Owning a private jet may be a luxury dream for some people. Yet that dream comes with a disturbingly high environmental impact, as private jets are notoriously unsustainable and inefficient.
An example is Cristiano Ronaldo's $73 million private jet, which some might call the definition of excess and waste.
As GQ India reported, Ronaldo's jet is among the fastest in the world. Its cabin has three living areas and fits up to 19 passengers. He also customized the exterior with his initials and silhouette.
The Portuguese professional soccer player is one of the wealthiest athletes in the world and lives a lavish lifestyle.
In the celebrity world, he's certainly not alone in using a private jet as a luxury mode of transportation. Yet other famous figures, such as Disney heiress and documentary producer Abigail Disney, have called for a ban on private jets because of the excessive air pollution they cause for non-essential travel.
Studies show that private jets pollute the environment five to 14 times more per passenger than commercial flights and 50 times more than trains.
Get cost-effective air conditioning in less than an hour without expensive electrical work The Merino Mono is a heating and cooling system designed for the rooms traditional HVAC can't reach. The streamlined design eliminates clunky outdoor units, installs in under an hour, and plugs into a standard 120V outlet — no expensive electrical upgrades required. And while a traditional “mini-split” system can get pricey fast, the Merino Mono comes with a flat-rate price — with hardware and professional installation included. |
Greenpeace promotes a global ban on private jets because of their disproportionate carbon footprint and for being emblematic of inequity, waste, and unsustainability.
The Ronaldo example is just one of many public displays of wealth flaunted with excessive, planet-damaging behavior. High-profile celebrities can do their part to curb planet-overheating pollution by setting a sustainable example and being positive and meaningful influencers.
Whether rich and famous or not, there are countless options for traveling more sustainably, such as making your next car an electric vehicle and choosing eco-friendly vacation destinations.
Social media users shared their anger with Ronaldo's over-the-top jet in a Reddit post to r/aviation.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
"If vanity was a person," one user commented.
"Excess money," a Facebook user wrote on a post about the jet in Cristiano Ronaldo Lovers.
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
