What is a flight free 2021 pledge?
The Flight Free 2021 Pledge is all about reducing our carbon footprint to help combat climate change. Flying contributes to a significant part of people’s carbon footprint and there are a lot of alternative ways to travel. Flight Free UK have been inspiring people to sign the pledge for 2021, they’re hoping to reach 5000 signatures.
How can I pledge to go flight free?
There are three different options – Flight Free UK understands that everyone has different commitments and needs. They offer three different options, flight free for 2021, Flight free for leisure (some people still have to take flights for work or family reasons) or Flight free for life. You can sign the pledge at FlightFreeUk and join over 4034 people who have already signed up. There aim is to get 5000 people signed up.
Why CO-FOUNDER Annabel is going flight free for 2021
“I have been incredibly fortunate to explore the hidden corners of the world, connecting with incredible people, learning about cultures, histories and environments but realised along the way that how I was travelling was impacting the world!
I dreamt up a plan with Hattie on how we could make better choices so that we could protect the world as we explored it. We wanted to help others do the same so we created a new kind of travel company that embodies the message that travelling more sustainably is possible and is committed to creating positive change in the travel industry in the collective quest to use travel as a force for good.
Signing the #Flightfree pledge in January 2021 was another step to prove to myself and others that small ripples make big waves! The journey for me to a destination has always brought out the most incredible stories and memories. It’s a chance to sit back, take a breath and enjoy the scenery. Air travel in Europe is roughly 90% more polluting than if you travel by train in Europe. Going flight free was a no brainer for me, especially as you can often get to a destination in a similar time when you factor all the time wasted at an airport. I hope to help travellers become #flightfree by encouraging slow travel and showing them alternate ways to reach their destination.”
Annabel Upson - Co-Founder of Travelling Whale
Questions to Annabel about why she signed the Flight Free pledge
Why did you sign the #flightfree pledge?
I signed the pledge to prove to myself and others that ‘small ripples make big waves’!
Have you given up flying entirely?
Owning a traveling company means I can’t give up flying entirely due to my job but I hope to limit the trips I take in the future and take longer more meaningful trips that have a positive social-economical impact. It’s certainly made me more mindful of my choices and to really see the journey as part of the adventure.
What is the best thing about taking other modes of transport?
The beautiful views you see that you would miss by flying. The journey for me to a destination has always brought out the most incredible stories and memories. It’s a chance to sit back, take a breath and enjoy the scenery.
How can you help other people become #flightfree?
Public transportation around the world is incredible, and you may be surprised how easy it is to get to a destination. Here at Travelling Whale we always offer and encourage other ways to travel to a destination and how it can benefit the planet in doing so. Get in touch if you’re interested in finding out more.
How can I can travel #flightfree if I don’t have much time?
You will be surprised at all the amazing rail journeys throughout the UK and Europe. Taking a sleeper train is the perfect example of how to maximise your time without losing any precious holiday time. One of our favourite journeys is the Caledonian Sleeper train from London to Inverness, Scotland. Climb abroad at Kings Cross St Pancras and wake up in scenic Scotland.
If someone can’t commit to being flight free what advice can you give them?
If you’re having to fly, try and only take direct flights as most of the carbon emissions are released at take off and landing. Take longer holidays rather than lots of short weekend breaks to really limit how many flights you take a year.A lot of the time most people just don’t know where to look or how to start planning a flight free adventure. Why not drop us a call or email to see if we can inspire you to take at least one flight free trip this year.
