Flying high with green luxury

Even the most environmentally aware of travellers cannot help but feel somewhat torn between sacrificing luxury and pampering in return for their green credentials. However, Cathay Pacific are trying to help make the choice easier by providing its passengers with eco-friendly products whilst on board its planes.

The complimentary travel packs provided to fliers are exclusively designed by one of the top labels in France, agnes b, but as well as being a designer name, the contents are also sourced sustainably. Those travelling in business class will be treated to a goodie bag filled with not only top of the range products, but also stylishly designed, with the women’s version either light blue or black, adorned with polka dots, whilst the men’s offering comes in a choice of either grey or a dark blue, decorated with a lizard print.

However, the designer look to the bag is just the superficial benefit – the real gem is the eco-friendly content, an unusual concept for an airline to wholeheartedly embrace. Inside the travel bags, passengers will find amongst other luxuries, both a shoehorn and toothbrush made from a combination of cellulose and corn starch, products which are entirely recyclable and biodegradable. The materials also use far less energy and resources during the manufacturing process.

One of the people responsible for selecting the product range at Cathay Pacific, Alex McGowan, described the airline as ‘socially and environmentally’ aware and said that the firm was seeking to source sustainable options wherever possible. There are plenty of firms on the market also offering green travel accessories, so that taking supplies on holiday doesn’t mean having to compromise on eco-friendly principles.

For those who cannot bear to be without their MP3 player, smartphone or other digital device but hate the energy that the equipment uses, a new tool not only makes the usage greener but makes it easily transportable. The Solarmonkey absorbs energy from sunlight and is sufficient to provide enough charge to any number of items, making it suitable for being anyone on the go.

For backpackers who hate to take a cold shower, solar power can also provide a warmer morning wake-up. A heat-sensitive bag uses the sun to warm the water and also incorporates a cord to hang the equipment from, as well as a shower head to regulate the flow. Finally, to keep fellow travellers happy, a natural deodorant is available made from salts derived from a mineral spring. The stone has been ground to a powder and is suitable for transport aboard an airplane and is naturally hypoallergenic.