For those of us that feel guilty about our carbon footprint when flying around the world on various jaunts, there is now a guilt-free way to fly: Send someone else in your place.

By this simple tactic you absolve yourself of all guilt for your carbon footprint and transfer it to some other person you have paid to take your place on the flight.

A new tick-box option on the booking form - like that to plant a tree - will be offered by airlines to nominate someone else to take you place on the aircraft and enter their passport details. The option will only be available for business and first-class fares.

Now, while someone else is enjoying your business class seat, entertainment and fine food and wines you can stay home safe in the knowledge that you have reduced your carbon footprint and helped save the planet.

Another wheeze to reduce your carbon footprint is offered by the Catholic Church. Called an 'indulgence', this offers God's forgiveness for your flight's carbon emissions in exchange for a donation to the church equivelant to 50% of your fare. Indulgences will be offered for economy class flights as this option is open to all God's children.