Greenopia has released its rankings of the 10 greenest commercial airlines operating domestic flights across America. Topping the list are Virgin America and Continental Airlines.

Ever since jet engines have been roaring and guzzling Jet-A, kerosene-based refined petroleum, carbon emissions have been accumulating. Jet-Age progress has a price and with some estimates showing jet aircraft accounting for 11% of greenhouse emissions, it doesn't take a John Muir to discern that flying the friendly skies exacts a price on the environment.

So what do you do if you are bi-coastal, or want to get home from college for Thanksgiving and home is a thousand miles away? Greenopia has provided an answer in its green rankings of the major airlines flying across American airspace.

"It's a dilemma," commented Greenopia founder and CEO, Gay Browne. "People are going to travel, whatever method they choose will impact the planet. Our readers want to know how to get to their destination with the smallest environmental footprint, especially if they are boarding a jumbo jet. We appreciate those airlines like Virgin and Continental that are taking great strides to green their passenger miles."

Greenopia collected data from airline annual reports and other publicly disclosed documents and measured the data against stringent environmental criteria. The criteria included fleet age, fuel consumption practices, carbon offsets, green building design, recycling programs, and organic, local and sustainable food items available onboard. Lastly a life-cycle weighting by environmental impact of each criterion determined the rankings.

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The other ranked airlines are American, Delta, Jet Blue, Horizon, Northwest, Southwest, United, and US Airways.

The complete Airline Rankings are available online for free at Greenopia Top 10 Greenest Airlines including individual category rankings. Greenopia employs its award-winning eco-analysis method to deliver actionable green-assessments to the rapidly growing green consumer market. Green businesses and merchants use Greenopia's range of targeted marketing methods to reach consumers making greener choices.