( CNN ) -- To offset carbon dioxide , a Japanese airline is asking its passengers to go to the toilet before boarding . All Nippon Airways is asking passengers to use the restroom before flying to reduce weight . The unusual request by All Nippon Airways ( ANA ) is part of its `` e-Flight '' promotional program to reduce the amount of carbon expelled on 38 domestic routes and its twice daily international flights to Singapore . `` Asking passengers to go to the toilet ( before boarding ) is just a small part of the program , '' said spokeswoman Megumi Tezuka , which includes using recycled paper cups and plastic bottles instead of glass . `` We are making these items lighter -- and making the passengers lighter , a little bit , '' Tezuka said . The airline estimates that if 50 percent of passengers relieved themselves before boarding , it would reduce carbon dioxide by 4.2 tons a month . Flights will also show educational films on the environment . The month-long trial program , which began October 1 , will be evaluated and may be extended if successful , Tezuka said . In true Japanese fashion , the encouragement to eliminate is more suggested than explicit . This is what is announced before boarding the flights : `` This flight is a so-called 'eFlight . ' The idea behind the operation is to think about the Earth in the sky above . Fuel reduction by lightening the weight of the aircraft will lead to restrain the carbon dioxide emission , which is one of the causes of global warming . Thank you for your understanding . '' So no mother-like admonishments to use the toilet before leaving ? `` No , it 's more subtle than that , '' Tezuka said . People are also encouraged to pack lighter for the flights , although no additional weight restrictions apply . The program comes as the airline industry in Japan is struggling . The nation 's largest carrier , Japan Airlines , is seeking a government bailout and forecasts $ 700 million in losses this year . This week , ANA 's stock price hit a 52-week low in trading Wednesday .
All Nippon Airways is asking passengers to go to toilet before flights . Airline estimates that four tons of carbon dioxide a month would be reduced . Comes as Japanese airlines are struggling in the weak economy .