Skip to main content

The Greenest Planes of the Future Could Run on Plant-Based Fuel

Say what you want about Elon Musk, but the man is a genius. At the helm of Tesla, he has almost single-handedly sparked the mainstream electric vehicle revolution. That progress has jump-started significant changes in the aviation industry as well. So far, however, it’s unclear whether electric-powered planes are a viable or sustainable option for worldwide air travel. Now, some forward-thinking experts are looking to alternative sources of fuel that are much, much greener — literally.

Right now, the most promising alternative to traditional aviation fuel is called sustainable aviation fuel or “SAF.” Unlike conventional fossil jet fuels, SAF is a plant-based alternative created by refining organic products like cooking oil and agricultural waste. During the fuel’s production, CO2 is naturally absorbed via photosynthesis, then released when burned by an airplane’s engine. Boeing’s Paul McElroy explains that “when the fuel is used in an engine, it releases the absorbed carbon, effectively recycling it. By comparison, fossil fuels are releasing carbon that was buried in the Earth for millions of years, increasing the amount of CO2 in today’s atmosphere.” The cyclical process could lower net greenhouse gasses emissions by up to 80%.

Recommended Videos

There are substantial hurdles to overcome before the aviation industry can make the switch to SAF. First, the fuel is expensive — up to four times the cost of its fossil-based counterpart. Second, because the concept is still in its infancy, SAF is in short supply. There just aren’t enough sources producing it right now. More than 46 million flights take off annually, and that translates to an almost unimaginable amount of fuel.

There’s no question that our current model of air travel isn’t sustainable. By most estimates, global air travel — including passengers and cargo — represents as much as 3% of the world’s carbon emissions. As the world’s population increases, so will the demand for flying. Something needs to change. Thankfully, the aviation industry is seeking an ambitious new way forward. It has publicly committed to carbon-neutral growth by this year and to halving carbon emissions by 2050 (based on 2005 levels).

There are other glimmers of hope for a world with greener air travel. Electric-powered planes are an option, although the technology is not without challenges. In December, Canada’s Harbour Air completed the world’s first successful, electric-powered commercial test flight over Vancouver. With the help of a 750-horsepower, battery-powered engine, the tiny, six-seater plane flew for just 15 minutes. Still, it was a start, and it proved that electric planes are already here. The issue engineers are struggling with is capacity. It’s one thing for an all-electric motor to propel a handful of passengers on a “puddle jump.” Providing enough juice for a transatlantic hop in a 500-passenger Airbus A380 is another matter. Without breakthrough advancements in battery density, even short-haul flights powered by batteries could be another ten years off. Large passenger aircraft will need to rely on liquid fuels — whether fossil- or plant-based — for the foreseeable future.

If you’re keen to take to the skies while minimizing your carbon footprint, check out FlyNano — a one-man electric seaplane that requires no pilot’s license.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Biscuit Basin is closed — here’s what to do in Yellowstone instead
Summer fun at Yellowstone is going to look different this year
Overhead photo of a geyser at Yellowstone National Park

Visiting Yellowstone National Park may look a bit different this year with the continued closure of Biscuit Basin, but it's still going to be worth it. There are so many other geysers, canyons, and wildlife to see that it would be a huge mistake to miss out on it this summer just because the path to Old Faithful is still under construction. Here's everything you need to know when entering Yellowstone this summer, and how to make the most of it according to the National Park Service.
Making the most of Yellowstone this Summer

While Biscuit Basin faces reconstruction efforts after the hydraulic explosion that happened last year, you'll still be able to enjoy wildlife hotspots like the Lamar Valley, which is nicknamed "America's Serengeti" for all of the animals you can see. Yellowstone Lake will also be open for boating or fishing excursions. The Yellowstone Lake hotel and the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel is open this summer if you don't want to camp, and a lot of the trails around Mammoth Hot Springs will be open too. You can also see Norris Geyser Basin, which is park's hottest and oldest.
No need to worry about timed entry
One of the best parts about Yellowstone National Park is that they don't require timed entry reservations like Yosemite National Park or Glacier National Park. Summer is still pretty busy, so be prepared for crowds, but the park is 2.2 million acres in total, so there's a fair amount of space to spread out. Still, you will need a park entrance pass to get through the gate.
Make your reservations in advance
Campgrounds do require reservations in advance, so make sure that you book dates before you go. If you plan to do any fishing or boating in the area, make sure that you also snag yourself a fishing or boating permit. You will also need to submit your boat for an inspection.
Expect terrible cell service
Personally, I don't know why you'd want to be on your phone with Yellowstone out your window, but keep in mind that cell service is limited here. I recommend downloading maps and the NPS app beforehand, as well as any road closure information. These closures can be sudden due to the unpredictability of Yellowstone's weather, so prepare in advance by packing a warm jacket, rain gear, and layers when you go.
Be responsible, especially around wildlife
While driving, be sure to observe posted speed limits and use the pullouts to watch wildlife, making sure that all four of your tires are fully to the right of the white line. This will allow other cars to pass easily. Seeing wildlife up close is amazing, but remember to stay a minimum of 25 yards away from all wildlife, and 100 yards away from bears, wolves, and cougars.  Elks are also dangerous, so don't even think about holding your baby near one.

Read more
Inside the new era of aircraft interiors, according to a design expert
STARLUX aviation cabin

Air travel can often seem like a means to an end. You must journey hundreds or thousands of miles, and comfort takes a back seat to reaching your destination. But cramped, crowded cabins can feel like riding a school bus, making a flight something to endure rather than enjoy.

But what if an airplane cabin were a tailored space akin to a luxury hotel? What if designers considered every aspect, from the lighting to the dimensions to the materials, to ensure the in-flight experience was something to look forward to?

Read more
Utah ski resort set for largest expansion ever
Deer Valley Resort will have 7 new chairlifts and over 80 new runs and more this season
View from the top of a trail at Deer Valley

Deer Valley Resort in Utah, one of our favorite ski resorts, is gearing up to deliver the largest ski resort expansion in history, just in time for the 2025/26 season. As a part of the resort's "Expanded Excellence" initiative, this project aims to expand the skiable terrain to 5,726 acres, upgrade infrastructure, and eventually redo the Snow Park base area. Here's what you need to know about the upgrades.

“With multiple large-scale projects underway, we’re strategically focusing our efforts to ensure success at every step,” said Todd Bennett, President and COO of Deer Valley Resort. “This winter’s terrain expansion — more than doubling our skiable acreage — is a once-in-a-generation transformation, and it deserves our full attention."

Read more