Pee before boarding, Japanese airline asks

Lighter people equals lighter planes equals less fuel equals less carbon emissions, says ANA. Simple really

By Chris Anderson 9 October, 2009

The theory: A lighter load would expel less fuel and thus, release less carbon into the air.

CNN's Kevin Voigt has this report on Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways (ANA) asking passengers to use the bathroom before they board their ANA flight.

We wonder if it isn't common knowledge to try and squeeze in some quality bathroom time before a flight anyway?

Regardless of the obvious benefits of achieving relief before take-off, ANA is hoping the pre-flight pee will reduce the amount of carbon expelled on its flights (and no doubt also reduce its fuel costs).

The initiative is part of ANA's "e-Flight" promotional program to reduce the amount of carbon expelled on selected domestic and international routes.

Here are some details on other airlines' energy saving initiatives.