Flight Shame

What is “flight shame”? Why is flying so bad and are there more sustainable ways to travel? I share my experience during my trip to Lapland, Finland!

Last week I was in Lapland, Finland. It was great to see part of Scandinavia. I had never been there before.

I was looking forward to this vacation but not to the trip there. That’s because we flew to Lapland.

I knew that flying is not good for the environment at all. That’s why I felt a lot of resistance to board the plane.

Yet I learned a lot from it. I would like to share this experience!

There were many questions that made made me thinking… Should we never fly again? Are there other, nicer ways? And what if you really can’t ignore flying?

I share all my experiences with you!

What is Flight Shame?

At first I didn’t want to share this experience because I was ashamed. I all share things about sustainability, but meanwhile I still fly around the world. That gives no confidence to my readers, right …?

The reason why I do share this, is because I realized that honesty, brings trust. Trust is important. I think this helps to communicate better with you. Open & Honest!

Anyways, I was ashamed of flying. Flying ensures that the fossil fuels run out, it contributes to the greenhouse effect and causes air pollution.

Enough reasons not to fly. Also quite logical that there are people who are ashamed of this (🙋🏽‍♀️).

Yet this is a difficult subject because in many cases we have become “used” to flying. In addition, the world is so beautiful and there are so many beautiful places to fly to. Almost nobody wants to miss out on that.

Never Flying Again?

Should we never fly again? Not in an ideal world. But never flying is difficult for many people. Some people fly for work or maybe their family is living far away. Either way, it is important that we at least realize the fact that flying is harmful. That we think twice before we book a ticket.

If I will never fly again? I can’t promise. I am aware that flying causes a lot of damage to the environment. That awareness is extremely important. That all those beautiful places in the world for which we take the plane for are dying. Partly due to flying.

I did sign a Pledge on FlightFree.nl. When you sign this pledge, you make the promise to stay on the ground in 2020 and not fly.

Although I cannot promise that I will not fly in 2020, I have signed the pledge. It is my goal to make more conscious choices. I also see it as a challenge to think differently. To see what else is possible. Maybe travel to Portugal by bike once?🤷🏽‍♀️

Of course I accept the challenge and will do my best to stay on the ground in 2020!

Al More than 12,500 people have signed the Pledge. A lot of planes that will stay on the ground in 2020! Are you up for the challenge?

So no plane… What else is possible?

Live more in the here and now. Consider all the little things. Eventually you may realize that we also have beautiful places closer to home. Certainly in the Netherlands, but also other places in Europe.

We don’t always have to travel to the other side of the world to see beautiful things. Often we have it close to us. We just got to see it!

Another option is to go on an adventure. Travel by train to other countries. Or, perhaps by car, hitchhiking, hiking or even by bicycle!

Have an open mind. Be human. Embrace adventures and reach to the limit.

This may take longer, but it is definitely worth it!

By thinking differently and changing your way of thinking you come up with completely new ideas. You become more connected with nature and therefore with yourself. Also no flight shame is involved! 🙂

You may come across places or people that you would otherwise never have met by traveling without an airplane.

Stepping out of your comfort zone can be very scary. But, it widens your vision, ability, skills and mindset. In my eyes, completely worth it! In addition, you may also be an inspiration to others.

Maybe flying isn’t that bad. Maybe it’s just a chance to discover new things. In the world, but also in yourself. Less is more!

I am very curious if you would like to know more about environmentally friendly travel options. I have in mind to make a kind of guide about environmentally friendly travel. Let me know in the comments below this article if you are interested in this!

Donate to compensate

If you still choose to fly, or if for some reason you cannot go around it, you can “compensate” your flight. This may take a bit of your flight shame away.

One of the best ways to combat air pollution and remove CO2 from the air is planting trees. Trees are essential in ecosystems and are also extremely important to us.

There are organizations that plant trees. You can then choose an amount that you want to donate. These organizations then plant trees for that.

Do good research before you invest money in one of these organizations. Pay attention to whether they are open and honest, share the entire process and are open to contact. Does the organization fit your values well?

For example: 

Trees For All

Team Trees

Let me know when you know reliable tree-plant organizations that are still missing!

Calculate the climate impact of your trip

Via Milieu Centraal you can calculate how much climate impact your holiday has/had.

I am very curious if you also experience flying shame! Or are you consciously working on it? Let me know in the comments!

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Spread the word!

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Happy New Year & Good Vibes,
Emma

Bronnen: Milieu Centraal, Flight Free NL