles from more than one account to meet minimums.

Northwest selects a new charity each quarter. If you donate 5,000 miles, you receive a 500 mile bonus. The charity for this quarter is the March of Dimes. Call 1-800-327-2881.

United Airlines: Mileage Plus Charity Miles Program members can donate a minimum of 1,000 miles to over a dozen nonprofit groups.

Part of the idea of sustainable living is turning a lifestyle based on overconsumption into one based on connection with nature and compassion. Please consider giving your miles away today.