Grading Airlines on Recycling

The Green Consumer Letter, based in Washington, decided to rate in its October issue what various airlines were doing to recycle trash from all those microwave lunches and $3 beers.

Editor Joel Makower got out his calculator on a long flight. “Let’s see--if every flight used 250 cans, and there are about 25,000 flights a day, times 365 days a year . . . hey, that’s over a couple billion cans!”

Back on the ground, he queried 14 airlines on recycling. Only the Trump Shuttle refused to respond. Next ratings by Makower, who says he’s a consumer advocate rather than an environmentalist, will be of environmental groups’ fund-raising costs versus what is spent on programs.

The Rich Flavor of Air Travel

For those who can’t fly often enough to satisfy their hunger for airline meals, Japan Airlines is offering in-flight food without the flight.

Its new restaurant in Osaka has a full-size replica of a JAL Boeing 767, a cabin crew, videotapes of travel information and seats in executive or first-class sections.

“For some people, airline food is an oxymoron,” says spokesman Geoffrey Tudor.

“But we thought there was a group of people who didn’t think so. We’re aiming the restaurant at people who maybe don’t travel very much, but want to try out the experience.”

Grounded diners have quickly been reserving seats since the restaurant opened at Osaka’s International Garden & Greenery Exposition. Dominating the 106-seat dining room is the 767 replica, with its second-floor “VIP cabin” featuring first-class meals ticketed at $75.

GREEN SKIES

Airline: Northwest Recycling Program: Recycles, composts food wastes and uses recycled materials Green Grade: A-

Airline: United Recycling Program: Recycling at all major hubs Green Grade: B-

Airline: American Recycling Program: Recycles newspapers and cans at 19 airports, cans only at 12 Green Grade: B

Airline: TWA Recycling Program: Uses 80% or more nondisposable dishes and utensils. Caterers do some recycling; recycled paper products used on board Green Grade: B

Airline: US Air Recycling Program: Recycles cans at 12 airports; uses some recycled products on board Green Grade: B

Airline: Alaska Recycling Program: Recycles bottles, cans, entree lids from Seattle-based flights Green Grade: B-

Airline: America West Recycling Program: Recycles cans only. Green Grade: C

Airline: Continental Recycling Program: Recycles some cans and cardboard and uses some recycled products Green Grade: C-

Airline: Delta Recycling Program: Test program begun Oct. 1 in Charlotte, N.C., only. Green Grade: D

Airline: Pan Am Recycling Program: No recycling program. Green Grade: F