When I took on this new role, knowing that it would involve more travel, I made an internal commitment to myself that I wouldn't fly within Europe. Knowing that whatever other lifestyle decisions I make in order to lessen my carbon footprint, and other negative impacts on the environment, flying is the worst decision ever, and far outweighs other 'carbon savings'. In particular I vowed to myself that I would not fly within Europe, as there are various other travel options which are accessible and much less damaging environmentally speaking. And I want to make the most out of any flight that I do take.
So I have spent the last 7 weeks in Europe, and have definitely packed in a lot to make the flights worthwhile, and have really enjoyed traveling by train, ferry, bus, eurostar and bike!
On the 8 hour ferry from Liverpool to Belfast, I got my laptop out next to a window, and enjoyed stunning views the whole way whilst I worked! I even got a glimpse of a couple of dolphins and seals.
The shorter ferry from Belfast to Scotland was a day off so I choose to just sit in the sun and enjoy the ride.
On the Eurostar to Rotterdam, I learnt that one commercial flight from the UK to mainland Europe has the same carbon footprint as 13 Eurostar journeys!!
And on arrival in the Netherlands, the team there quickly got me on a bike! I'm not a fan of cycling in the UK, but of course in the Netherlands, the whole road system is geared (!) towards cyclists. I was very impressed with their skills - cycling whilst carrying my luggage - and cycling 2 people to a bike!
All in all, I enjoyed it!
